South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane on Monday amid growing corruption scandals.
The move follows criminal charges filed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest party, accusing her of lying to parliament.
The DA alleges Kkabane concealed the fraudulent appointment of ANC-linked figures to education authority boards.
Kkabane’s failure to attend crucial parliamentary meetings to explain the controversy intensified calls for her removal.
Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) faces mounting pressure as multiple ministers are embroiled in corruption allegations. This turmoil deepens fractures within the 10-party ruling coalition, weakening the government’s unity.
Earlier this month, the DA also filed charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane for fraudulent billing linked to Eskom, the national electricity supplier.
Ramaphosa suspended the police minister on July 13 after accusations surfaced involving payments from corruption suspects and collusion with organised crime.
The DA, which entered government after the ANC lost its majority amid voter disillusionment, condemns corruption as “standard practice” under Ramaphosa’s leadership.
South Africa’s corruption perception ranking remains troublingly low, positioned 82nd worldwide by Transparency International.
The president’s decisive action signals an attempt to regain control amid a growing storm of allegations. Yet, critics argue these efforts may be too little, too late to restore public trust.
The drama exposes the fragility of South Africa’s political landscape, marred by persistent graft and factional tensions. As the ruling coalition battles internal strife, citizens watch closely for signs of genuine reform.
