Latest news with #ANC-linked
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Investigations demanded against KZN MECs amid corruption claims
THE MEC of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka whose department is embroiled in allegations of tender irregularities regarding the school nutrition programme THE MEC of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, has distanced herself from allegations that she had a hand in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. TRIBUNE REPORTER ACTIONSA has written to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, urging him to investigate Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on various allegations levelled against them. The DA has also joined the fray and asked the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gqurube to take over the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The party also welcomed the commitment by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, to initiate a preliminary investigation following serious allegations of corruption implicating Hlomuka and several ANC-linked figures within the administration of the NSNP. Simelane is facing allegations of abuse of power and interfering in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. The allegations surfaced earlier this week, and KZN Health was swift in quelling the rumours, issuing a statement after hours on Monday distancing the MEC from the allegations, adding that as a woman she would never do such a thing against another woman. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the anti-illegal immigration movement, March and March, which has had a few brushes with the health department over the members of the movement blocking undocumented immigrants from accessing public healthcare facilities. ActionSA leader in KZN, Zwakele Mncwango, said the premier shouldn't hide behind the deals of the government of provincial unity (GPU) to drag his feet at launching an investigation against the MECs. Hlomuka is embroiled in the school nutrition tender of his department, with his wife's company being one of the chosen bidders to supply food at various schools. "We are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the serious allegations of irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power within the Department of Health and Education. These allegations undermine the public's trust in the provincial department and its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency," reads ActionSA's letter. "Specifically the allegations against the MEC of Health regarding the abuse of power in relation to Vuma FM and the presenter Jacinta Ngobese, as well as the allegations of interference in the tender process for the nutrition programme by the MEC of Education, are grave and require immediate attention. "It is particularly concerning that you have remained silent on these matters, despite your previous rhetoric on issues such as illegal immigration. Notably, Jacinta Ngobese has been a vocal advocate against illegal immigration, and it is alarming that she is allegedly being victimised for her stance. Your silence on this matter raises questions about your commitment to protecting those who speak out against issues you have publicly condemned." Vuma FM issued a statement yesterday denying the Health MEC's involvement in the termination of Ngobese-Zuma's contract; however, just last month the station unveiled its new lineup with her still being the presenter of the midmorning show, The Cruise. The allegation was that Simelane had threatened to pull out all Department of Health advertising from the station, and she would also encourage other departments to do the same if Ngobese-Zuma was not removed. Yesterday, the Health MEC was on Ukhozi FM and clarified that the March and March movement, like every person, has a right to protest; however, every person in South Africa has a right to access health services if they are sick. She said her department can't turn away sick people from their facilities regardless of their immigration status, as it would open floodgates of legal action against the department. Simelane explained their conundrum as the department on undocumented immigrants citing the example of turning away a TB patient and the ripple effect it would have on them travelling by taxis and infecting other passengers who in turn infect others. She said there are discussions underway at the national level on a plan to have the immigrants' countries of origin help South Africa fund their healthcare. The DA's spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, who's also a member of the provincial legislature, said, "In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province." And businesses that operate under the NSNP have also complained about irregularities and favouritism in the bidding process. The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, said, "The process is underway and has not been finalised for anyone to cry foul." He said they have no knowledge of these allegations, and those bidders who feel aggrieved know the relevant platform where to report their allegations. The programme has always had challenges like budget constraints and payment delays to service providers. Yesterday the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, in a statement, welcomed Vuma FM's clarification on Ngobese-Zuma's contract and said this should put to bed the unfounded allegations against Simelane. On the issue of the nutrition tender, the ANC said, "The ANC understands that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner."
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Minister Gwarube urged to intervene in KZN school nutrition scandal
DA KZN demands urgent intervention from Minister Gwarube over alleged corruption in the school nutrition programme, calling for accountability and protection of learners' right to food. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal said it will submit a formal briefing document to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, urging her to intervene in the province's troubled National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). This comes in response to serious allegations of corruption involving provincial Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and other ANC-linked figures. DA KZN spokesperson on Education, Sakhile Mngadi, said the party welcomed the decision by Finance MEC Francois Rodgers to launch a preliminary investigation into the alleged misconduct. The DA believes this marks a significant step toward confronting political corruption in the province's education sector. Mngadi said: 'The MEC's response is a vital and encouraging step in the fight against entrenched political corruption, which continues to rob many of our learners of their basic right to food.' KZN Treasury spokesperson, Nkosikhona Duma, confirmed on Tuesday that while media reports have surfaced alleging tender fraud and bias in the NSNP, no formal representations have been received yet.
