Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane’s conduct will take centre stage at the ANC’s next study group on Wednesday.
ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli told Sunday World that he intends on intervening in what appears to be ongoing tension between Nkabane and Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee Chair Tebogo Letsie.
SETA chair post
This comes after Nkabane received backlash regarding her conduct during a televised meeting with parliament’s higher education portfolio committee.
At some point she told Letsie to Google the meaning of credibility.
“What happened in the portfolio committee meeting, the exchange between the minister and portfolio committee members, including those who are in the ANC, was not good. That is the reason I am meeting with them this coming Wednesday to discuss what happened in that meeting,” he said.
Ntuli says discord within the ANC study group started when the minister rescinded the appointment of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) chairs without informing its members.
This prompted Ntuli to call a meeting about the matter.
“The main concern is that the study group were not informed when the withdrawal of the Seta chairpersons was effected. They learned about the withdrawal from the media. That is why there was a bit of disjuncture in their public communication,” he said.
Video trended on social media
Ntuli, however, believes the matter can be resolved.
“It does happen that a minister and chair of a portfolio committee sometimes will not see eye-to-eye on issues. It only becomes a problem when, after the Chief Whip has intervened, the conduct persists,” he said.
Videos of the minister went viral on social media, where she was seen chewing while responding to questions. The minister was also largely criticised for her attitude towards MPs who asked her about the SETA board chairpersons scandal.
Letsie previously confirmed that the committee decided not to break for lunch. Instead, he continue the meeting, which justifies why Nkabane was caught eating.
He, however, could not account for her utterances and attitude. He believes the matter has caused a rift between him and the minister, even though they belong to the same political party.
“I have no issue with the minister. And I understand that because of the roles we have, we are not always going to see things the same. As the committee, we are empowered by the constitution to hold the ministry, department, and all national entities under the department accountable,” he said.
President intervenes
President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that she account for behaviour during the meeting. This is according to Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. Speaking during a briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday, Magwenya said Ramaphosa would be “attending to the matter”. However, he did not give further details.
“The public broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and the viral spread of content … and public comment demand that all ministers and senior officials remain conscious of all aspects of their conduct during such proceedings,” he said.
Nkabane has since tried to clear the air by issuing a statement. In the statement, she acknowledged that she was in the wrong.
“I intend to maintain a constructive, respectful, and professional working relationship with all members of parliament.
“I remain committed to the principles of accountability, good governance, and cooperative governance. This is in line … with our Constitution and parliamentary protocols. It was never my intention to evade accountability or undermine the decorum of parliament,” she said.
Gwede Mantashe’s son
The minister has been facing public scrutiny for appointing politically linked individuals to chair SETAs. Notably, the selection of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, raised questions. He was selected to chair the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority board.
ANC KwaZulu-Natal coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu, former deputy communications minister Philemon Mapulane, former KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former KZN sports MEC Amanda Mapena and City of Joburg MMC Loyiso Masuku, were also selected.
Others who are deemed as close allies of the ANC include Mantashe’s advisor Gwebinkudla Qonde. Also included is president of the SA Youth Council and SACP member Thulani Tshefuta. Former Mzala Nxumalo ANC regional secretary Zakhele Buthelezi, who was removed from his position after being charged with bribery, was also selected.
The minister later decided to reverse the appointments.
