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

CAPE TOWN, 22 July 2025 - Fired Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has broken her silence, claiming "forces on the ground" orchestrated her removal while maintaining respect for President Ramaphosa's constitutional authority. In an exclusive interview, Nkabane revealed she received the dismissal call while en route to Cape Town to appear before a parliamentary portfolio committee.

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"All signs were there that some forces want me out of the system," stated Nkabane, though she insisted she wasn't shocked by the decision. The former minister cited Section 91(2) of the Constitution, acknowledging the president's undisputed right to appoint and dismiss cabinet members. However, she expressed frustration at being unable to defend herself against allegations of lying to Parliament about due processes in her department.

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Nkabane, an academic by profession, had prepared extensive documentation including appointment letters and files to clear her name. "There's no way I'd risk my reputation by lying in Parliament," she asserted, vowing to publicly present her evidence when "the dust settles."