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments following Nkabane's dismissal
Former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed amid controversy over ANC-linked SETA board appointments. Image: GCIS The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has found that no formal panel was involved in appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, contradicting former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane's claims. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's dismissal of Nkabane on Monday, appointing her deputy, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, with Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The cabinet reshuffle comes amid increasing scrutiny of Nkabane's misleading explanation to Parliament regarding the SETA board appointment process. The appointments included individuals closely linked to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. The Department of Higher Education and Training briefed the committee on the existence of an 'independent panel' allegedly responsible for selecting and recommending SETA board appointments. Nkabane previously told MPs that the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. Other individuals named as panel members included Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane and adviser Asisipho Solani. Both initially failed to attend a previous meeting but were present at the latest hearing. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi were also absent in the previous meeting, but attended the latest session. All the alleged panelists denied participating in the selection or appointment of the now-reversed SETA board members. They told MPs there was no formal meeting or discussion held regarding the appointments. Ngwenya, who was listed as the panel's secretary, admitted she never convened any meetings, set agendas, or recorded minutes. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment and did not deem it necessary to formally accept it in writing,' she said. 'I was neither compensated nor remunerated for my role.' Semane said that although her name appeared on the minister's list of panel members, she only participated in selecting SETA accounting authorities - not board chairpersons. 'The minister's list of panel members was all-inclusive and did not distinguish between those involved in different selection processes,' she said. 'I was not paid any additional remuneration for my role in recommending accounting authorities.' Solani, who was Nkabane's adviser, also denied orchestrating the appointment process. 'I confirm that I did not receive any payments, allowances, or investments in this matter,' he said. Sishi distanced himself further, saying that while he supported the idea of appointing chairpersons, legislation did not permit him to do so. 'I only saw the list of chairpersons at the same time as everyone else during a meeting with the National Skills Authority… I had no prior knowledge of who would be on that list.' The trio emphasised that the panel never convened and they had no insight into how the names were selected. Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said testimonies confirmed that the panel never existed. 'It's clear the intention was there, but this process was never formalised,' Letsie said. 'The minister had every right under Section 111A of the Skills Development Act to make appointments. She could have simply said she was taking responsibility and restarting the process.' Letsie said the committee would draft a preliminary report and may offer Nkabane a chance to respond. He also questioned the usefulness of relying on a non-legislated process like an 'independent panel.' 'There was never a panel that was set…We are going to continue addressing these administrative issues with the department.' Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from raising concerns. 'There was a public outcry over inconsistencies and flawed processes. We are trying to determine whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts,' Zondo said. The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded access to the legal opinion guiding the committee's decision-making. 'Once we all have that, I'll call for a caucus break so parties can consult their legal teams,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the others - or from calling Nkabane to appear again.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt added: 'Everyone summoned appeared based on their role. We're not going to let this go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls agreed that Nkabane must be held accountable. 'The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear,' Sauls added. Cape Argus
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Nobuhle Nkabane dismissal: Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments
Former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed amid controversy over ANC-linked SETA board appointments. Image: GCIS The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has found that no formal panel was involved in appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, contradicting claims by former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane. This development comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Nkabane on Monday. Ramaphosa appointed her deputy, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, and announced Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The cabinet reshuffle follows growing scrutiny of Nkabane's role in what MPs have described as a misleading explanation to Parliament about the SETA board appointment process. The appointments included individuals closely linked to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. The Department of Higher Education and Training briefed the committee on the existence of an 'independent panel' allegedly responsible for selecting and recommending SETA board appointments. Nkabane previously told MPs that the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. Other individuals named as panel members included Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane and adviser Asisipho Solani. Both initially failed to attend a previous meeting but were present at the latest hearing. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi were also absent in the previous meeting, but attended the latest session. All the alleged panelists denied participating in the selection or appointment of the now-reversed SETA board members. They told MPs there was no formal meeting or discussion held regarding the appointments. Ngwenya, who was listed as the panel's secretary, admitted she never convened any meetings, set agendas, or recorded minutes. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment and did not deem it necessary to formally accept it in writing,' she said. 'I was neither compensated nor remunerated for my role.' Semane said that although her name appeared on the minister's list of panel members, she only participated in selecting SETA accounting authorities - not board chairpersons. 'The minister's list of panel members was all-inclusive and did not distinguish between those involved in different selection processes,' she said. 'I was not paid any additional remuneration for my role in recommending accounting authorities.' Solani, who was Nkabane's adviser, also denied orchestrating the appointment process. 'I confirm that I did not receive any payments, allowances, or investments in this matter,' he said. Sishi distanced himself further, saying that while he supported the idea of appointing chairpersons, legislation did not permit him to do so. 