Analysis: Science and higher education offered Ramaphosa an ‘easy separation’

The two ministerial files, separated until five years ago, were married only in name

When South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he would split the higher education, science and innovation portfolio into two when he unveiled his cabinet on June 30, many wondered: why this one?

The likely answers? Because he needed more ministers, because the portfolio was already divided, and because it had problems that a division could solve.