President Cyril Ramaphosa demands answers from Minister Nobuhle Nkabane over her combative conduct and controversial SETA appointments during a parliamentary session.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially called Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane to order following her widely criticised behaviour in Parliament last week. The Minister’s dismissive and combative exchanges with members of the Higher Education Portfolio Committee have provoked public outrage, drawing widespread condemnation across social media platforms.
The president has instructed Nkabane to submit a detailed report explaining her attitude and actions during the session, as well as full details of the controversial appointment process involving chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) boards.
A Parliament Performance That Sparked National Debate
The controversy erupted after Nkabane’s interaction with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie went viral. In one now-infamous moment, the minister responded to a question while casually eating, stating:
“What makes a person a credible chair is exactly how it is defined when you Google. In the encyclopedia, you will see what it means. Exactly that.”
This tone-deaf response, combined with her dismissive body language and tone, was widely criticised as disrespectful and arrogant. South Africans on social media accused Nkabane of disregarding parliamentary decorum, with some demanding she be held accountable for undermining the accountability process.
President Ramaphosa Steps In
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the president is treating the incident seriously.
“The president has requested the minister provide him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with Parliament,” said Magwenya.
Ramaphosa has also demanded a clear explanation regarding the appointment process of SETA chairpersons, some of whom were alleged to be politically connected individuals. These appointments, according to Nkabane, were only retracted due to public outcry, not because the process was flawed.
A Reminder on Ministerial Conduct
Magwenya emphasised that the president expects all ministers to conduct themselves professionally, transparently, and cordially, especially when appearing before Parliament.
“The president expects the minister to establish a constructive relationship with the portfolio committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability,” Magwenya added.
Ramaphosa’s swift intervention sends a clear signal that cabinet accountability and parliamentary respect remain key pillars of his administration’s governance ethos.
What’s Next for Nkabane?
With the president now directly involved, pressure is mounting on Minister Nkabane to redeem her conduct and clarify the controversial appointments. Political analysts suggest this could lead to either a reprimand or a reshuffle, depending on the contents of her report.
As South Africa watches this saga unfold, it becomes a defining moment for the minister’s future and a litmus test for how seriously the Ramaphosa administration deals with internal accountability and public perception.
Final Word
This episode is more than just a political scuffle—it’s a reminder that in a democracy, even those at the top must answer with grace, humility, and clarity. South Africans have spoken, and the president has listened. Now, all eyes turn to Dr. Nkabane and the report that could shape her political path moving forward.
Also read: Ramaphosa Offended by Call to Scrap BEE Laws by GNU Partner Mulder
