By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from her position as Minister of Higher Education and Training amid allegations of misconduct, appointing longtime Deputy Minister Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as her successor, the Presidency confirmed Monday . Manamela, who held the deputy minister role since the 6th administration, will take office in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution .

In a parallel move, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube—the former KwaZulu‑Natal Premier—has been appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training under Section 93(b) of the Constitution .

Manamela’s elevation comes amid growing tensions between the ANC and its coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance, which had criticized Nkabane’s handling of appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, alleging cronyism and a cover-up in Parliament . With budget debates looming, the move is also seen as a strategic step to ease political friction .

Manamela’s track record includes a tenure as Deputy Minister since October 2017, with a strong background in the student and youth movement. Meanwhile, Dube-Ncube brings significant executive experience, including her time as MEC and Premier in KwaZulu‑Natal