Malema Warns Manamela on Department ‘Saboteur’, Urges Nkabane to Learn Humility After Sacking

Malema Throws Shade: Warns Manamela of Department “Saboteur”, Tells Nkabane to Be Humble

EFF leader Julius Malema didn’t mince words on Thursday as he delivered a sharp critique of the new and former ministers of Higher Education, issuing pointed advice during a media briefing in Cape Town.

Newly appointed Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela received what Malema described as free advice: never trust the department’s director-general, Nkosinathi Sishi. The DG, according to Malema, is a key player in what he sees as ongoing sabotage within the department.

“He is the one who misleads them,” Malema said. “He worked with Blade [Nzimande]. Blade is bitter about his removal. He will do anything to undermine whoever comes in.”

Malema urged Manamela to “part ways” with Sishi and appoint a capable professional who isn’t tied to the former minister, Nzimande, if he hopes to turn the department around.

Nkabane’s Fall: From Appointment Controversy to Humbling Advice

The warning came just days after Manamela replaced Nobuhle Nkabane, who was axed following controversy over her appointment of Sector and Education Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons.

The scandal erupted when a leaked list revealed politically connected ANC figures, including Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, among the appointees. Nkabane claimed an independent panel had made the recommendations, but panellists she named later denied involvement in that capacity.

“Only someone who doesn’t know how government works would have advised what she did,” Malema said.

He expressed disappointment at how Nkabane handled her second chance before Parliament’s portfolio committee, saying she skipped critical accountability moments and instead attended a gender-based violence event, something he suggested was under the Deputy Minister’s portfolio.

“Chewing Gum and Missteps”: Malema’s Blunt Advice to Nkabane

In a rare moment of what seemed like tough love, Malema said Nkabane, despite being young and capable was not ready to lead. He even called out her demeanor during committee hearings.

“The first thing she must do is stop chewing gum in a meeting,” he said, referring to a recent session where she was seen chewing while being questioned.

He urged her to return to grassroots politics.

“She must go to the branch and learn. Be humble. Know that you don’t know.”

Malema also criticised her for not cooperating with ANC colleague Tebogo Letsie, chairperson of the committee, saying her lack of collegiality was “extremely girlish.”

Julius Malema is keeping a close eye on the shifting dynamics within the Department of Higher Education and he isn’t shy about naming names or offering unsolicited political mentorship. With Buti Manamela now in charge and Nobuhle Nkabane politically bruised, the EFF leader’s commentary signals bigger scrutiny ahead for the education sector in South Africa.

{Source: IOL}

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