Minister Nobuhle Nkabane issues a formal apology to Advocate Terry Motau after mistakenly naming him as chair of the SETA appointment panel, sparking political backlash. Image: Gallo Images
(The Post News)- The Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau has stirred political ripples and raised questions around transparency in government appointments after the Higher Education Minister wrongly named the respected advocate as chair of a disputed panel involved in controversial SETA board selections.
On Tuesday, Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane confirmed that she had written to Advocate Terry Motau SC, offering a formal apology for what she described as a “misunderstanding” regarding his alleged role in an “independent panel” that reviewed Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board candidates. The Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau follows mounting political and public pressure, and is reportedly the result of direct advice from President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior ANC officials.
Sources claim Ramaphosa and leaders at Luthuli House instructed Nkabane last week to stop engaging with the media to avoid worsening the situation after she had named Motau and others as members of a panel accused of advancing ANC-linked appointments.
Last week, Nkabane told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education that the panel had recommended names for the new SETA boards. However, Motau’s name appeared as chair a role he now strongly disputes. In response, Motau stated that he was never formally appointed, never participated in any meetings, and was never involved in the process.
The Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau was delivered via a letter on Monday, with her department issuing a statement to explain the move.
“The purpose of this engagement was to seek a shared understanding of the matter and to express regret for the confusion caused,” the department said.
The statement emphasised that the Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau was conducted “in the spirit of transparency, mutual respect, and professional courtesy,” and that there had never been an intent to misrepresent his role or harm his professional standing.
Nkabane admitted she had not been fully informed that Motau’s formal appointment would require the presence of a legal representative. She said this “gap in communication” contributed to the oversight. Motau, for his part, confirmed he had only met with Asisipho Solani, Nkabane’s adviser, and a Luvo Makasi, whose role within the department remains unclear.
Nkabane has now undertaken to brief Parliament’s portfolio committee on the steps taken to clarify that Motau was never part of the panel. She is scheduled to appear before the committee next month alongside her “disputed panel.”
“She remains accountable to Parliament and is committed to ensuring full transparency and procedural compliance,” her department stated.
The Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau comes amid broader criticism over the composition of SETA boards. Several individuals appointed have been linked to the ANC, including:
Buyambo Mantashe, son of Minister Gwede Mantashe
Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former KZN Premier
Loyiso Masuku, ANC Johannesburg deputy regional secretary
Siboniso Mbhele, head of transport in KwaZulu-Natal
The Minister Nkabane apology to Advocate Terry Motau may have helped defuse immediate tensions, but political analysts suggest it’s unlikely to end growing demands for deeper accountability and possibly disciplinary action.
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