Pretoria – Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has been asked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to explain her conduct when she recently appeared before a Portfolio Committee in Parliament.
Dr. Nkabane’s highly publicised, rather dismissive interaction, while chewing gum, with the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, went viral on social media.
In a statement on Thursday, 5 June 2025, the Presidency said: “President Ramaphosa has noted the content from and media commentary on the appearance of the Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on 30th of May 2025”.
The statement added: “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.”
RELATED: Minister Nobuhle Nkabane Withdraws SETA Appointments Under Barrage Of Criticism – The Bulrushes
The Presidency said the request for the report is in view of the President’s expectation that Ministers, deputy ministers, and senior executives in our 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,” the statement said.
“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.
“The President expects the minister to establish a constructive relationship with the portfolio committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability.”
For her part, the higher education minister, Dr. Nkabane, posted on X: “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 value the critical role of Parliament in providing oversight.”
