South Africa: Ramaphosa sacks Education Minister Nkabane amid corruption scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following mounting allegations of misconduct and growing pressure from within his unity government.

The move comes just weeks after the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the governing coalition, filed criminal charges against Nkabane, accusing her of lying to parliament about the appointment of politically connected individuals to key education boards.

In a statement issued late Monday, the presidency confirmed the minister’s removal: “President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane from the role of Minister of Higher Education and Training,” noting her failure to appear at crucial parliamentary sessions to explain the contentious appointments.

The dismissal highlights deepening fractures within the 10-party ruling coalition, formed after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in last year’s elections, largely due to public frustration over corruption and poor governance.

The DA, which joined the unity government after the ANC’s electoral setback, has continued to criticise Ramaphosa’s leadership, claiming corruption has become “standard practice” under his administration.

The party has also filed charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane over alleged fraudulent billing involving Eskom, the national power utility.

Stop misrepresenting Nigeria for political gain – Falana to Badenoch

Earlier in July, Ramaphosa suspended his police minister following serious allegations by a provincial police chief, who accused him of accepting bribes from a corruption suspect and working with organised crime.

South Africa currently ranks 82nd globally on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, a reflection of the ongoing challenges in the fight against public sector corruption.