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Higher Education Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Jeanne Adriaanse has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.
Adriaanse spoke during the department’s budget debate in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
On Monday, the DA laid a criminal complaint against Nkabane because they believe she lied about the panel that assisted her in appointing the chairpersons of boards for the Sector Education and Training Authorities.
This comes after the individuals on the panel were found to be or had been connected with the department.
Adriaanse says Nkabane is not the right person to lead the department.
“It is time for President Ramaphosa to fire Minister Nkabane and clean out the ANC’s criminal network from the heart of government. The DA will not allow Parliament to be treated with contempt, and it will definitely not tolerate corruption disguised as governance. In 2019-2020, the target achievement stood at 78%. DHD achieved only 51.8% of its target,” explains Adriaanse.
Meanwhile, Minister Nkabane says the cessation of funding from the United States to tertiary institutions has had a devastating effect.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that terminated funding to South Africa. That meant a cut of billions of rands to institutions and researchers.
Nkabane highlights this matter in her speech.
“The unexpected decision has had devastating consequences for the South African Higher Education system. Out of the 26 public universities, at least 13 were affected by the termination. However, there is reprieve as for the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework cycle, the department’s budget has increased at an average annual rate of 4.4%, in nominal terms.”
