Parliament Ethics Committee Finds Nobuhle Nkabane Guilty of Gross Misconduct in SETA Appointments

Parliament’s Ethics Committee has found former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane guilty of gross misconduct. The ruling came on March 24, 2026. It affects Nkabane, Parliament, and the governance of Sector Education and Training Authority boards. This decision holds a former executive member accountable during a time of increased political scrutiny.

A Democratic Alliance MP, Karabo Khakhau, filed the complaint with the registrar of members’ interests. Khakhau sits on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training.

The committee’s probe confirmed Nkabane failed to oversee the appointment of SETA board chairs properly. She let her advisor handle the recruitment and selection panel process.

Nkabane appointed individuals linked to the African National Congress as chairs. This included the son of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe.

She also misled Parliament about an advisory structure for selecting candidates. Some members she named, like Advocate Terry Motau, later said they had no role in the process.

The committee’s findings detail these facts from its investigation.

Nkabane served as Minister of Higher Education before this issue. President Cyril Ramaphosa fired her from the executive in July 2025.

The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests widened its probe beyond the first claims. It looked at whether Nkabane followed up on the panel’s appointment.

She blamed her advisor, Asisipho Solani, for the problems. The committee verified its own findings separate from her statements.

Nkabane now holds the position of ANC deputy chief whip in Parliament.

The committee ruled that Nkabane’s actions fell short of executive standards. She breached the Executive Code of Ethics.

Her conduct undermined governance in SETA appointments, per the committee.

No suspension was recommended. Instead, the committee issued a formal reprimand.

Nkabane must issue a public apology. This is the main near-term action ordered.

Parliamentary discussions continue on the SETA board scandal. Political parties disagree on whether Nkabane should still account for it.