The controversial Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has been sacked months after her SETA boards chairpersons and her conduct before parliament sparked controversy.

Defiant to the very end, Nkabane, the former Minister of Higher Education and Training, decided to announce her resignation before President Cyril Ramaphosa could announce her axing.

In her pre-emptive press statement, she thanked Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve as the minister and said it was a privilege.

“It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio, and I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity. I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development,” she said in her exit statement.

A few minutes later, Ramaphosa announced that Nkabane would be replaced by Buti Manamela, who was her deputy. Manamela’s position has been taken over by Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal..

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 91 (2) appointed Mr. Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training. Mr. Manamela was until this appointment serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, a role he held from the 7th administration.

“Consequently, President Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 93 (b) appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Dr Dube’s long government leadership experience includes serving as MEC for Cooperative Government and Traditional affairs and Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly,” the presidency said in a statement.