Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonHigherEducation
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Malema warns new Minister Manamela about department challenges and advises Nkabane to be humble
EFF leader Julius Malema says former Higher Education minister Nobuhle Nkabane must be humble and know that she does not know and be prepared to be guided and be advised by proper people. Image: X / EFF EFF leader Julius Malema on Thursday offered free advice to newly-appointed Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela and his sacked predecessor Nobuhle Nkabane. Responding to questions from journalists at a media briefing in Cape Town, Malema said Manamela should never trust the department's director-general (D-G) Nkosinathi Sishi, whom he described as 'the big problem' in the department. 'He is the one who misleads them. He worked with Blade (Nzimande) that D-G. Blade is disgruntled and bitter about his removal from higher education. He will do anything and everything to undermine whoever is in that institution,' he said. 'Buti must find a way to part ways with that D-G and bring a competent, qualified person who is not Blade Nzimande stooge, if he wants to succeed in that department,' he said. Malema gave the advice days after Manamela replaced Nkabane. Nkabane was axed amid the investigation by the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education into the now-cancelled appointment of chairperson for boards of Sector and Education Authorities (SETAs). She withdrew the appointments of chairpersons for the SETA boards following public outrage after the list of the appointments was leaked. The appointments had included ANC-aligned people that included former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson and Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, among others. Nkabane had told the portfolio committee that an 'independent panel' had made recommendations on the appointment of board chairpersons. However, those she named to have served on 'the independent panel' denied involvement in the work of the panel apart from confirming the appointments to be panellists. Malema described Nkabane's sacking as 'so painful', adding that she was young and had the chance to come back. 'I have seen people demoted politically rework themselves and come back. The first thing she must do is stop chewing gum in a meeting,' Malema said. His reference to chewing gum related to a recent portfolio committee meeting where Nkabane was seen chewing something while being interrogated by MPs. 'She must be humble and know that she does not know and be prepared to be guided and be advised by proper people. Only a person who does not know how government works would have advised what she did.' Malema noted with concern that Nkabane had not used 'the second chance' given to her by the portfolio committee to explain the selection and recommendations made by the 'independent panel' on the appointment of SETA board chairpersons. 'She leaves the committee to go to a gender-based violence (event) of a TVET college when TVET colleges are a responsibility of a deputy minister. Someone from the streets is misleading her. She is listening to someone who has no idea what we deal with here (Parliament). There are certain things you don't do in Parliament. She should have known.' Malema also said Nkabane had not been collegial to 'the protection' in the form of her ANC colleague and committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie. 'That was extremely girlish. She was not ready to be a minister. She must go to the branch and learn,' he said. [email protected]
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments following Nkabane's dismissal
Former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed amid controversy over ANC-linked SETA board appointments. Image: GCIS The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has found that no formal panel was involved in appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, contradicting former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane's claims. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's dismissal of Nkabane on Monday, appointing her deputy, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, with Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The cabinet reshuffle comes amid increasing scrutiny of Nkabane's misleading explanation to Parliament regarding the SETA board appointment process. The appointments included individuals closely linked to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. The Department of Higher Education and Training briefed the committee on the existence of an 'independent panel' allegedly responsible for selecting and recommending SETA board appointments. Nkabane previously told MPs that the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. Other individuals named as panel members included Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane and adviser Asisipho Solani. Both initially failed to attend a previous meeting but were present at the latest hearing. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi were also absent in the previous meeting, but attended the latest session. All the alleged panelists denied participating in the selection or appointment of the now-reversed SETA board members. They told MPs there was no formal meeting or discussion held regarding the appointments. Ngwenya, who was listed as the panel's secretary, admitted she never convened any meetings, set agendas, or recorded minutes. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment and did not deem it necessary to formally accept it in writing,' she said. 