South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane from her position, following allegations of misconduct by his party’s key coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The DA accused Nkabane of engineering the appointment of African National Congress (ANC)-connected individuals to skills development organizations and lying to parliament to cover it up.
Nkabane denied the allegations, stating it had been a privilege to serve in her position.
This move could help ease tensions between the ANC and DA ahead of a crucial budget vote this week.
The DA welcomed Nkabane’s dismissal and had threatened to vote against the budgets of departments led by ANC ministers accused of wrongdoing, potentially disrupting the national budget. Lawmakers are set to consider the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday.
This decision comes after Ramaphosa fired DA’s Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield for not receiving presidential permission for an overseas trip, highlighting the latest spat between the two governing parties.
Ramaphosa’s administration is working to maintain stability in the coalition government.
