Ramaphosa taking Higher Education Minister to task over her attitude in Parliament

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to task for how she engaged with Parliament’s Higher Education portfolio committee last week.

She’s been ordered to provide him with an explanation for her conduct and full details regarding the appointment of chairpersons for Sector Education and Training bodies (SETA).

Nkabane’s exchanges with parliamentarians have gone viral on social media, with her demeanour towards the committee being viewed as combative and dismissive.

“What makes a person credible chair is exactly how it is defined when you Google. In the encyclopedia, you will see what it means. Exactly that."

This was Nkabane eating while responding to a question from the chairperson of the Higher Education committee, Tebogo Letsie, last week.

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NKabane told Parliament the appointments had been retracted due to public outcry, and not because the process was questionable.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the social media commentary on that appearance, in which the South African public has labelled Nkabane as rude and arrogant, has not gone unnoticed by the president.

"The president has requested the minister provide him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with parliament."

Magwenya says the president also expects to be apprised of the appointment process of SETA chairpersons.

He says the report is being requested of Nkabane in view of the expectation that ministers conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially when accounting to Parliament.

“The president expects the minister to establish a constructive relationship with the portfolio committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability,” added Magwenya.