'I was neither compensated nor remunerated for my role.' Semane said that although her name appeared on the minister's list of panel members, she only participated in selecting SETA accounting authorities - not board chairpersons. 'The minister's list of panel members was all-inclusive and did not distinguish between those involved in different selection processes,' she said. 'I was not paid any additional remuneration for my role in recommending accounting authorities.' Solani, who was Nkabane's adviser, also denied orchestrating the appointment process. 'I confirm that I did not receive any payments, allowances, or investments in this matter,' he said. Sishi distanced himself further, saying that while he supported the idea of appointing chairpersons, legislation did not permit him to do so. 'I only saw the list of chairpersons at the same time as everyone else during a meeting with the National Skills Authority… I had no prior knowledge of who would be on that list.' The trio emphasised that the panel never convened and they had no insight into how the names were selected. Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said testimonies confirmed that the panel never existed. 'It's clear the intention was there, but this process was never formalised,' Letsie said. 'The minister had every right under Section 111A of the Skills Development Act to make appointments. She could have simply said she was taking responsibility and restarting the process.' Letsie said the committee would draft a preliminary report and may offer Nkabane a chance to respond. He also questioned the usefulness of relying on a non-legislated process like an 'independent panel.' 'There was never a panel that was set…We are going to continue addressing these administrative issues with the department.' Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from raising concerns. 'There was a public outcry over inconsistencies and flawed processes. We are trying to determine whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts,' Zondo said. The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded access to the legal opinion guiding the committee's decision-making. 'Once we all have that, I'll call for a caucus break so parties can consult their legal teams,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the others - or from calling Nkabane to appear again.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt added: 'Everyone summoned appeared based on their role. We're not going to let this go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls agreed that Nkabane must be held accountable. 'The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear,' Sauls added. Cape Argus
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Nobuhle Nkabane dismissal: Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments
Former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed amid controversy over ANC-linked SETA board appointments. Image: GCIS The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has found that no formal panel was involved in appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, contradicting claims by former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane. This development comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Nkabane on Monday. Ramaphosa appointed her deputy, Buti Manamela, as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training, and announced Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The cabinet reshuffle follows growing scrutiny of Nkabane's role in what MPs have described as a misleading explanation to Parliament about the SETA board appointment process. The appointments included individuals closely linked to the African National Congress (ANC), such as Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Dube-Ncube. The Department of Higher Education and Training briefed the committee on the existence of an 'independent panel' allegedly responsible for selecting and recommending SETA board appointments. Nkabane previously told MPs that the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. Other individuals named as panel members included Nkabane's chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane and adviser Asisipho Solani. Both initially failed to attend a previous meeting but were present at the latest hearing. Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi were also absent in the previous meeting, but attended the latest session. All the alleged panelists denied participating in the selection or appointment of the now-reversed SETA board members. They told MPs there was no formal meeting or discussion held regarding the appointments. Ngwenya, who was listed as the panel's secretary, admitted she never convened any meetings, set agendas, or recorded minutes. 'I viewed this as an assignment of duties rather than a formal appointment and did not deem it necessary to formally accept it in writing,' she said. 'I was neither compensated nor remunerated for my role.' Semane said that although her name appeared on the minister's list of panel members, she only participated in selecting SETA accounting authorities - not board chairpersons. 'The minister's list of panel members was all-inclusive and did not distinguish between those involved in different selection processes,' she said. 'I was not paid any additional remuneration for my role in recommending accounting authorities.' Solani, who was Nkabane's adviser, also denied orchestrating the appointment process. 'I confirm that I did not receive any payments, allowances, or investments in this matter,' he said. Sishi distanced himself further, saying that while he supported the idea of appointing chairpersons, legislation did not permit him to do so. 