The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced plans to lay criminal charges against Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane on Tuesday, just hours before she is set to present her department’s budget vote in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
The move comes amid escalating tensions between the DA and the African National Congress (ANC) over allegations of misconduct and lack of transparency in the appointment of board chairpersons to the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
DA’s Allegations
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, in an interview, stated that the charges form part of a broader accountability process. She claimed the minister misled Parliament about the composition of a selection panel responsible for appointing SETA board members, allegedly favoring ANC cadres over qualified candidates.
“This is step three in our efforts to hold her accountable,” Khakhau said, referencing previous complaints lodged with Parliament’s ethics committee and the Public Protector. She accused the ANC of deliberately stalling internal parliamentary processes to shield the minister.
ANC’s Response
The ANC has dismissed the DA’s actions as politically motivated, with ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri labeling the budget vote boycott “petty.” The party maintains that due processes are being followed and denies any wrongdoing by Nkabane.
Efforts to obtain an official ANC comment on the impending charges were ongoing at the time of publication.
Broader GNU Tensions
The clash highlights deepening fractures within the Government of National Unity (GNU), with the DA now openly opposing budgets of ministers it accuses of corruption, including Nkabane, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
Khakhau defended the DA’s stance, stating, “We cannot in good conscience support budgets overseen by ministers who lack integrity.” She denied claims of retaliation following the ANC’s refusal to back DA Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber’s budget last week.
What’s Next?
With criminal charges set to be filed today, political analysts warn of further instability in the GNU. Political commentator Professor Angelo Fick noted, “This is a critical test for the unity government. If accountability mechanisms fail, public trust will erode further.”
The minister is expected to proceed with her budget presentation amid the controversy. Meanwhile, the DA has vowed to escalate its campaign, signaling protracted battles ahead in Parliament.