Latest news with #HigherEducationandTraining
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nsfas backs new Higher Education leadership, reaffirms support
Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) has pledged its full support for newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Nsfas reaffirmed its commitment to transforming South Africa's higher education sector. The Nsfas board congratulated both leaders following their appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, describing the move as an opportunity to drive innovation and improve access to quality education for students across the country. 'The board is confident that Minister Manamela's leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa's students,' Nsfas said in a statement. Confidence in new leadership Manamela, who previously served as deputy minister in the same department during the sixth administration, replaces Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Dube-Ncube, a seasoned public servant and former KwaZulu-Natal premier, was appointed in terms of section 93(b) of the constitution. Nsfas lauded the experience both bring to the ministry, particularly Dube-Ncube's track record in governance. 'Her unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry's efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide,' the board stated. The swearing-in ceremony for the two leaders took place at Tuynhuys in Cape Town, officiated by President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the new higher education minister Buti Manamela Pushing forward with innovation and inclusion Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. 'Nsfas remains dedicated to supporting the ministry's vision and government's vision of transforming higher education through innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies,' it said. The scheme said it looks forward to working closely with both Manamela and Dube-Ncube. 'We look forward to collaborating with the minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans.' The board's remarks come at a time when the funding model and operations of Nsfas are under scrutiny, making its alignment with the new leadership critical for rebuilding trust and improving delivery. NOW READ: Ramaphosa fires Nobuhle Nkabane, appoints new higher education minister
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Nomusa Dube-Ncube: a journey from KZN premier to deputy minister amid controversy and challenges
From holding MEC positions to becoming the first female premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube is now the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training after Cyril Ramaphosa axed Nobuhle Nkabane and promoted Buti Manamela as Minister of Higher Education. KwaZulu-Natal's first female premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, takes over as new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training – despite her name appearing on the controversial list of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairs that led to the removal of Nobuhle Nkabane as Higher Education and Training Minister. President Cyril Ramaphosa swore in Dube-Ncube as deputy minister and Buti Manamela as minister in Parliament on 22 July. Just a day before Dube-Ncube's appointment was announced on 21 July, her home in the suburb of Kloof in Durban was gutted by a fire. The Sunday World reported that the fire also damaged three cars belonging to her. Her family was unharmed. KZN born and bred Dube-Ncube was born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN); her political career bloomed in the province, and she holds a doctorate in administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Before achieving her PhD – with a doctoral thesis titled 'Legislative and institutional arrangements for poverty alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' – Dube-Ncube was actively involved in politics. She served as the mayor of the North Central council before it was merged into the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in 2000. She then served as chief whip of the eThekwini council until she was appointed ambassador to the Czech Republic. During her rise through the ranks, she was supported by the ANC Women's League. She was elected to the KZN legislature in May 2009 and appointed by former premier Zweli Mkhize as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). During this period, Dube-Ncube was very involved in governance matters; and encouraged councillors in KZN to use every budgeted cent, bearing in mind that accountability was the ultimate goal. Rotating through departments, she was appointed MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in May 2019 by the newly elected premier, Sihle Zikalala. On 17 November 2020, Dube-Ncube was appointed MEC for Finance, replacing Ravi Pillay. Issues with the DA When she was still Cogta MEC, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded that Dube-Ncube be suspended, alleging Dube-Ncube awarded Brand Partners a communications tender at the Nkandla municipality in December 2017. The letter issued by the DA's Zwakele Mncwango said the contract was worth more than R7.5-million. In a Timeslive article, it was mentioned that Sibusiso Justin Ncube, her deceased husband, was a director of the Brand Partners and had allegedly raked in millions in contracts and tenders. Dube‑Ncube sued Mncwango for R1.5-million for defamation, over his allegation that the Brand Partners tender constituted 'massive corruption'. Then the EFF wasted no time firing shots at Dube-Ncube when she was appointed as KZN premier following Zikalala's resignation after he lost the contest for provincial ANC chair. The EFF's Vusi Khoza reminded Dube-Ncube that under her leadership as Cogta MEC, municipalities collapsed and traditional leaders went unpaid. He also criticised her stint as economic development MEC, pointing out that youth unemployment remained high. Khoza demanded answers about R250-million in drought-relief funds that went missing under her watch. The Hawks and NPA have been probing the matter since 2019, with Dube-Ncube reportedly under investigation. She has, however, dismissed these allegations. When she was premier, Dube-Ncube faced backlash over a collapsing R2.1-billion programme meant to feed more than 2.4 million learners in KZN. Supply delivery was so poor that it triggered a special inquiry into provider accountability and distribution processes. In 2023, Mail & Guardian reported that former ANC KZN chair Siboniso Duma upstaged Dube-Ncube by lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy during the Springboks' victory tour. After her appointment as premier, Duma frequently appeared on government platforms, subtly reminding everyone that he, not Dube-Ncube, was elected as ANC provincial chair. The ANC Women's League stepped in, criticising Duma and triggering a tense clash with the provincial ANC leadership – a conflict many saw as inevitable. Dube-Ncube appeared unfazed. Dube-Ncube was succeeded as premier by Thami Ntuli of the Inkatha Freedom Party following the 2024 provincial election. The Seta list The controversial Seta board chair appointments included the likes of Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and former ANC KZN deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu. Dube-Ncube was listed as the chair for the banking sector Seta (BankSeta). Former minister Nkabane was pressured to withdraw the appointments after MPs labelled them 'corrupt' and amid a public outcry. Spokesman for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, told Newzroom Afrika that Dube-Ncube could not 'be held responsible for being proposed and suggested to be appointed to the Seta board. The fact that she is a member of the ANC does not necessarily disqualify her in terms of her leadership experience and the prerequisite qualifications that are required. She has a long government experience, having served in various provisional executive portfolios and having been the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, and so the President does have a great deal of confidence in her ability to discharge her duties.' ANC Chief Whip Sedukanelo Louw said the party welcomed Dube's appointment, recognising her as a committed servant of the people. 'It is important for us to refrain from criticising her appointment, as we must acknowledge that she possesses the necessary skills and experience to perform her duties effectively. […] Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of our community members, advocating for their needs, and addressing the challenges they face,' Louw said. DM