'I only saw the list of chairpersons at the same time as everyone else during a meeting with the National Skills Authority… I had no prior knowledge of who would be on that list.' The trio emphasised that the panel never convened and they had no insight into how the names were selected. Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said testimonies confirmed that the panel never existed. 'It's clear the intention was there, but this process was never formalised,' Letsie said. 'The minister had every right under Section 111A of the Skills Development Act to make appointments. She could have simply said she was taking responsibility and restarting the process.' Letsie said the committee would draft a preliminary report and may offer Nkabane a chance to respond. He also questioned the usefulness of relying on a non-legislated process like an 'independent panel.' 'There was never a panel that was set…We are going to continue addressing these administrative issues with the department.' IOL News earlier reported that MPs were considering summoning Nkabane, now a private member, to explain why ANC-linked individuals were appointed to the controversial boards. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Sanele Zondo said it was unfair to block members from raising concerns. 'There was a public outcry over inconsistencies and flawed processes. We are trying to determine whether she lied under oath or misinterpreted the facts,' Zondo said. The Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau demanded access to the legal opinion guiding the committee's decision-making. 'Once we all have that, I'll call for a caucus break so parties can consult their legal teams,' she said. 'There's nothing stopping us from engaging Solani, Ngwenya, and the others - or from calling Nkabane to appear again.' DA MP Désirée van der Walt added: 'Everyone summoned appeared based on their role. We're not going to let this go.' Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls agreed that Nkabane must be held accountable. 'The question is whether that accountability should continue in this committee. There are other parliamentary processes where she can appear,' Sauls added. [email protected] IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Sexual harassment cases at SA universities often fall through cracks, warns gender equality body
The Commission for Gender Equality says officials at some higher learning institutions lack the skills to respond to sexual harassment cases of students. Appearing before the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on Wednesday, 16 July, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) cited a 2024 report that there is a lack of implementation of policies to address sexual harassment cases, and some universities lack the capacity to assist students. 'There are challenges around case management; there is a skills shortage among officials that are first responders… This led to many of the students stating that they would not report sexual harassment because they see that some of the alleged perpetrators are walking around because of cases that go through the cracks due to these skill shortages,' said Naledi Selebano, the acting head of research and policy at the CGE. The CGE is responsible for promoting respect for gender equality, and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality. 'There are staff shortages and issues of caseload wherein one individual is dealing with or responsible for the entire institution, including numerous campuses, because with universities, they may have multiple campuses and not just one,' Selebano told the committee. 'There are issues around weaknesses with the protection: sometimes witnesses are reluctant to come forward; they do not want to be subjected to the process of hearings, and sometimes they lack the confidence to speak about issues of sexual harassment as well as to support the complainant.' The CGE said that pay disparities persisted along gender and race lines at SA's tertiary institutions, particularly at senior post levels, disadvantaging women and African professionals. However, some universities, such as Stellenbosch University (SU), have initiated pay audits and allocated funding to address disparities. The CGE found that while most tertiary institutions have GBV and sexual harassment policies, implementation is inconsistent. The head of legal services at CGE, Tsietsi Shuping, said: 'In many instances, victims do not report due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or uncertainty about institutional procedures. Many institutions have policy gaps on this issue. For instance, many universities lack comprehensive policies that directly address GBV; instead, focusing only on sexual harassment. 'There is often a gap between policy and practice, with poor enforcement of existing regulations. Research has also shown that universities sometimes downplay incidents of GBV to protect their reputation.' NSFAS delays Shuping said the delayed distribution of funds by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) contributed to students feeling vulnerable and becoming victims of sexual harassment. 'These delays may contribute to increased vulnerability to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as they often place students, especially during the registration period, under significant financial and emotional stress. Beyond tuition and accommodation, students also face urgent needs such as access to food.' The chairperson of the portfolio committee, Tebogo Letsie, said these matters of the safety and security of students must be resolved. Letsie and MP Yanga Govana called on the deputy minister of higher education and training, Mimmy Gondwe, to ensure that NSFAS responds to the issue of allowances being released on time because some students find themselves in a harsh position and have sexual relationships with older men to get money. Gondwe said, 'We're meeting on the 5th of August with NSFAS so that we can bring them on board regarding the concerns raised around the delayed payments that Honourable Govana mentioned.' The CGE recommended that all people who deal with sexual harassment must be trained on victim- or survivor-first responder approaches. Uncomplicated, pragmatic policies must be developed and structures put in place at all higher education institutions, including Technical and Vocational Education colleges and Community Education and Training centres, to address sexual harassment. DM
