Maimane Raises Alarm Over Lack of Clear Budget for National Dialogue
Politic
Aug 12, 2025
The Unfinished Defense: How Nkabane's Planned Parliament Appearance Was Preempted
By GlobalZa
Dismissal came hours before minister was to present evidence refuting claims she misled Parliament
New details reveal former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane was moments away from mounting a robust parliamentary defense when her dismissal intervened. Sources confirm Nkabane had boarded a flight to Cape Town with meticulously organized evidence—including appointment letters and policy files—to counter allegations she lied about due process failures in her department.
The timing raises questions, as the dismissal call from President Ramaphosa came just 12 hours before her scheduled portfolio committee appearance. Parliamentary insiders suggest the committee had prepared tough questions about:
1. Alleged irregular appointments in sector education training authorities (SETAs)
2. Controversial NSFAS funding decisions
3. Delayed responses to university crises
Nkabane maintains her documentation would have exonerated her. Political analysts note this marks the third instance since 2023 where ministers were dismissed while preparing to answer parliamentary questions, fueling debate about executive-legislative tensions.
