The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding the immediate dismissal of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane amid mounting outrage over governance failures in the sector.
Citing the ongoing NSFAS funding crisis, allegedly unlawful board appointments, and growing inequality between elite and working-class institutions, SASCO President Alungile Kamtshe accused Nkabane of incompetence and of “failing millions of students.”
The call has received backing from major opposition parties including the EFF, DA, and IFP, uniting across political lines in criticism of Nkabane’s leadership.
SASCO also slammed the inclusion of politically connected figures such as Buyambo Mantashe—son of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe—in key boards like the SETA, calling it a betrayal of transparent governance.
Nkabane, deflecting responsibility, responded that only the president has the authority to redeploy her, urging critics to follow formal processes.
As tensions rise, political analysts warn of wider discontent in the Government of National Unity, with student leaders threatening nationwide protests if no action is taken. The next move now lies with Ramaphosa, who faces increasing pressure to act decisively before frustration on campuses turns into full-blown unrest.
