South African President Ramaphosa fires senior Minister over graft scandal

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday fired Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane who is facing graft allegations.

Nkabane’s firing follows allegations of corruption over the appointments of the chairpersons of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards. 

In a statement, the Presidency announced that President Ramaphosa had appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education. Manamela was previously Deputy Minister of the department. President Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister. 

Democratic Alliance lawmaker Karabo Khakhau said his party had demanded that resident Ramaphosa take action against “the seriously compromised, corrupt and nefarious in the ANC, and the firing of Nkabane is the first step for him”.

-0- PANA CU/MA 22July2025