South Africa’s higher education sector has entered a new phase with the official swearing-in of Buti Manamela and Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the new Ministers of Higher Education on July 22, 2025. Manamela, appointed as Minister, and Dube-Ncube, as Deputy Minister, bring a wealth of experience and political acumen to their new roles. Their appointments come on the heels of the dismissal of Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, whose tenure was marred by controversies surrounding corruption and maladministration in the department.
This leadership transition not only represents a shift in political power but also reflects the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues in the education sector. Both Manamela and Dube-Ncube bring extensive experience and political expertise to their roles, which they will need to navigate the complex landscape of South African higher education.
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Why the Appointment of the New Ministers of Higher Education Matters
The appointment of Manamela and Dube-Ncube is crucial in light of the multiple issues facing South Africa’s higher education sector. With increasing financial instability, governance challenges, and demands for reform, the sector has struggled to provide students with the quality education they deserve. The new Ministers of Higher Education are expected to focus on improving access to higher education, increasing accountability within universities, and addressing corruption in the administration.
Manamela, who has served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education since 2014, has firsthand knowledge of these challenges. His years of experience in the sector make him an ideal candidate to lead the ministry through its current difficulties and implement much-needed reforms. Dr. Dube-Ncube’s background as the former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal further strengthens their leadership team, with her political and governance experience expected to play a pivotal role in shaping education policy.
The Dismissal of the Previous Minister: A Turning Point for Higher Education
One of the most significant developments leading to the appointment of the new Ministers of Higher Education was the dismissal of the former Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane. Nkabane’s time in office was marred by controversy, including accusations of mismanagement and corruption, which led to widespread dissatisfaction with her leadership.
In a move that surprised many, President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Dr. Nkabane following allegations that she had been involved in political interference during the appointment of key members to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). According to the reports, Nkabane had bypassed proper procedures, appointing individuals with strong ties to the African National Congress (ANC) instead of following the merit-based process typically required for such appointments.
The accusations raised serious concerns about the integrity of the department and led to calls for her removal. In an official statement, the presidency confirmed that the minister’s dismissal was a direct result of these concerns, signalling a firm stance on accountability and transparency within government ministries.
As political analyst Oscar van Heerden remarked, the removal of Nkabane was “long overdue,” as the allegations surrounding her tenure had created a cloud of controversy that was hard to ignore.
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Manamela’s Background and Vision for Higher Education
Buti Manamela is a familiar face in South Africa’s higher education landscape. Having served as Deputy Minister for several years, Manamela is deeply familiar with the department’s inner workings and its most pressing issues. As the new Minister of Higher Education, Manamela has already outlined his priorities, which include improving the financial sustainability of South African universities and ensuring that higher education remains accessible to all South Africans, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In his inaugural speech, Manamela emphasised the importance of quality education and governance. “It is essential that we transform the way our institutions are run, focusing on making them more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of students,” he said. He also expressed his commitment to tackling corruption within the higher education sector and ensuring that funding is used effectively.
Manamela’s experience will be crucial as he navigates the financial challenges facing universities, many of which are struggling with funding gaps that limit their ability to provide quality education.
Dr. Dube-Ncube’s Role as Deputy Minister
Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s appointment as Deputy Minister of Higher Education brings fresh leadership to the Ministry. Dube-Ncube is highly regarded for her governance skills, having served as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal before her new role. Her expertise in political leadership and administration will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth implementation of higher education policies and programmes.
As Deputy Minister, Dube-Ncube will work closely with Manamela to address the sector’s challenges, particularly in terms of governance. Her leadership experience in managing large-scale public institutions will be invaluable as the ministry works to improve transparency and reduce the inefficiencies that have plagued higher education institutions in South Africa.
Reactions from Political Analysts and Experts
The appointment of Manamela and Dube-Ncube has been widely praised by political analysts and experts in the field of higher education. Political analyst Oscar van Heerden described Manamela as “the right person for the job,” citing his long-standing involvement in the education sector and his understanding of the issues at hand. Van Heerden also expressed confidence that Manamela’s leadership would bring much-needed stability to the department after Nkabane’s controversial tenure.
Professor Chika Sehoole from the University of Pretoria echoed similar sentiments, stating that the appointment of both Manamela and Dube-Ncube signalled a renewed focus on accountability and governance in higher education. Sehoole believes that the new ministers are well-positioned to address the sector’s challenges head-on.
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What’s Next for South African Higher Education?
With the appointment of Buti Manamela and Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the future of South African higher education looks more promising. Their leadership comes at a time when the sector is calling out for reform, especially in terms of governance, funding, and student access to education.
One of the immediate challenges for the new Ministers of Higher Education will be addressing the widespread dissatisfaction with university funding, particularly in light of the increasing cost of education and the rise of student debt. Manamela has already outlined plans to address these issues by focusing on better financial management within universities and seeking alternative funding sources.
In addition, Manamela and Dube-Ncube will need to address the growing concern over corruption and governance within higher education institutions. The dismissal of Dr. Nkabane underscores the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that the higher education sector is held to the highest standards of accountability.
The Road Ahead for the New Ministers
The new Ministers of Higher Education, Buti Manamela and Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, have been entrusted with a formidable task. As they take on their new roles, they will need to balance the demands of various stakeholders, from students and faculty to government officials and policymakers. Their leadership will be critical in shaping the future of South Africa’s higher education sector and ensuring that it meets the needs of students and the broader economy.
