Latest news with #Khakhau
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Mantashe rubbishes claims that senior ANC officials were behind Seta board appointments
Minister Gwede Mantashe has rubbished claims from the DA's Karabo Khakhau and EFF's Sihle Lonzi that senior politicians within the ANC were behind the controversial appointments of the chairpersons for 21 Seta boards. Members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Karabo Khakhau and Sihle Lonzi, who were vocal about alleged corruption and nepotism at the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) after it emerged that ANC politicians were going to be appointed chairpersons for the 21 Seta boards responsible for skills development, allege that senior officials were behind these appointments, including the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantshe. On 13 May 2025, Khakhau revealed on X that then Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane had appointed ANC cadres from KwaZulu-Natal to Seta boards, including the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nomusa Dube-Ncube; former ANC provincial deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu; and Buyambo Mantashe, son of Gwede Mantashe. 🇿🇦Higher Ed Minister Nkabane appoints KZN ANC cadres and Mantashe's son to SETA Boards (see list below). These appointments raise serious concerns about the politicisation of institutions meant to serve all South Africans. SETAs are not ANC cadre deployment havens, nor should… — Karabo Khakhau MP (@KaraboKhakhau) May 13, 2025 Following this, on 14 May 2025, Lonzi questioned the transparency and political impartiality of the Seta board appointments but was removed from the committee meeting by chairperson Tebogo Letsie (ANC). On the day Nkabane ditched the 18 July committee meeting and accountability regarding the independent panellists and the process of appointing the chairpersons, Khakhau and Lonzi both told Daily Maverick that senior ANC politicians were behind these appointments. Khakhau said that if there was a panel, Seta director Mabuza Ngubane, who testified on 18 July and denied involvement in the controversial Seta appointments, would have sent the list of applications and nominees to the panel instead of the minister; then the panel would engage with the minister. 'So it again begs the question: Was this panel a smokescreen to cover up the fact that the minister deliberately underwent a process of catered appointments to appoint ANC-connected politicians from KwaZulu-Natal, people who are linked to Gwede Mantashe, on the instruction of Gwede Mantashe to head up Seta board chairpersons? That's the question that still needs to be resolved,' said Khakhau. She added: 'There's more than what meets the eye, and she (Nkabane) won't run away forever. This is a clear case of corruption.' 'Minister is a pawn' Meanwhile, Lonzi told Daily Maverick that Nkabane might be a front for this process, with higher-up officials in the ANC pulling the strings. 'We're of the view that there are very senior ANC officials involved. In fact, very soon we're going to make the argument that even the [former] minister herself is merely a pawn in a game of very senior leaders of the ANC who have for many years captured many government entities, SOEs, departments, and the like. And as time goes on, we're going to be able to expose that to the people of South Africa,' said Lonzi. 'We're developing an argument that these are typical decisions that are made in Luthuli House. We know how the corrupt ANC operates and how it captures SOEs. Instead of letting government officials do their work… from time to time they are summoned to Luthuli House, and they're instructed, 'No, put this person off.' [We] saw that the son of Gwede Mantashe was made a chair of one of the Setas, and Gwede Mantashe is a very senior official of the ANC… The panel is Luthuli House,' he added. Mantashe rubbishes claims from DA and EFF On 28 July Mantashe told Daily Maverick that in the ANC, he was never part of any deployment committee, and that he had nothing to do with the Seta scandal. 'I would never influence appointments while I am not on the committee. My son is an educated adult with a master's [degree]. So when he gets appointed, people should not say it is me… I met Lonzi and told him that you need to get educated,' said Mantshe. The so-called independent panel issue was concluded last week, when four panellists said they were not involved after a public outcry and student formations calling for Nkabane to be removed as the Minister of Higher Education and Training. President Cyril Ramaphosa then axed Nkabane. However, before her removal ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula defended Nkabane in a media briefing at Luthuli House, saying Nkabane had not broken the law regarding the Seta board appointments. The DA has opened criminal charges of fraud and statutory offences against Nkabane, and the Hawks are investigating the matter, according to reports. After Nkabane's removal from office, Ramaphosa appointed Buti Manamela as the minister of higher education. Nkabane, however, continues to be an MP in the National Assembly. DM
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Hawks confirm investigating Higher Education Minister Nkabane over ‘alleged ANC cadre deployment'
