President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, provides him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her recent engagement with Parliament.
Briefing the media on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President had noted the content from and media commentary on the appearance of the Nkabane before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on 30 May 2025.
This after the Minister was seen in a viral video on social media eating while responding to a question from the Chairperson of the Higher Education committee, Tebogo Letsie.
“The President appreciates that what he has seen may not constitute the full scope or context of the engagement, therefore, he has requested that the Minister provides him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with Parliament.
“In this regard, the President will appreciate a report on the process undertaken to appoint board members to the Sector Education and Training Authorities that were at the centre of the Portfolio Committee’s questions,” Magwenya said.
He said the request for the report was in view of the President’s expectation that Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior executives in the public sector conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially in engaging with Parliament and other accountability institutions.
“The public broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and the viral spread of content from and public comment on these proceedings demand that all Ministers and senior officials remain conscious of all aspects of their conduct during such proceedings
“It also demands that Portfolio Committees are viewed as a welcome platform on which to update the nation on the progress the government is making in all its portfolios,” Magwenya said.
The spokesperson added that the President expected the Minister to establish a constructive relationship with the Portfolio Committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability.
On Thursday, Minister Nkabane released a statement noting the concerns raised by various stakeholders, including President Ramaphosa in his statement regarding her conduct.
“I have noted the concerns raised by various stakeholders. Upon reflection, and having considered the feedback, I acknowledge that the situation could have been handled differently.
“I take this opportunity to express my commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Ministry, the Department, and the Portfolio Committee,” she said.
The Minister said she intends to inculcate and maintain a constructive, respectful, and professional working relationship with all Members of Parliament. – SAnews.gov.za
