DA expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Higher Education and Training Minister. Image: Dept of Higher Education shared via X @HigherEduGovZA.
(The Post News)– The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for her absence from a recent Portfolio Committee meeting focused on the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Board.
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau accused Nkabane of being a threat to the Government of National Unity (GNU), describing her as arrogant. Khakhau also claimed the minister had been dishonest about the number of individuals she hired and misled the committee regarding the recruitment process. The minister reportedly reacted angrily to the allegations.
Minister Nkabane failed to appear in Parliament on Friday to address administrative irregularities involving the controversial SETA chairperson. Instead, she opted to deliver a keynote address at the Annual National Student Leadership Induction Programme in Buffalo City.
Khakhau criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to hold his ministers accountable for corruption and misconduct in Parliament. She also suggested that the African National Congress (ANC) continue to shield individuals involved in criminal activities.
In response to the backlash, Nkabane sent a letter to Parliament explaining her absence. She indicated her willingness to appear before the committee, preferably on the 22nd or 23rd of July.
The letter was seen as a delayed attempt to address the growing controversy surrounding her actions. It remains to be seen whether her future appearance will ease the mounting criticism.
In her letter, Nkabane alludes to the fact that rescheduling her appearance will allow her to fully engage in both commitments without neglecting her constitutional duties or stakeholder responsibilities. She emphasized that this arrangement would enable her to participate meaningfully in both engagements. The minister suggested that balancing the two would ensure no obligation is compromised. Her response appears to be an effort to justify her absence from Parliament.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Khakhau added that Minister Nkabane’s conduct sets a dangerous precedent for other members of the executive. She argued that allowing ministers to dodge accountability undermines the integrity of Parliament.
Khakhau also warned that the public is losing confidence in government institutions due to unchecked misconduct. She reiterated her call for President Ramaphosa to act swiftly if the minister fails to appear as scheduled.
Journalist-Kgopotso@thepostnews.net
About the Author
Discover more from The Post News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
