South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following mounting political pressure and serious allegations of misconduct.
The dismissal comes weeks after the Democratic Alliance (DA)—the second-largest party in the country’s new coalition government—filed a criminal complaint accusing Nkabane of misleading Parliament. The complaint centers on allegations that she concealed the questionable appointment of individuals with close ties to the African National Congress (ANC) to key education boards.
In an official statement released Monday night, the presidency confirmed her removal, noting her repeated failure to appear before Parliament to explain the controversial decisions.
Ramaphosa, already grappling with criticism over corruption within his administration, is facing renewed scrutiny. The ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority last year, now governs in a fragile coalition with nine other parties, including the DA. Tensions have been rising as more corruption claims emerge from within the government.
The DA, which has positioned itself as a watchdog within the coalition, didn’t stop with Nkabane. It also filed charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, accusing her of involvement in a fraudulent billing scheme tied to Eskom, the national electricity provider.
Earlier this month, Ramaphosa suspended his police minister after a provincial police chief accused him of accepting bribes and collaborating with organized crime networks.
These developments add to concerns over the state of governance in South Africa, which currently ranks 82nd on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
As public frustration deepens and coalition politics grow more complex, Ramaphosa faces a delicate balancing act—maintaining stability while addressing growing calls for accountability.
