WATCH: Months after launching R657m disability fund in Alberton, minister is fired
Nobuhle Nkabane had been serving as Minister of Higher Eeducation and Training when she launched government’s multi-million rand disability fund in Alberton. President Cyril Ramaphosa fired her on July 21.
Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane has been dismissed from her post, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed in a statement issued on July 21.
Nkabane’s dismissal follows widespread backlash over her appointment of politically connected individuals to various Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards.
The appointments were later withdrawn after public outrage, and Nkabane pledged to restart the selection process.
“There are forces on the ground that want me out of the system. But to be honest, I’m not even shocked, I just accept the dismissal,” says axed Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane. #eNCA reporter Siphamandla Goge spoke to her exclusively after she was fired yesterday.… pic.twitter.com/Rz5ifblPIR
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 22, 2025
However, during a parliamentary appearance before the standing committee on higher education and training, Nkabane drew further criticism for her evasive responses and combative tone when questioned by MPs.
The controversy prompted Ramaphosa to request a formal report from Nkabane, outlining both the appointment process and her conduct in Parliament.
Nkabane was appointed minister on July 3, 2024, after previously serving as deputy minister of Mineral Resources and Energy from 2021 to 2024.
During her brief tenure as higher education minister, she launched the government’s multi-million-rand disability fund at Blind SA in Alrode, Alberton. At the December 2024 launch, Nkabane voiced strong warnings against corruption and misuse of the R657m fund.
@albertonrecordMinister Nobuhle Nkabane speaking to the Alberton Record, addressing measures her department will put in place to safeguard the disability fund against fraud and corruption.♬ original sound – Alberton Record
“We are not going to tolerate counterrevolutionaries who want to steal from our people, especially in the disabled community,” she said.
“I will personally open criminal cases against people implicated in attempts to steal these funds.”
She also promised strict oversight measures:
“There will be no squandering of funds. It is no longer a honeymoon. I will put monitoring and evaluation systems in place and conduct unannounced visits to training sites to ensure proper training and clear exit strategies.”
Despite these assurances, her time in office was ultimately overshadowed by the SETA appointments scandal and growing concerns over governance and accountability.
WATCH: Minister Nkabane launches R657m disability fund in Alberton
