The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Tuesday welcomed the dismissal of Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, saying that it will support the 2024/25 Appropriation Bill following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to fire her.

On Monday Ramaphosa removed Nkabane and replaced her with Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela.

Ramaphosa has also appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.

Earlier this month, the DA laid criminal charges against Nkabane, for allegedly lying to Parliament about ANC cadre appointments.

DA leader John Steenhuisen said Nkabane’s removal was a “crucial first step in holding compromised Ministers accountable”.

He said the party would not let “compromised” Cabinet members hinder government.

“The DA acted in the national interest when we passed the Division of Revenue Bill to enable provinces and municipalities to continue to receive funding, and we will now pass the Appropriation Bill in the national interest following the President's actions,” Steenhuisen said.

The Appropriation Bill would ensure that the Budget is passed in Parliament.

Steenhuisen reiterated the DA’s stance that it would not support the budgets of Ministers who are implicated in wrongdoing, until they are fired.

“These were not symbolic actions, they were principled stands backed by real consequence, and we will see these actions through to its conclusion,” said the DA leader.

However, he called out Ramaphosa for not taking action sooner and berated him for not being decisive and consistent.

“The ANC must also accept that it no longer governs alone. In a coalition, meaningful consultation with partners is not optional. It is essential to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountable governance. We will continue to engage the GNU parties in good faith to stop corruption and drive delivery in government,” Steenhuisen said.