The Hawks have confirmed that they investigating Higher Education Minister Dr Nonuhle Nkabane over 'alleged ANC cadre deployment.' Image: Facebook The Hawks have confirmed they are investigating criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following a complaint filed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) last week. The DA alleges that Nkabane lied to Parliament and facilitated ANC cadre deployment to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Nkabane is accused of fraud and lying to Parliament under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act. Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed to IOL News on Monday afternoon that the case is currently in its early stages. 'The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation can confirm that a case has been opened for investigation, which is at an early stage,' Mogale said. 'Further details cannot be interrogated in the media space.' The DA's national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau confirmed the Hawks' probe, saying the party welcomes the serious attention given to the complaint. 'We welcome that the criminal complaint against Nkabane is being seen in a most serious light by the Hawks,' said Khakhau. 'It is unfathomable that President Ramaphosa remains idle and silent about allegations of egregious ANC corruption and law-breaking in the national executive.' Khakhau criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking no action against Nkabane and other ANC ministers facing corruption allegations, including Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane. Nkabane faces allegations of fraud and the statutory offence of lying to Parliament. 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 According to the DA, she orchestrated a scheme that saw senior ANC figures and their associates appointed to lucrative SETA board positions. Some beneficiaries included the son of Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, Buyambu, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dr Dube-Ncube, and other high-ranking ANC figures. Khakhau claimed Nkabane oversaw 'a scheme to make ANC cadres rich' and engaged in deception to cover it up. 'For that gross abuse of power, she has suffered zero consequences from President Ramaphosa,' she added. The DA said it looks forward to continued cooperation with the Hawks as the investigation progresses. 'We will provide further updates as this criminal investigation into ANC Minister Nkabane unfolds,' Khakhau said. Last week, IOL News reported that DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille said the party opened the criminal complaint due to Ramaphosa's inaction against corruption. 'We're here today for the simple reason that President Ramaphosa refuses to be as good as his word and act against corruption,' Zille said during a media briefing last week. 'That kind of behaviour goes unchecked, while a DA deputy minister is fired for taking a personal trip without presidential permission.' Zille accused Nkabane of appointing ANC loyalists to SETA boards under the pretence of an 'independent panel.' Among those who were appointed, but later withdrawn were: - Buyambo Mantashe, chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board and son of Gwede Mantashe - Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, chairperson of the Banking SETA (BANKSETA) board -Siboniso Mbhele, appointee to the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) board - Loyiso Masuku, appointee to the Food and Beverages Manufacturing SETA (FOODBEV) board Zille said Nkabane had falsely claimed the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. 'She lied to a parliamentary committee, which amounts to lying to Parliament,' Zille said. 'Upon further investigation, the DA found that three of the six panel members were employees of Nkabane's department, and others were ANC affiliates.' Nkabane initially refused to disclose the panel members' names but later submitted the list under pressure. It included: - Advocate Terry Motau (who denied serving), Asisipho Solani, Nelisiwe Semane, Mabuza Ngubane and Rhulani Ngwenya.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
DA lodges criminal complaint against Nobuhle Nkabane over alleged deceit
DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau lodged charges at the Cape Town Central police station against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane's spokesperson says the DA's decision to lodge a criminal complaint against the Minister appeared to be a tactic aimed at drawing attention away from 'the real work of governance and development'. 'The Minister has consistently acted in good faith and within the bounds of the law,' Nkabane's spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana said. The DA on Tuesday lodged a criminal case against Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. DA federal chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau, who serves on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, lodged the charges at the Cape Town Central police station. Khakhau said the charges relate to Nkabane's alleged deliberate misrepresentation of the appointment process for SETA board members as she had claimed an 'independent' evaluation panel was responsible for the selections. 