Despite Parly’s planned follow-up with Nkabane, MPs think her future should await ethics probe

CAPE TOWN – While Parliament’s Higher Education Portfolio Committee plans its follow-up meeting with Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, some members say her future should only be considered after an ethics investigation.

The committee is currently seeking legal advice on how to proceed with Nkabane, after saying she misled members when she claimed the selection panel for sector education and training authority board members was “independent” but included officials from her department.

Advocate Terry Motau, who was named as chairperson of the panel, has since distanced himself from the panel, saying his appointment was never formally and legally finalised.

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The committee, following its meeting on Thursday, recommended that Nkabane appear before it alongside her deputy ministers, the director-general, and members of the independent panel.

The committee wants them to explain the process adding that the names submitted appear to be “an extension of the ministry and not an independent panel”, as previously claimed.

But committee member Karabo Khakhau says while she has zero confidence in Nkabane to continue as minister, she says they must wait for the investigation into allegations that she misled parliament is finalised.

“We want to have the full report from ethics on the charges then we will call for another action.”

She says while Motau has since clarified his non-involvement in the process, they still want to hear his side.