Latest news with #Nkabane
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Steenhuisen: DA will support Appropriation Bill
CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, said that his party would support the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday as the National Assembly looks to finally put the national budget to bed. This follows the firing of African National Congress (ANC) MP, Nobuhle Nkabane, as higher education minister on Monday night. The party had previously said it would reject the budget votes of departments presided over by compromised ministers after President Cyril Ramaphosa axed MP, Andrew Whitfield, for travelling to the United States without his permission. ALSO READ: • Report on Appropriation Bill finalised for presentation to National Assembly • Parliament preps for possibility & implications of national budget not being passed Meanwhile, ANC chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, said the timing of Nkabane's firing had nothing to do with appeasing the DA. After five months of unprecedented budget wrangling, the Government of National Unity (GNU) is expected to rally together on Wednesday to get the last piece of budget legislation over the line. Steenhuisen told EWN that it's enough for his party that Nkabane was removed from her job over corruption allegations related to the appointment of boards for the Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) for the budget to get his party's backing. He said his party would vote in favour of all budget votes, including that of Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane, whom the party also wants to see axed. On Sunday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party was still engaged in crunch talks for the necessary support to approve the national budget. Meanwhile, Ntuli said that the firing of Nkabane is unrelated to the budget impasse with the DA. "It has much to do with whether the president has come to the conclusion whether this minister would be suitable to remain in that responsibility in the interest of that sector, of course the overall interest of the people of South Africa." The GNU is still expected to face opposition to passing the budget from the MK and EFF, both of whom have indicated they will reject it.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- 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
8 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Cyril Ramaphosa's bold move: Dismissing Nkabane to secure the Appropriation Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa gives in to DA pressure to save the budget vote. Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa was compelled to yield to the DA's pressure to dismiss Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to secure the Appropriation Bill's passage on Wednesday. Ramaphosa's move comes ahead of the National Assembly's vote on the Appropriation Bill, which allocates funding to each national department. The DA had threatened to withhold support for Nkabane's departmental budget following allegations of misconduct and misleading Parliament regarding appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Following Nkabane's dismissal, the DA's spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, confirmed on Tuesday that they would vote with the ANC in every department, paving the way for the Appropriation Bill to pass without major challenges. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The ANC, as well as ministers in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, have found temporary relief after Nkabane's axing. This follows the DA's confirmation that the party would vote with them for their respective departments but would pursue them over corruption allegations. 'Our caucus met this afternoon, and we have decided that we will support the other departmental budgets. So the DA will support the total budget. 'The axing of minister Nkabane came after relentless pressure from the DA on the president to get rid of the minister.' However, Aucamp said the party would keep applying pressure on the president to get rid of anybody in his government who is implicated in corruption, either by the Zondo Commission or through the VBS Bank looting scheme. Outgoing Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane faced intense scrutiny, particularly for her alleged misleading of Parliament regarding the process of appointing the SETA board members. Image: GCIS 'The DA will keep on doing that, but we will support this budget,' Aucamp said. The Appropriation Bill requires 201 of 400 votes in the National Assembly. With the DA's support, the Bill is likely to pass without significant hurdles. Opposition parties, who cited her alleged misconduct and disregard for public service, welcomed Nkabane's removal. Buti Manamela, one of Nkabane's deputies, has been named the new minister of Higher Education and Training. Nomusa Dube-Ncube was appointed deputy minister. The ANC expressed confidence in the new leadership to advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector. Ramaphosa has wielded his axe three times in recent days. Nearly two weeks ago, he suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and placed him on special leave over explosive allegations that he interfered in police work investigations that involved political assassinations. Mchunu has since denied these allegations, but was succeeded by ANC heavyweight Firoz Cachalia. On Monday, after Nkabane's dismissal, Ramaphosa also announced the suspension of the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke. Manamela's appointment brought questions within the corridors of Luthuli House as officials once again questioned why Ramaphosa appointed him when he had not done so when he suspended Mchunu, overlooking his two deputies, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. A senior National Executive Committee member said, although it was Ramaphosa's prerogative to pick and choose as to who he preferred, he appeared to be selective and wanted to keep people who were trusted around him. 'Comrades have been talking about it… they say the president should be consistent in his dealings… But I for one think it's a tough decision. We have the SACP (South African Communist Party) having decided to contest the elections… and you have Buti (Manamela) and you want to keep him in the deputy position?... It's impossible. 'The president knows he has to yield to the SACP, and this appointment will quell the tensions we have with the SACP,' the source said. New Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Political analyst Sandile Swana said Ramaphosa needed to keep people he trusted close to him because he was on his way out since its his last term. 'How Cyril Ramaphosa removes ministers is largely guided by the balance of forces for the balance of power within the tripartite alliance or the ANC, so he has to make sure that he strengthens those who protect him from any fallout that might occur. 'When he appoints new people, he will want his bodyguards to feel that he is strengthening them. These are people that would be in favour of his faction or to appease a stakeholder base,' he said. Another political analyst, Professor Sethulego Matebesi, said Ramaphosa's recent removals of high-profile individuals pointed to a significant change in his administration. 'This action might be interpreted as an effort to resolve alleged inconsistencies or disputes within his administration and to consolidate power. 'However, as opposition parties and even some members of his party voice concerns, it also calls into question the ANC's stability and the possibility of internal strife,' he said. 'Ramaphosa's decisions are perceived as being selective, which is important. It seems as if he prefers some individuals over others out of loyalty or conformity,' he said.
