Former Minister Nobuhle Nkabane Dismissed Hours Before Parliamentary Defense

CAPE TOWN - New reports reveal that former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane was moments away from presenting a detailed defense in Parliament when her dismissal intervened. Sources confirm Nkabane had boarded a flight to Cape Town with organized evidence—including appointment letters and policy files—to counter allegations of due process failures in her department.

READ: "I Accept My Dismissal" – Axed Minister Nkabane Claims Systemic Forces Ousted Her

Timing Raises Eyebrows

The dismissal came just 12 hours before her scheduled portfolio committee appearance, prompting speculation about the executive’s role in parliamentary accountability. Committee insiders indicate that Nkabane was to face tough questions on:

1. Alleged irregular appointments in sector education training authorities (SETAs)
2. Controversial NSFAS funding decisions
3. Delayed responses to crises at universities

READ: Newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela Pledges to Stabilise NSFAS and Rebuild Higher Education Sector

Minister Maintains Prepared Defense

Nkabane insists her documentation would have exonerated her. Political analysts note that this incident marks the third ministerial dismissal since 2023 occurring just before scheduled parliamentary scrutiny, raising concerns about executive-legislative tensions.

The episode has sparked debate over the balance of power between the presidency and Parliament, and the implications for transparency and accountability in South Africa’s higher education sector.