Higher Education Minister Nkabane slammed for skipping Parliament after ANC-linked SETA board scandal

Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has come under fire again after failing to appear before Parliament to account for the controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, which included several ANC allies. She instead opted to attend a GBV event in the Eastern Cape.

Nkabane sent a last-minute apology to the portfolio committee, citing a gender-based violence (GBV) event at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the Eastern Cape as the reason for her absence.

Her apology was rejected by committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie.

Letsie said after receiving the letter, he told Nkabane that he is not accepting her apology because it does not make sense for her to be absent from the meeting.

Nkabane was expected to brief members again on the SETA board selection process, which was recently reversed.

Many of the appointees were allegedly linked to the ANC, which raised concerns over political interference and nepotism.

Although Nkabane previously told MPs that the selections were made by an “independent” panel chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, Motau later denied any involvement. 

Other members of the selection panel included her chief of staff, Nelisiwe Semane, and adviser Asisipho Solani, both of whom were absent from the meeting. 

Department of Higher Education Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi also failed to attend the meeting.

Nkabane was represented by her deputies, Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe. 

However, Democratic Alliance MP Karabo Khakhau questioned Nkabane’s justification for her absence.

“My understanding is that TVET colleges are under the delegation of Deputy Minister Manamela, unless things have changed,” Khakhau said. 

“There’s absolutely no reason why the minister must be in the Eastern Cape herself. Right now, two deputy ministers are sitting here, who do not have any constitutional authority to appoint SETA board chairpersons, let alone convene a panel to advise them.”

Khakhau added: “Her being evasive in this process is not only a spit in our faces and a waste of our time, but it’s also a spit in the face of the country.”

The controversial SETA board appointments included Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and other senior ANC figures.

Economic Freedom Fighters MP Sihle Lonzi also criticised the absence of Sishi.

“Not even a state president can cancel a meeting of Parliament,” Lonzi said. 

“That’s why we have separation of powers - judiciary, executive and legislature. A mere DG thinking he can cancel a meeting of Parliament must be called to account.”

The committee called for action to be taken against Nkabane for being in contempt of Parliament.

IOL News previously reported that the Hawks have confirmed they are investigating criminal charges against Nkabane, following a complaint filed by the Democratic Alliance.

The DA alleges that Nkabane lied to Parliament and facilitated ANC cadre deployment to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards.

Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale previously told IOL News that the case is currently in its early stages.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation can confirm that a case has been opened for investigation, which is at an early stage,” Mogale said. 

“Further details cannot be interrogated in the media space.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics