Nkabane apologises to Motau over SETA ‘misrepresentation’

This comes after Motau rejected her claims that he chaired an independent panel tasked with recommending chairpersons for South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities.

The department’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, says Nkabane has apologised to Motau for any inconvenience, reputational discomfort, or misunderstanding that may have arisen.

“ There was never any intent to misrepresent Advocate Motau’s role or to cause harm to his professional standing. The minister has further undertaken to brief the portfolio committee on higher education formally, regarding the developments and steps taken to clarify Advocate Motau’s non-involvement in the panel.” 

The department’s statement came less than 24 hours after Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said it would summon Nkabane to disclose the outstanding names on her advisory panel.

Chairperson of the committee, Tebogo Letsie, briefed the media in Cape Town on Monday.

"The committee deliberated on the matter and resolved that the minister is legislatively obligated to furnish the Parliament with the outstanding names of the panellists who were concealed on the submitted list,” said Letsie.

“Including terms of reference given by the minister in respect of their expected roles as panel members. Remuneration, if any, for the services rendered in their capacity as panel members."

Parliament also wants the minutes of the selection and evaluation proceedings, as well as the report sent to the National Skills Authority for consultation purposes.

Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa requested a report from Nkabane on her conduct during a recent appearance in Parliament.

Ramaphosa’s public dressing down of the minister came after she refused to disclose the advisors who purportedly assisted her during the appointments.

The date for the next appearance has not yet been set.

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