The South African
5 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Malema's three-point comeback plan for fired higher education minister
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema hosted a press conference on Thursday, 24 July, ahead of the party's 12th anniversary. During the briefing, he addressed a range of political issues, including President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent decision to remove Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from her position as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Malema, who has been a prominent figure in politics from a young age, shared some advice for Nkabane in the wake of her dismissal. The Red Berets leader believes that with just three changes, the former minister can make a comeback. 'It's so painful. She's so young, she still has a chance to come back. I've seen people get demoted politically, and then they go rework on themselves, and then they come back,' said Malema. The politician offered some constructive advice. 'The first thing she must do is to stop chewing gum in a meeting. She was still doing it even yesterday, there in parliament. The second thing is she must be humble and know that she doesn't know and be prepared to be guided and be advised by proper people,' said the EFF leader. Finally, Malema said Nkabane must go back to her branch and learn, saying she was not ready to be a minister. In an interview with eNCA , Nkabane said she accepted her removal and viewed it in a positive light. Ramaphosa dismissed Nkabane in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He has since appointed Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
NSFAS board expresses confidence in new higher education leadership
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board says Higher Education and Training Minister Bhuti Manamela's leadership and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube's experience will contribute to the betterment of the sector. The board made the statements when congratulating Manamela and Dube-Ncube on their appointments. 'The board is confident that Minister Manamela's leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa's students. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans,' NSFAS said in a statement. 'The board also congratulates Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry's efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS NSFAS said it is committed to supporting the ministry's and government's vision for higher education transformation. This is achieved by providing innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies, thereby improving access and quality in the sector as a key national partner. It said the board looks forward to collaborating with Minister Manamela and Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube to further these important goals. Manamela and Dube-Ncube's appointment comes after the sacking of former Higher Education and Training minister Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane. On Monday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa removed Nkabane from the role of Minister of Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Additionally, Ramaphosa, in accordance with Section 93(b) of the Constitution, appointed Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Nkabane has been criticised for her decision-making and higher education policies. Speaking to eNCA earlier this week, Nkabane said Ramaphosa called her on Monday and told her about his decision. 'All signs were there…that there are some forces on the ground that want me out of the system,' she said. 'To be honest, I am not even shocked, and I have just accepted the dismissal because the president, in terms of the Constitutional prerogative, has powers and functions. According to Section 91(2), he has the right to appoint and dismiss the deputy president, ministers, and deputy ministers..' 'So, I accept the dismissal by the president and I take it positively, and I feel I have been honoured to have been entrusted with such a huge responsibility to lead the Department of Higher Education and Training, and post-school education and the training system entirely.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
New minister Bhuti Manamela brings nothing new
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Kopano Tlape | GCIS NEWLY-APPOINTED Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's track record contradicts his party, the ANC's claim that his leadership will advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector. He has been the higher education and training deputy minister for almost 10 years and it's safe to say that he watched the collapse of entities such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). He was at the helm when poor students were forced to sleep rough on the floor of administration buildings because NSFAS failed to pay for their accommodation. He watched students being attacked by police with stun grenades and tear gas when they demanded to be registered. Manamela had the power to distance himself from his boss, the outgoing Nobuhle Nkabane when she misled Parliament on the controversial appointments of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) board members, which included Buyelembo Mantashe, the son of Nkabane's former boss and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. We can go on and on about instances where Manamela chose to take the backseat while Rome was burning, literally. To expect South Africans to believe that he is the right person to turn that ministry's fortunes around is wishful thinking at best or insulting people's intelligence at worst. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ How do we expect a person who was part of the problem to be responsible for solutions? What his appointment signals is an attempt by the ANC to appease the SACP, Manamela's political home, which intends contesting next year's local government election in protest of the ANC governing with the DA in the so-called Government of National Unity. It's also to stabilise the fractured relations between the ANC and the DA coalition. If not, then why has Ramaphosa not fired other ministers implicated in serious corruption allegations? Nkabane's departure was long overdue. Her arrogance was the true reflection of what the ANC has become. No wonder voters continue rejecting it at the polls. The party's continued lip service to ethical leadership that is grounded in truly addressing the pressing needs of the majority of people of this country will see it lose the little power it still has on some of the key metros in the 2026 local government elections. Last year's national elections were just the beginning of an end. CAPE TIMES
