Nkabane says she's apologised to Motau for naming him in SETA selection panel without his knowledge

CAPE TOWN - Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says she’s apologised to Advocate Terry Motau for naming him in the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board selection panel without his knowledge.

The Higher Education and Training Minister said she has engaged Motau to clarify his involvement in the appointment process, which has been reversed following an outcry that the boards were filled with politically connected people.

Last week, Motau denied being part of the process, saying Nkabane named him despite informing her of his inability to chair the panel. 

He stated in a letter to the committee and brought to light by Eyewitness News last week that he learnt of his appointment through media reports.

Motau later explained his reasons for not being able to chair the panel.

“The minister had an intention to appoint me to chair the nominations committee. However, that was not finalised because I was not briefed by an attorney.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Nkabane said she formally engaged advocate Motau in writing on Monday.

She said there was never any intent to misrepresent his role, “or to cause harm to his professional standing”. 

Nkabane apologised for the misunderstanding, saying it had now been “constructively resolved”, and there was a “mutual understanding between the parties”.