DA to file criminal complaint against Nkabane

Nobuhle Nkabane

Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) plans to lay criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for allegedly lying to Parliament about the appointment process for Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons.

Nkabane “falsely” claimed that an independent panel, including legal expert Terry Motau, approved the politically connected appointments, later admitting this was a “misunderstanding”, Times Live reported. 

She has since withdrawn the appointments amid public backlash and pressure from MPs and the South African Students Congress, with calls for her resignation intensifying.

The DA, citing this and other corruption concerns, has also threatened broader political consequences.

After President Cyril Ramaphosa fired DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield, the party issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding action against ANC ministers implicated in misconduct, including Nkabane.

With no response, the DA has withdrawn support for budget votes and national dialogue participation, and is now considering a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa.

“While the President continues to take no action against ANC corruption in the National Executive, the DA will use every means we can to fight it,” the party said in a statement.

“Tomorrow, Tuesday 1 July 2025, ahead of the Higher Education Minister’s budget debate in the NCOP, the DA will be laying criminal charges against Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for lying to Parliament.

“The charge-laying will be led by DA Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, DA Deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada MP, and DA National Spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau MP.” 

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