President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane as the new Minister of Higher Education, as part of the seventh administration's National Executive. Dr. Nkabane brings a wealth of experience from her prior role as Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and her ongoing tenure as a National Assembly member since 2019. With a robust academic background, including a PhD in Public Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she is poised to drive innovation and excellence in South Africa's higher education sector.
Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, born on August 1, 1979, is the newly appointed Minister of Higher Education in South Africa. With an extensive academic background, she holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, along with multiple degrees and qualifications from top institutions including the University of South Africa and Stellenbosch Business School.
Educational Background of Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane
Durban University of Technology (2001):
- National Diploma in Commercial Administration, Business Administration, and Management.
University of South Africa (2009, 2011):
- Diploma in Youth Development, Youth Service/Administration.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (2019):
- Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration.
- Master of Administration in Public Administration.
- Doctorate of Administration.
University of Cape Town (2016/17):
- Compliance Management Programme.
University of Stellenbosch Business School (2017):
- Level 7 NQF qualification in Executive Development.
- Participant of the AAE Summer School in Nancy, France.
University of the Western Cape (2020):
- Post-graduate Diploma in Labour Law.
SOAS University of London:
- Currently studying for a Master of Science degree in International Business Administration.
Career
Nkabane worked as a personal assistant at the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality between March 2005 and November 2006 and as a youth coordinator at the Sisonke District Municipality from December 2006 to March 2012. She was a customer care manager from April 2012 to December 2017 and a director of water governance and customer care from January 2018 to May 2019 for the Harry Gwala District Municipality. Since February 2019, Nkabane has been employed as a tutor at UNISA.
Parliamentary Career
Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane stood as a parliamentary candidate for the African National Congress in the May 8, 2019, national and provincial elections. She was elected to the National Assembly from the KwaZulu-Natal list and was sworn in on May 22, 2019.
On June 27, 2019, she was named to the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, and the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour. She left the Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation committee on July 19, 2019, and joined the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts, and Culture on September 5, 2019, leaving it on October 8, 2020.
On June 21, 2021, Nkabane was named to the Committee for Section 194 Enquiry, tasked with determining Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office.
National Executive
On August 5, 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Nkabane as Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. She was sworn in on August 6, 2021.
On March 16, 2022, at the Nuclear Technology Imbizo, Nkabane advocated for South Africa to invest in nuclear energy, highlighting its international recognition as an invaluable electricity source.
As Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane steps into her new role as Minister of Higher Education, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Her extensive experience and academic background position her to drive significant advancements in South Africa's higher education sector. We look forward to witnessing her transformative initiatives and leadership in this critical field. Best of luck, Dr. Nkabane, in your continued service to the nation.
