Former higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane says she was not shocked by her axing.
On Monday President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Nkabane and replaced her with Buti Manamela, who previously served as deputy minister in the same portfolio.
Speaking to eNCA, Nkabane said she received a call from Ramaphosa on Monday informing her of his decision while on her way to Cape Town for the portfolio committee meeting on higher education, scheduled for Tuesday.
“All signs were there,” she said. “There are some forces on the ground that want me out of the system. To be honest, I’m not even shocked.”
She said she accepted her dismissal, adding that the president has the power to appoint and dismiss members of his cabinet.
“I accept my dismissal by the president and I take it positively. I feel I have been honoured to be entrusted with such a huge responsibility to lead the department of higher education & training.