President Ramaphosa Reshuffles Higher Education Leadership: Manamela and Dube-Ncube Appointed




President Ramaphosa Reshuffles Higher Education Leadership: Manamela and Dube-Ncube Appointed

🖊️ By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News
21 July 2025








In a strategic move to bolster South Africa’s higher education landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has exercised his constitutional powers to appoint a new leadership team to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training. This announcement, made via an official post by The Presidency on social media, marks a significant reshuffle within the national executive.

According to the statement, Mr. Buti Kgwaridi Manamela has been appointed as the Minister of Higher Education and Training, while Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube takes the role of Deputy Minister. These appointments were made in accordance with Section 91(2) and Section 93(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, underscoring the President’s commitment to constitutional governance and accountability.

Mr. Manamela, who is no stranger to the portfolio, returns with a renewed mandate to address the pressing challenges facing the sector—including youth unemployment, student funding, skills development, and institutional stability. His previous tenure as Deputy Minister saw him engage directly with student bodies, unions, and academic institutions, positioning him as a seasoned and pragmatic leader for this critical department.

Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a seasoned political administrator and former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, brings a wealth of governance experience to her new role as Deputy Minister. Her background in cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations is expected to enhance collaboration between higher learning institutions, provincial authorities, and national government structures.

The reshuffle comes at a time when the country’s education system is under immense pressure to deliver innovation, inclusivity, and economic responsiveness. The 2025 academic year has been marred by continued debates over NSFAS funding models, the decolonisation of curricula, and the digital divide affecting rural students.

President Ramaphosa’s decision appears to signal a renewed focus on stability, delivery, and transformation within the higher education sector. While some critics have labelled the move as “recycling” leadership, supporters argue that continuity and experience are vital in navigating the complex terrain of post-school education and training.

The success of this duo will likely be judged on their ability to address student grievances, ensure equitable access to higher education, and deliver measurable progress in aligning academic output with the country’s economic needs.

As Insight Jozi News continues to monitor developments in this portfolio, we urge stakeholders across the educational spectrum to engage constructively and hold leadership accountable.

📍For more updates on national developments, follow us at insightjozinews.blogspot.com


#InsightJoziNews | #HigherEducationSA | #CabinetAppointments | #ButiManamela | #NomusaDubeNcube | #Ramaphosa | #SouthAfricaEducation


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