ANC Minister Nkabane Dodges Accountability in Parliament Showdown

Nobuhle Nkabane

The nonchalant, borderline disrespectful conduct of Higher Education & Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane left a sour taste in the mouths of many South Africans. Her refusal to account to the people, during her appearance before parliament's portfolio committee on higher education, was a slap in the face to transparency.

Her behaviour echoed the infamous antics of former president Jacob Zuma, who, like Nkabane, regularly dodged accountability with smirks, giggles, and evasive responses. I'm not exaggerating: Watch this short clip of Zuma in parliament if you need a reminder.

For those unfamiliar with the drama surrounding Nkabane, here’s a quick refresher:

She recently caused an uproar by appointing politically connected individuals to chair Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards. The backlash was swift, with parties like the DA and EFF slamming the decision, especially since the appointees included Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC heavyweight Gwede Mantashe. Nkabane stood her ground, insisting the candidates were qualified, before sheepishly withdrawing the names.

President Cyril Ramaphosa tried to clean up the mess, saying: “Well, there was a problem, an issue which the minister is trying to correct now. And I think it’s important to realise that where, for instance, as the public sector, mistakes are made, immediately we are able to listen to the criticism, the voices of those in the community, and immediately take corrective measures.”

That’s why Nkabane was hauled before parliament last week to effectively explain herself.

Instead, she refused to answer EFF MP Sihle Lonzi’s questions about who advised her on the appointments. She wouldn't disclose the members of her advisory panel. And while chewing gum, food, who knows, she projected a loud and clear message of “IDGAF”.

At one point, she even told the portfolio committee chair, Walter Tebogo Letsie, to effectively consult Google and the Encyclopedia, when asked about "What makes a person credible".

On Sunday night, Nkabane went into a full-on PR mode, posting cherry-picked clips on X (formerly Twitter) tweeting: “Claims that I was rude or disrespectful are false and based on misleading clips taken out of context.”

What this minister still doesn't get is that this is not about optics. It’s about accountability. Or rather, her complete lack of it.

The truth is this, South Africans: Nkabane is not an outlier. There are many like her in the ANC and parliament at large. And if you think consequences are coming her way, eat your heart out. Absolutely nothing will happen to this “comrade”.

Expect a business-as-usual approach. Nkabane will ride out the backlash with her middle finger held high. And you still wonder why the ANC got 40% in the last election?

Follow me on X - @luyolomkentane