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[FILE IMAGE]: Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane facilitates a high-level meeting between the South African government and Vice-Chancellors of public institutions at GCIS in Pretoria on Apr 15, 2025.
Labour federation Cosatu has criticised the conduct of Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, describing her attitude before Parliament last week as “arrogant.”
Minister Nkabane appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, where she was questioned about the process surrounding the appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board members.
The minister recently cancelled the appointment of SETA chairpersons after public outcry over the suitability and connections of some candidates.
Cosatu’s parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks expressed concern about recurring allegations of politically connected individuals being appointed to key positions without proper qualifications.
“Often, we have seen politicians, businesspersons, politically connected persons using SETAs as slush funds,” Parks said.
“In the recent instance, the minister had to explain to Parliament why people who appeared to be unqualified and politically connected were chosen to chair SETAs. This raises serious alarm bells. Her response to Parliament, which was entirely appropriate, again raised serious concerns,” adds Parks.
He stressed that SETAs are funded through workers’ salaries and should serve public interest, not political interests.
VIDEO | Cosatu slams minister’s conduct in Parliament:
