Nobuhle Nkabane Blames ‘Forces on the Ground’ for Her Dismissal, SA Says It Was the Chewing Gum

• Nobuhle Nkabane has spoken out after being fired as the Minister of Higher Education and Training
• Nkabane was removed from the post and replaced by her former deputy, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela
• South Africans shared their thoughts on Nkabane's statement, reminding her of her gum chewing incident

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - Nobuhle Nkabane has broken her silence after she was dismissed from her ministerial post.

The former Minister of Higher Education and Training was axed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 21 July 2025, and replaced by her former deputy, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela. Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube was nominated as the new deputy minister.

While no reason was provided for her dismissal in the statement, Nkabane believes that there were forces out to get her.

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What did Nkabane say?

During an interview with eNCA on 22 July 2025, the former minister said she accepted the decision by the president, but admits that she was not shocked by it.

“All signs were there that there are some forces on the ground that want me out of the system. To be honest, I’m not even shocked, and I just accept the dismissal,” Nkabane said.

She added that she was glad she got to serve in the post, as it made her a better version of herself, but added that she was disappointed that she didn’t get a chance to clear her name. Nkabane was supposed to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on 22 July 2025, where she had planned to clear her name.

“What is very disturbing, which I must speak about, is that there is a perception that I lied in Parliament,” she said.

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Nkabane added that as a professional and academic, she could not risk her reputation by lying to Parliament.

What do you need to know about Nkabane?

• Nkabane faced criticism from the public for chewing gum in Parliament.
• The minister defended her conduct after footage surfaced of her chewing gum in the meeting.
• President Ramaphosa was not happy with Nkabane and demanded a full report from her.
• Nkabane addressed the controversy surrounding her conduct in Parliament, but never apologised for it.
• The Democratic Alliance revealed that the Hawks were investigating Nkabane after the party filed charges against her.
• Nkabane failed to attend a Portfolio Committee sitting to address the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).

How did South Africans react?

Social media users showed no sympathy and trolled Nkabane over her conduct in Parliament, particularly the gum chewing.

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Kabelo Mabena noted:

“Forces on the ground = DA.”

Thato Maitshotlo stated:

“Mara, chewing gum during a parliamentary session is also wrong. You're playing.”

Faith Sanelisiwe Tekani asked:

“Not chewing gum today?”

Mangena Koza said:

“Minister of bubble gum.”

Oliphant Myke Oliphant added:

“The chewing gum was one of the forces. Now you can be the Chappies brand ambassador.”

Rhangani Resenga said:

“She dug her own grave with unmatched energy.”

Arthur Khumalo stated:

“No forces against you. Just go and watch the previous video with the Portfolio Committee and check your attitude with your gum.”

Courtesy Quincy agreed:

“The chewing of the gum and answering questions in a disrespectful manner in parliament were the signs.”

Kabelo King Kaylo Serage said:

“Surely Chappies can make you their ambassador. You are good at chewing, shem.”

Ntate Maile noted:

"You were so arrogant during the questioning. Imagine a whole minister chewing gum during the session."

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Nkabane fired as the Minister of Higher Education

Briefly News reported that President Ramaphosa sacked Dr Nkabane as the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

The president replaced the former minister with her deputy, Buti Manamela and appointed Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the new deputy.

South Africans applauded Ramaphosa and called on him to fire other ministers who were deemed incompetent.

Source: Briefly News