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
How arrogance can lead to a politician's downfall
Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane's recent shocking display of unadulterated arrogance was deeply concerning. Image: File/Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers 'Politicians are like monkeys in that 'the higher they climb, the more revolting are the parts they expose'.' — Gwilym Lloyd George, 1st Viscount Tenby A disturbing display of arrogance Tebogo Letsi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education: 'Question: In your own view, Minister, what makes a person credible?' Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training: 'What makes a person credible chair is exactly how it is defined when you goggle… eh… encyclopedia. You will see what it means, exactly that.' Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee: 'You are not going to answer us, Minister.' Minister (unashamedly chewing food in her mouth and disdainfully looking to another direction): 'I have responded, chairperson.' 'It is an old tale, as old as the conduct of human affairs, which was summed up pretty definitively by Lord Acton well over a century ago: power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' On arrogance, the French proverb states: 'None are more haughty than a commonplace person raised to power.' Charles Haddon Spurgeon similarly noted: 'None are more unjust in their judgements of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.' The recent shocking display of unadulterated arrogance by the Minister of Higher Education and Training was deeply concerning. Her despicable, shameless, and discourteous conduct — exemplified by chewing food while responding to critical questions during a live televised parliamentary session — reflects her ignorance of how a public figure should carry herself. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Arrogance is the most dangerous leadership flaw. Believing one is infallible or smarter than everyone else inevitably leads to underestimating others or overestimating one's own knowledge. It is the Achilles heel of those who are smart but think they are more clever than they really are. As Jeff Immelt says, '[T]op leaders cannot allow weak spots to be blind spots.' Arrogance often manifests as disparaging and objectionable behaviours targeted at others, ranging from aloofness and not listening to more serious actions like dismissing, deceiving, belittling, and hostility. According to Johnson et al's study, 'Acting superior but actually inferior? Correlates and consequences of workplace arrogance,' arrogant behaviours may be performed as a façade to mask incompetence. Nkabane may be an effective politician, but lacks the gravitas of a true leader. This is what happens when people are rushed into positions they're not ready for. Speed in rushing things in politics kills. The ANC's conspicuous silence regarding the minister's egregious behaviour is both shocking and concerning. The ANC should have reined in Nkabane and instructed her to apologise to the nation. Failure to publicly restrain her will have serious political ramifications. I won't call for the minister's sacking. I believe in giving people second chances because no politician is immune to the arrogance of power. As the saying goes: 'Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.' The failure of both the minister and her senior officials to answer straightforward questions indicates deeper problems within the department. The minister's supercilious behaviour has created a 'perfect storm' troubling our democracy. Gifted leaders are frequently endowed with self-importance and a sense of imperious assurance. American organisational and management psychologist Hodges L Golson suggests a four-quadrant approach with brainpower on one axis and arrogance on the other: Low competence and low arrogance: Unlikely to rise to high ranks High competence and low arrogance: Solve problems without being offensive Low competence and high arrogance: Dangerous because they don't realise their limitations High competence and high arrogance: Interesting because of competing forces of "great potential and great danger" These leaders 'win any individual battle but often lose the war' due to their destructive impact on morale and relationships. What Nkabane clearly lacks is intellectual humility — a quality essential for effective leadership. Intellectual humility involves: Awareness of one's limitations and biases Willingness to revise views based on evidence Open-mindedness and curiosity Realism about one's flaws and capabilities Teachability and adaptability In political contexts, intellectually humble individuals demonstrate greater openness to opposing views, investigate misinformation more thoroughly, and endorse more moderate positions overall.