'She falsely claimed an 'independent' panel made the appointments — including a chair who confirmed he wasn't involved,' said Khakhau. 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 Khakhau accused Nkabane of facilitating 'fraudulent' appointments by misleading the Parliamentary committee, and said the so-called independent panel had included her own Chief of Staff and an ANC Youth League leader. 'Most damningly, she falsely named Advocate Terry Motau SC as the chair of this panel, a claim he has unequivocally denied in writing. He made it clear he had no knowledge of, nor participated in, the process,' she added. In a statement, the DA said: 'This is not a case of poor judgement; it is a flagrant and deliberate attempt to deceive Parliament and the South African people. Minister Nkabane has broken the law and violated her oath of office. The DA will not stand by while ministers who lie, manipulate processes, and protect ANC cronies remain in office.' The party said it would not support the Department of Higher Education and Training's budget while Nkabane remains in office and vowed to oppose all budgets led by ministers 'under criminal investigation for corruption or misconduct'. Zille said the party was taking this step because of President Cyril Ramaphosa's 'inaction' in the face of corruption within the executive. 'We're here today for the simple reason that President Ramaphosa refuses to be as good as his word and act against corruption, act against criminality in our Parliament,' Zille said. 'Serious fraud and the misleading of Parliament are somehow condoned by President Ramaphosa's government. That is an enormous double standard.' Zille described the SETA appointments as a 'blatant lie to a committee of Parliament,' and added that in previous cases, such acts were treated as both fraud and a criminal offence. She said an investigation by Khakhau had revealed that the people responsible for selecting board members included three senior employees from the Minister's department. The DA called on Ramaphosa to act swiftly and remove Nkabane from office, warning that continued inaction would implicate him in enabling corruption. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to a request for comment. Mavovana said they note the DA's decision to lodge a criminal complaint against the Minister. "Dr Nkabane's focus remains on delivering tangible outcomes for young people, including today's Budget Vote speech, which outlines strategic investments in skills development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth," Mavovana said. Cape Times
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Accusations of fraud: Charges laid against against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane
Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of failing to act on corruption in Parliament. Image: Facebook/DA The Democratic Alliance (DA) has opened a criminal case against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-linked individuals to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. On Tuesday morning, DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille and DA MP Karabo Khakhau, who serves on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, laid the charges at the Cape Town Central police station. Khakhau said the charges relate to Nkabane's alleged deliberate misrepresentation of the appointment process for SETA board members, during which she claimed an 'independent' evaluation panel was responsible for the selections. 'She falsely claimed an 'independent' panel made the appointments — including a chair who confirmed he wasn't involved,' said Khakhau. 'The DA has laid criminal charges against Minister Nkabane for lying to Parliament about ANC cadre appointments. We will vote against her department's budget and other budgets led by corrupt ANC ministers.' Khakhau accused Nkabane of facilitating 'fraudulent' appointments by misleading the Parliamentary committee, and said the so-called independent panel had included her own Chief of Staff and an ANC Youth League leader. 'Most damningly, she falsely named Advocate Terry Motau SC as the chair of this panel, a claim he has unequivocally denied in writing. He made it clear he had no knowledge of, nor participated in, the process,' she added. In a statement, the DA said: 'This is not a case of poor judgement; it is a flagrant and deliberate attempt to deceive Parliament and the South African people. Minister Nkabane has broken the law and violated her oath of office. The DA will not stand by while ministers who lie, manipulate processes, and protect ANC cronies remain in office.' The party said it would not support the Department of Higher Education and Training's budget while Nkabane remains in office and vowed to oppose all budgets led by ministers 'under criminal investigation for corruption or misconduct'. Zille said the party was taking this step because of President Cyril Ramaphosa's 'inaction' in the face of corruption within the executive. 'We're here today for the simple reason that President Ramaphosa refuses to be as good as his word and act against corruption, act against criminality in our Parliament,' Zille said. 