'I only saw the list of chairpersons at the same time as everyone else during a meeting with the National Skills Authority… I had no prior knowledge of who would be on that list.' The trio emphasised that the panel never convened and they had no insight into how the names were selected. Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said testimonies confirmed that the panel never existed. 'It's clear the intention was there, but this process was never formalised,' Letsie said. 'The minister had every right under Section 111A of the Skills Development Act to make appointments. She could have simply said she was taking responsibility and restarting the process.' Letsie said the committee would draft a preliminary report and may offer Nkabane a chance to respond. He also questioned the usefulness of relying on a non-legislated process like an 'independent panel.' 'There was never a panel that was set…We are going to continue addressing these administrative issues with the department.' IOL News earlier reported that MPs were considering summoning Nkabane, now a private member, to explain why ANC-linked individuals were appointed to the controversial boards. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from raising concerns. 'There was a public outcry over inconsistencies and flawed processes. We are trying to determine whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts,' Zondo said. The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded access to the legal opinion guiding the committee's decision-making. 'Once we all have that, I'll call for a caucus break so parties can consult their legal teams,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the others - or from calling Nkabane to appear again.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt added: 'Everyone summoned appeared based on their role. We're not going to let this go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls agreed that Nkabane must be held accountable. 'The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear,' Sauls added. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MPs push for Nkabane's return to Parliament to explain why she picked ANC allies to SETAs
MPs want fired Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to appear before Parliament to explain what led her to appoint ANC allies to the SETA board. Image: GCIS Members of Parliament (MPs) are considering calling the now-fired Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, in her capacity as a private member, to explain what led her to appoint ANC-linked members to the controversial SETA boards. Nkabane was fired on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa has since appointed her deputy, Buti Manamela, as Minister of Higher Education and Training, with Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube named as deputy minister. The reshuffle follows intense scrutiny of Nkabane's alleged role in misleading Parliament about the appointment process of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board members. The appointments included individuals closely tied to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. Last month, Ramaphosa requested a formal report from Nkabane regarding her conduct. Even though Nkabane maintained that the appointments were lawful, opposition parties accused her of undermining transparency. The Department of Higher Education and Training is currently briefing the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on the alleged 'independent panel' for the selection and recommendation of SETA board appointments under Nkabane. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading IOL reported that Nkabane came under fire again after failing to appear before Parliament to account for the controversial appointments, which included several ANC allies. Instead, she attended a gender-based violence (GBV) event at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the Eastern Cape. Nkabane sent a last-minute apology to the portfolio committee, citing the GBV event as the reason for her absence. Her apology was rejected by committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie. 'After receiving the letter, I told her I am not accepting her apology,' Letsie said. 'It does not make sense for her to be absent from the meeting.' Nkabane had been expected to brief MPs on the SETA board selection process, which was recently reversed. Although she previously told MPs the selections were made by an 'independent' panel chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, Motau later denied any involvement. Other members of the selection panel included her chief of staff, Nelisiwe Semane, and adviser Asisipho Solani, both of whom were absent from the previous meeting but have not attended the meeting. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi also failed to attend the meeting. Letsie said while the committee welcomed Nkabane's removal, it would make little sense to have panelists read their statements into the record without allowing Nkabane a right of reply. He said they thanked the panelists for attending and released them before proceeding to the next part of the meeting. However, MPs disagreed with this move and voiced their legal concerns. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from expressing concerns. 'I think we got into this matter because there was a public outcry for some inconsistencies and the feeling that processes were flawed,' Zondo said. 'When we were deliberating, it was whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts.' He added that key players who influenced the minister were present and should be held accountable. Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded to see the legal opinion the committee was relying on. 'Once we all have that, I will call for a caucus break for all parties to consult their legal opinions,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the whole lot. There's also nothing stopping this committee from calling Nobuhle Nkabane back in her capacity as a private citizen to account for the role she played.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt said: 'Every single person we summoned to appear before the committee was summoned based on their role. It has nothing to do with the previous minister or the new minister. Those who are present must present, and those who are not must still be called to do so. We are not going to let it go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls said: 'The answer is yes, the former minister must be held accountable. The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear.' Letsie reiterated that because Nkabane is no longer part of the executive, she falls outside the committee's jurisdiction. 'Whether she lied or not, there's nothing we will do because she's no longer in our space,' he said. 'There's a different committee that can now deal with that issue - the Ethics Committee.' Parliamentary legal adviser Phumelela Ngema said there was nothing wrong with members calling on Nkabane to account. 'Chairperson, there is definitely nothing wrong with what the members have indicated in respect of their oversight functions,' she said. 'However, there is a difference between the purpose and the actual intention of the meeting today.' She clarified that the department is still accountable to Parliament, but Nkabane no longer falls under Section 92 of the Constitution, which governs Cabinet accountability. IOL Politics
