Minister’s Dismissal Overshadows R657 Million Disability Fund Launch
In December 2024, Minister Nobuhle Nkabane inaugurated a R657 million disability fund at Blind SA in Alrode, Alberton—pledging zero tolerance for corruption and promising robust oversight to empower more than 10,000 people with disabilities nationwide. Yet just seven months later, on July 21, 2025, she was dismissed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following exposure of a SETA board appointment scandal and controversy over misleading Parliament.
By Sylvester Raraza – The Citizen
Despite her vocal commitment to protecting the disability budget—including threats to open criminal investigations and enforce unannounced monitoring—the scandal surrounding politically connected appointments and evasive parliamentary conduct eroded public trust and disrupted momentum for inclusivity-led reforms.
Nkabane’s dismissal has raised critical questions: can political missteps derail vital social investments? Will the disability fund maintain the transparency and oversight she promised? And what will happen to the beneficiaries whose futures were tied to her bold pledges?
The incident underscores the fragility of government-led social initiatives—where actions and accountability must align to ensure lasting impact, especially for vulnerable communities.