'Serious fraud and the misleading of Parliament are somehow condoned by President Ramaphosa's government. That is an enormous double standard.' Zille described the SETA appointments as a 'blatant lie to a committee of Parliament,' and added that in previous cases, such acts were treated as both fraud and a criminal offence. She said an investigation by Khakhau had revealed that the people responsible for selecting board members included three senior employees from the Minister's department: 'We have the Minister's Chief of Staff, we had the Chief Director for the SETAs, accountable to the Minister, and we had the Director of Corporate Services who's very close to the Minister.' Zille also criticised the inclusion of known ANC deployees on the selection panel and said the Minister's conduct amounted to misleading Parliament. 'This matter concerns Minister Nkabane of Higher Education. She announced certain appointments to the SETA boards, which are crucially important in the higher education sector of South Africa,' Zille said. 'Far from being independent people who had come in as experts, it turns out several of them were either her employees or deployed ANC cadres from various positions. This was a blatant lie to a committee of Parliament, which is considered to be a lie to Parliament. Misleading Parliament and fraud are two criminal contraventions.' The DA called on Ramaphosa to act swiftly and remove Nkabane from office, warning that continued inaction would implicate him in enabling corruption. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya and Nkabane's spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana had not responded to questions. This story will be updated when they comment.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘You must fire Nkabane': Nkabane misled Parliament, say MPs calling for dismissal
Nkabane allegedly lied about the Seta board panel, prompting MPs to demand her immediate removal. Dr Nobuhle Nkabane ( Minister of Higher Education and Training) at the official launch of the National Skills Fund (NSF) Disabilities Programme Phase I at Blind SA on November 29, 2024 in Alberton, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) Amid rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle, President Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure to fire Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane. Nkabane 'lied' to parliament about the appointment of the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairs and 'must be fired', DA MP and portfolio committee member of education, Karabo Khakhau, told Ramaphosa in no uncertain terms. 'Mr President, you have a lying minister in your Cabinet, who has been caught red-handed. 'It's time to fire Nkabane with immediate effect' 'It is time for you to fire Minister Nobuhle Nkabane with immediate effect and to replace her with a minister committed to making higher education work, not committed to making work for ANC insiders.' Khakhau said. Nkabane 'misled' parliament by providing false information about the procedure for appointing the Seta chairs – a list dominated by ANC cadres – and the composition of the panel that appointed the chairs. The minister was questioned by the portfolio committee on the composition of the panel tasked to appoint the chairs and got into hot water when she told the committee advocate Terry Motau chaired the process. ALSO READ: 'Reputational discomfort': Minister apologises to Advocate Motau over Seta panel claim Motau this week denied he chaired the process, nor was he officially appointed as the panel chair. Khakhau was responsible for blowing the whistle on Nkabane's list of board chairs, that included former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa-Ncube and former KZN MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu. Besides ANC senior members, at least half of the list are individuals from KwaZulu-Natal, Nkabane's home province. Mantashe's son a chair for boards But it was her inclusion of Buyambo Mantashe, son of Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe as chair of one of the boards, that raised red flags. Mantashe senior was Nkabane's boss when she was deputy minister of mineral resources and energy between 2021 and 2024. Khakhau told Ramaphosa: 'She has used a strategy of lying to parliament to try and cover up her tracks, after she made a brazen ANC cadre deployment appointment to the boards of Seta. ALSO READ: 'We are not xenophobic': No justification to favour foreign academics over South Africans, says ANC MP 'South Africans were rightfully outraged about this. 'Once exposed and once public pressure mounted, Nkabane made an effective admission to her infringements by withdrawing the appointments.' Khakhau was joined by uMkhonto weSizwe party MP Mnqobi Msezane, who called for Nkabane's head, saying she is not fit to hold the position. Serious level of incompetence Nkabane displayed a serious level of incompetence, Msezane said. The minister has since admitted her wrongdoing, including her claim that Motau chaired the panel. She apologised to Motau, calling it a 'misunderstanding'. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni did not dismiss rumours about a Cabinet restructuring, except to say she was not aware of them. NOW READ: R27k in cash found in Walter Sisulu University deputy vice-chancellor's car after fatal shooting
