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Ethics Committee Finds Former Minister Nkabane Breached Code of Conduct

The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has recommended a reprimand and apology from former Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane, for failing to adequately oversee the appointment of SETA board chairpersons. The finding, delivered on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, stems from a complaint lodged by Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Karabo Khakhau and centers on concerns about undue influence and a lack of oversight during the 2025 appointment process. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Nkabane from her ministerial post, though she has since been appointed ANC deputy chief whip in Parliament.

The Core Finding: Failure to Exercise Due Care

According to a media statement released by Parliament, the committee determined that Nkabane “failed to act on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in her, and she failed to maintain public confidence and trust in the integrity of parliament.” Specifically, the committee found she did not exercise adequate oversight, allowing her advisor to exert undue influence over the selection of SETA chairpersons. The controversy revolves around allegations that politically connected individuals, with ties to the African National Congress (ANC), were appointed to these key positions. The committee’s recommendation now moves to the National Assembly for a vote.

Understanding SETAs and Their Importance

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are a crucial component of South Africa’s skills development landscape. Established under the Skills Development Act, SETAs are responsible for planning and implementing skills development initiatives within specific economic sectors. Parliament’s statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of these institutions, as they play a vital role in addressing skills shortages and promoting economic growth. The appointments to SETA boards are therefore subject to scrutiny, and allegations of political interference raise concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the skills development system.

Nkabane’s Career Trajectory

Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, born August 1, 1979, has had a relatively swift rise through the ranks of South African politics. According to her Wikipedia profile, she served as Minister of Higher Education from July 3, 2024, until July 21, 2025, following a prior role as Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy from August 6, 2021, to June 30, 2024. She has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since the 2019 general election, representing the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal. Before entering full-time politics, Nkabane held a position as a tutor at the University of South Africa whereas serving as an MP. Her educational background includes degrees from Durban University of Technology, the University of South Africa, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, culminating in a PhD.

What the Complaint Alleged and the Committee’s Investigation

The complaint filed by DA MP Karabo Khakhau specifically focused on Nkabane’s conduct during 2025 concerning the SETA board chairperson appointments. Sunday World reports that the committee found Nkabane failed to adequately oversee the process, allowing her advisor to wield excessive influence. The investigation, finalized on March 13, 2026, concluded that this conduct undermined public trust in Parliament and its integrity. The specific details of the alleged undue influence and the identities of the politically connected individuals appointed to the SETA boards were not fully detailed in the available reports.

What Happens Next: The National Assembly’s Role

The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests does not have the power to directly impose sanctions. Its recommendation for a reprimand and apology must now be considered by the National Assembly. The National Assembly will debate the committee’s findings and vote on whether to adopt the recommended sanctions. If approved, Nkabane will be formally reprimanded in the House and required to issue a public apology. The outcome of this vote will likely have political ramifications, particularly given Nkabane’s recent appointment as ANC deputy chief whip.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Key Details

Confirmed:

• Nobuhle Nkabane has been found by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests to have breached Parliament’s code of ethical conduct.
• The breach relates to her oversight of the appointment of SETA board chairpersons in 2025.
• The committee recommends a formal reprimand and apology in the National Assembly.
• Karabo Khakhau of the DA filed the original complaint.

Unclear:

• The specific nature of the “undue influence” exerted by Nkabane’s advisor remains largely unspecified in available reports.
• The identities of the “politically connected individuals” appointed to SETA boards have not been publicly released.
• The full details of the evidence presented to the committee during its investigation have not been made public.

This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, and the ongoing scrutiny of political appointments to ensure fairness and integrity within South Africa’s institutions.