Tuesday, 22 July 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the removal of Nobuhle Nkabane as Minister of Higher Education and Training as a necessary, albeit overdue, step in confronting the corruption and deceit that have come to define her short and chaotic tenure. Her attempts to irregularly appoint politically connected ANC figures, including relatives of ANC leaders, to the chairpersonships of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) exposed the ANC’s ongoing abuse of public institutions to reward loyalists and consolidate patronage.

We welcome her removal, which follows the EFF’s continued push for accountability after she deliberately misled Parliament and fabricated the existence of an independent panel that allegedly advised her appointments. The exposure of this falsehood in Parliament confirmed that Nkabane acted with dishonesty and contempt for the oversight authority of the legislature.

The EFF notes the appointment of Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, however, the appointment of Nomusa Dube-Ncube former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, as Deputy Minister is yet another indication that President Cyril Ramaphosa is not serious about accountability or reform. Dube-Ncube, herself a controversial figure previously irregularly appointed to a SETA board by Nkabane, is now rewarded with a senior government position. Her undeserved presence on the IDC board and past political roles showcase the fact that she has long been embedded in ANC patronage networks. This appointment is, therefore,  not based on competence but loyalty as another ANC crony is elevated to continue the cycle of misgovernance.

If Ramaphosa was genuine in his supposed anti-corruption stance, he would have also dismissed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who stands accused of interfering in investigations and attempting to disband the highly effective Political Killings Task Team. Instead, Mchunu remains protected and receiving a full salary on special leave, which is a clear sign that he serves a role in preserving the interests of the criminal syndicate operating within the state. This protection is possible only because Ramaphosa himself is deeply compromised, leading a regime that uses state machinery to protect allies and suppress accountability.

The EFF rejects these cosmetic changes meant to pacify public anger while the rot in government deepens. The people of South Africa deserve a government rooted in transparency, meritocracy, and integrity, not one that shuffles crooks between portfolios while pretending to clean house.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581