Nkabane adds to her woes by snubbing Parly

Members of Parliament have criticised Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, for failing to attend a scheduled portfolio committee meeting.

The Minister was expected to provide an update on the controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board, a matter that has drawn significant scrutiny and cast a cloud over her leadership.

Instead, Nkabane is said to be in the Eastern Cape, where she is delivering an address at the Annual National Student Leadership Induction Programme.

The Minister sent the committee a letter of apology, asking that today’s sitting be postponed.

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Karabo Khakhau, has accused the Minister of evading accountability, labelling it a spit in the face of citizens who rely on the ministry.

“Minister Nkabane thinks we are playing games or that we are at her mercy, which is problematic.”

Khaukhau also slammed the presence of Nkabane’s deputy ministers, Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe, who don’t have the powers to account on behalf of the Minister.

“There’s absolutely no reason why the Minister must be in the Eastern Cape herself, because right now, two deputy ministers are sitting here, who do not have any constitutional authority to appoint SETA board chairpersons, let alone convene a panel to advise them on that appointment.”

uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP, Siphetho Mkhize, slammed what he dubs as Nkabane blueticking the committee as an injustice.

Mkhize says the Minister has rendered the committee useless.

“Neglecting and compromising the people’s mandate by blueticking the committee, which is meant to support the department in pursuit of transformation and redress on the ground, is an injustice.”

Earlier this week, the South African Students Federation (SASF) accused the Minister of using a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) march to salvage her reputation as a leader.

Nkabane led an awareness march in Bhisho, Eastern Cape, alongside scores of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.

The federation’s leader, Keamogetswe Masike, says the Minister’s leadership has failed students.

“As students suffer due to NSFAS failures, evictions, and lack of accommodation, the Minister’s march seems like a hollow PR stunt designed to deflect attention from her own failures. Her department’s inaction has led to countless students being evicted, struggling to access funding, and facing uncertainty about their academic futures.”

Masike says while they condemn GBV in all its forms, they cannot ignore the stark contrast between the Minister’s actions and her inaction on the crises affecting students.