The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has called on Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to provide clarity on the controversial appointment process for Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards, amid allegations of political interference and lack of transparency.
Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie expressed concerns over redacted names in documents submitted by the minister, raising suspicions that politically connected individuals may have been favoured. “It does raise serious questions about the process,” Letsie stated, though he cautioned against premature conclusions, noting that the blacked-out sections could also be a security measure against falsification.
The committee has given Minister Nkabane until Wednesday, June 25, to explain the omissions and provide full disclosure. If the minister is found to have deliberately concealed information, she could face consequences under the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities Act, which holds officials accountable for misleading Parliament.
NSFAS Crisis Deepens
Alongside the Seta controversy, the committee is pushing for urgent intervention in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), where mismanagement and delayed payments have left students stranded. Letsie highlighted cases of students being evicted from accommodations due to NSFAS’s failure to pay private providers, forcing some to write exams “taking cold showers” and studying by candlelight.
“We cannot have students suffering because of administrative failures,” Letsie said. The committee has demanded monthly reports from NSFAS and has tasked the Department of Higher Education with immediate oversight to resolve the crisis.
Political Fallout
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has escalated the matter by referring the Seta appointments to Parliament’s Ethics Committee, alleging possible nepotism. However, Letsie emphasized that the portfolio committee is following due process before making any conclusions.
Meanwhile, Minister Nkabane has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. The Presidency is also reportedly reviewing a separate report on the appointments, adding another layer to the unfolding scrutiny.
What’s Next?
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Minister Nkabane’s deadline: June 25 to explain redacted documents.
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NSFAS intervention: Committee seeks urgent action to stabilize student accommodations and payments.
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Ethics Committee probe: DA’s referral could lead to further investigations.
As pressure mounts, students, opposition parties, and civil society are watching closely to see whether accountability will prevail or if the controversies will deepen.