Nobuhle Nkabane Scandal: Misleading Parliament on SETA

The political landscape surrounding South Africa’s Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has become increasingly turbulent following accusations of misconduct tied to the appointment of panelists for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA). Allegations have surfaced that Nkabane misled Parliament about the individuals involved in the selection process, particularly concerning notable figures such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, and other prominent ANC officials from KwaZulu-Natal. In response to significant public outcry and political scrutiny, Nkabane swiftly reversed the controversial appointments. However, the situation escalated when she failed to meet a parliamentary deadline to disclose the panel’s details, casting further doubt on her transparency and accountability as a public official. When the names were finally revealed, they included Advocate Terry Motau SC, who controversially distanced himself from the panel, claiming he learned of his involvement only through social media.

The reverberations of this scandal have instigated a crisis of confidence in Minister Nkabane’s leadership, leading to calls from various political factions for her resignation. Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, has made it clear that the list provided suggests the panel lacked independence, prompting an official investigation into Nkabane’s conduct. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance’s Karabo Khakau has escalated the matter by filing a complaint with the Public Protector. Public sentiment has turned sharply against Nkabane, with social media users openly demanding her dismissal and expressing disbelief that she may evade accountability given the gravity of the accusations against her. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also engaged with the growing crisis by requesting a thorough report on the SETA situation, indicating that the fallout from this episode may have broader implications for the ANC and its governance strategies moving forward.

Minister Nkabane Faces Growing Backlash Over Panel Appointments

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is under fire after allegations emerged that she misled Parliament regarding the panelists involved in the controversial Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments. The scrutiny heightened when it was revealed that prominent political figures, including ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo, were part of the appointments. This led to calls for transparency from parliamentarians, who accused Nkabane of allegedly attempting to maneuver selections that favored her political allies.

After significant public and political outcry, Nkabane rescinded the controversial appointments but faced further criticism for initially withholding the names of the selection panel. The appointment list she eventually provided included high-profile individuals, such as Advocate Terry Motau SC, who allegedly chaired the panel. During a recent interview, Motau reportedly claimed he was unaware of his supposed role and learned about it exclusively through social media, thereby raising questions about the integrity of the selection process.

In light of the circumstances, Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, announced that an investigation into Nkabane’s conduct had been initiated. “We are very disappointed, I must say, but we then stated, because we are a constitutional democracy, we must bring the ministry back to parliament to explain,” said Letsie. This statement underscores the growing consensus among lawmakers regarding the need for accountability within governmental appointments.

Political Repercussions and Calls for Accountability

The fallout from the SETA appointment scandal has intensified, with members of the opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), actively seeking accountability. MP Karabo Khakau has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against Nkabane. “I, on behalf of @Our_DA, have submitted a complaint to the office of the Public Protector & I’ve added another affidavit to yesterday’s Ethics Committee charges against the Minister of Higher Education,” Khakau tweeted on June 19, 2025.

As public discontent grows, some are now calling for Nkabane’s resignation. President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a comprehensive report from the Minister about the SETA appointments, signaling that the administration is taking the matter seriously. Social media users have echoed these sentiments, with one user expressing, “If Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane does not get sacked after this dismal display of public ethics and lack of integrity, I will be incredibly surprised,” reflecting widespread frustration among the public.

Critics on social media have further escalated calls for Nkabane’s dismissal, alleging that her actions have exposed the ANC to scrutiny. One tweet remarked on her supposed connection to a secret advisory council filled with party loyalists, stating, “Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane must be condemned for establishing a secret panel.” As pressure mounts, the future of Nkabane in her ministerial position remains uncertain as the political landscape rapidly evolves.

Summary

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has faced significant backlash for allegedly misleading Parliament and the public regarding the panelists appointed to oversee the controversial Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments. Criticisms arose after it was revealed that the panel included politically connected individuals, prompting Nkabane to reverse the appointments amidst rising outrage. The situation worsened when she failed to provide timely and accurate details about the panel’s composition, culminating in Advocate Terry Motau publicly distancing himself from the process. The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has initiated an investigation into Nkabane’s actions, and calls for her dismissal have intensified, with several political figures and citizens expressing disappointment in her handling of the matter. President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report from Nkabane as the controversy continues to unfold.