From minister to Chief Whip: Nkabane’s surprising career move

Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has been appointed as Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC. The African National Congress (ANC) has announced the appointment of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as the new Deputy Chief Whip of its Parliamentary Caucus.Nkabane previously served as the Minister of Higher Education The African National Congress (ANC) has announced the appointment of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as the new Deputy Chief Whip of its Parliamentary Caucus. Nkabane previously served as the Minister of Higher Education Nkabane, who was removed from her ministerial position in July 2025, will now serve alongside ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli.

Nkabane’s removal as Minister of Higher Education followed controversy surrounding the appointment of chairpersons to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, with opposition parties accusing her of misleading Parliament about the selection process. These appointments, including individuals linked to prominent ANC figures, raised concerns about political interference and nepotism. The appointments included individuals closely tied to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube.

The controversy intensified when Nkabane testified before Parliament, claiming that an “independent” panel had overseen the appointment process. However, members of the panel, including Advocate Terry Motau, Nkabane’s chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane, and adviser Asisipho Solani, denied any involvement, prompting accusations of dishonesty. The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education later found that no formal panel had been involved in the appointment process, contradicting Nkabane’s earlier statements.

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Despite the controversy, Nkabane maintained that the appointments were lawful. However, her failure to appear before Parliament for a follow-up meeting on the matter only added fuel to the fire.

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