DA refers ‘lying’ Nkabane to ethics committee

She is accused of misleading the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education regarding the composition of an advisory panel that selected board chairpersons for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

The move follows the minister’s delayed release of the panel's names, which the DA says contradict her earlier claim that the panel was composed entirely of independent members.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the DA’s Karabo Khakhau said the panel in question includes individuals closely affiliated with Minister Nkabane and the ANC, raising serious questions about transparency and political interference in public appointments.

"The minister misled Parliament when she said the panel was fully independent. Instead, it includes her own advisor and senior department officials — this is a clear conflict of interest."

The disclosed list includes:

-Advocate Terry Motau, who was reportedly the chairperson of the panel but never attended any of its meetings.

-Asisipho Solani, a former SASCO leader, ANC Youth League member in the Western Cape, and current advisor to the Minister.

-Nelisiwe Semane, Chief of Staff in the Minister’s office.

-Mabuza Ngubane, Chief Director for SETA Coordination.

-Rhulani Ngwenya, Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services in the Department of Higher Education.

Khakhau also criticised the minister for withholding the identity of at least one panel member, saying Nkabane cited discomfort from the unnamed individual as the reason for non-disclosure.

Additional undisclosed names reportedly relate to selection panels for other entities, including the National Skills Authority, the Council for Higher Education, and university councils.

The controversy follows a deadline issued by the portfolio committee for Nkabane to submit the names by Wednesday last week.

Although she has since retracted the SETA board appointments amid allegations of political bias and procedural irregularities, the DA warned that the matter is far from resolved.

The party has also requested access to all minutes and reports generated by the panel and submitted to the NSA for final approval.

President Cyril Ramaphosa last week told the media he was still awaiting a formal report from Minister Nkabane regarding the allegations tied to her conduct and the SETA appointments process.

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