Daily Maverick
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
DA to support Appropriation Bill ‘in the national interest' after Nkabane axed
DA leader John Steenhuisen has announced the party will support the passing of the Appropriation Bill now that Nobuhle Nkabane is out of Cabinet. The DA has confirmed it will support the passing of the Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 22 July, now that Nobuhle Nkabane has been fired as higher education minister. Following a party caucus meeting on Tuesday, DA leader John Steenhuisen said the party would vote for the Bill 'in the national interest'. 'The Democratic Alliance will support the 2024/25 Appropriation Bill following the president's decision to dismiss Minister Nkabane after sustained DA pressure. This decision is the crucial first step in holding compromised ministers accountable,' said Steenhuisen. The Appropriation Bill, a key part of the national Budget that allocates departmental spending, will be considered and then debated on Wednesday. Every department's vote must be passed for the Bill to pass. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp told Daily Maverick on Tuesday morning that the party's support for the budget vote of the Department of Higher Education was solidified after Nkabane's firing. 'The Democratic Alliance will now support the budget vote on higher education because she is not there anymore,' he said. However, he said the DA's caucus would decide whether to support the Department of Human Settlements budget: 'We will discuss this and we will then decide on a way forward with regards to which other budgets we will support. 'So, I think the only one in question [that] still remains is Human Settlements, and that I can't give you an answer on. Our caucus will decide on that.' The DA has decided to move forward with the Appropriation Bill while continuing to push Ramaphosa to act against ministers implicated in wrongdoing. 'We now welcome the president's decision to act against [Nkabane]. But this must be the beginning, not the end. There are still individuals in the executive facing serious allegations. If the president is serious about restoring public trust, he must act decisively and consistently, not only when under pressure,' said Steenhuisen. ANC parliamentary chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday. DA's ultimatum After President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the DA's deputy minister of trade and industry, Andrew Whitfield, in June, the party said it would not support the Higher Education and Human Settlements budget votes while Ramaphosa retained ministers Nkabane and Thembi Simelane. The party opposed Nkabane's vote due to the scandal around the Seta board appointments, which had included individuals aligned to the ANC. For Simelane, it was down to her involvement in the ongoing VBS scandal. Daily Maverick and News24 reported that she received a R575,600 'loan' from VBS fixer Gundo Wealth Solutions. Following Nkabane's axing, on Monday the DA's Karabo Khakhau said the party's position on the issue was unchanged. The 'only way' the DA could support the budget votes was if Nkabane and Simelane were removed, said Khakhau. 'Not always easy as the GNU' Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader and chairperson of Parliament's Appropriations Committee, Mmusi Maimane, has been critical of the DA's stance on the Appropriation Bill, claiming it was playing politics with crucial government services. If the National Assembly fails to pass the Appropriation Bill, the Public Finance Management Act allows departments to spend up to 45% of the previous year's allocation in the first four months. Those four months will be up at the end of July. Thereafter, they can spend 10% of the allocation a month, capped at the previous year's total and limited to previously approved services. On Tuesday, Aucamp said Maimane did not understand the dynamics of the Government of National Unity (GNU) since his party was outside of the GNU. 'He does not understand the dynamics that we have got to deal with in the GNU. We have always managed to get to where we need to be, even if it was the fiscal framework that the Democratic Alliance went to court with,' said Aucamp. 'It's very easy to stand on the sidelines and give criticism if you are not on the field,' said Aucamp. He added: 'As the GNU, it's not always easy, but we do get where we want to be and hopefully we will be able to sort out all the issues with regards to all the different budgets and go forward from there. So yeah, it's easy for Mr Maimane to give criticism.' The DA spokesperson said the party's approach was 'yielding results'. 'If it was not for the pressure that the Democratic Alliance has been applying, we would still have sat with Nkabane.' DM
Eyewitness News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
MKP submits request to Speaker to consider its no-confidence motion in Ramaphosa for failing to fire Mchunu
CAPE TOWN - The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it's submitted a request to the Speaker to consider its motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa for, among other things, failing to fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The party said that by firing former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, and not Mchunu, the president had failed to show that the Government of National Unity (GNU) was committed to real reform. The party said it would reject the Appropriation Bill when it's presented to the National Assembly House on Wednesday, and was rallying support from its so-called progressive partners to do the same. While it supports the firing of Nkabane as higher education minister, the MK Party's chief whip, Colleen Makhubele, said it did not signal real change at all under the GNU. "The minister of higher education became the sacrificial lamb, a soft target that was easy to remove, but she's not the be-all and end-all of corruption. There's a systematic rot that's happening within that whole GNU setup." Parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, said that Nkabane's firing was a strategic move and was merely President Ramaphosa pandering to the Democratic Alliance (DA) to shore up the votes needed to finalise the budget on Wednesday. "I hope South Africans are not fooled. We in the MK Party can see through this. He's doing it, not out of genuine concern for South Africans, but purely to get the votes from the DA." The party said it would not be supporting any of the budget votes on Wednesday in the bill that apportions money to state departments, because they do not address the needs of the average South African.
