Minister Nkabane’s ‘not so independent panel’ lands her in hot water

Things have gone from bad to worse for Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who is now accused of misleading Parliament over the names of the panelists responsible for the controversial Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments.

The appointments which were flagged by parliamentarians included ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo, ANC officials in KZN Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Mike Mabuyakhulu. Following public and political backlash, Minister Nkabane reversed the appointments.

However, the controversy deepened when she initially refused to disclose the names of the so-called independent selection panel, and missed a deadline set by the parliamentary portfolio committee.

When she eventually submitted the names, the list included, legal heavy-weight Advocate Terry Motau SC, who allegedly chaired the panel, Nkabane’s adviser Asisipho Solani, and three senior officials in the department, Nelisiwe Semane, Rhulani Ngwenya and Mabuza Ngubane.

In a turn of events in an interview on Talk Radio Station, 702, Advocate Motau distanced himself from the process, saying he did not participate and only found out about his alleged involvement in it on social media.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, says the list provided by the Minister is proof that the panel was not independent.

Letsie says the committee has launched an investigation into the Minister Nkabane for allegedly providing inaccurate information.

“We are very disappointed, I must say, but we then said , because we are a constitutional democracy, we must bring the ministry back to parliament to come and explain.”

The DA’s Member of Parliament, Karabo Khakau, who is also part of the committee, has on the other hand lodged a complaint with the Public Protector over the scandal.

🇿🇦 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. pic.twitter.com/gxQbGQZCbi

— Karabo Khakhau MP (@KaraboKhakhau) June 19, 2025

Backlash continues to mount, with some calling for the Minister’s sacking.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since requested a full report from Dr Nkabane on the SETA controversy.

If Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane does not get sacked after dismal display of public ethics and lack of integrity, I will be incredibly surprised.

— L U N G I S A (@_Lungisa_) June 19, 2025

So, Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane lied to South Africa about Adv. Motau’s involvement in the so-called independent advisory panel. Comrades For You. ANC Exposed again. Wait and see, she will be parachuted, another senior position for dishonesty loading.

— Edwin Ntshidi (@EdwinNtshidi2) June 19, 2025

Dr Nobuhle Nkabane must go

Retweet if you agree pic.twitter.com/OIkoiKCGc2

— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) June 18, 2025

Meet Asisipho Solani, ANC Western Cape Provincial Executive Committees Member who Serves in the SECRET Panel of Minister @Dr_NobuhleN for Higher Education‼️‼️‼️

Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane must be condemned for establishing a Secret Advisory Council filled with ANC loyalists,… pic.twitter.com/aFY5XwCAUM

— 🇿🇦Apostle Deza Mekgwe🇨🇺 (@ApstDeza) June 18, 2025