Former minister Nobuhle Nkabane takes responsibility for Seta appointment blunders amid ethics investigation

Mar 25, 2026 · 966 words · By Siyabonga Goni

📰 Original article: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-03-25-former-minister-nobuhle-nkaba…

Fact-Check Results

“Former minister Nobuhle Nkabane admitted to failing to conduct proper oversight and taking responsibility for her controversial Seta appointments.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute Nkabane's admission regarding Seta appointments.

“Nkabane attempted to appoint 21 Seta board chairpersons with deep ties to the ANC, including Buyambo Mantashe and Mike Mabuyakhulu.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to verify the number or ANC connections of Seta appointees.

“Nkabane claimed to have established an independent panel to oversee the Seta appointments, but Advocate Motau revealed he was never formally appointed.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to confirm or deny the independent panel's existence or Motau's appointment status.

“Nkabane breached items 5(1)(c) and (e) of the Code of Ethical Conduct by failing to act in the public trust and maintaining parliamentary integrity.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to verify allegations of Code of Ethical Conduct violations.

“The committee mandated Nkabane's apology must address allowing her adviser Asisipho Solani to manipulate Seta appointments and failing to exercise due care.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to confirm the committee's mandate or specific apology requirements.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa removed Nkabane from the Cabinet and appointed Buti Manamela as the new minister of higher education and training.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to verify presidential actions regarding Nkabane's removal or Manamela's appointment.

“The DA welcomed the ethics committee's findings and stated Nkabane lied to Parliament to cover her tracks.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to confirm DA's statements about Nkabane's parliamentary conduct.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed charges against Nkabane are still under investigation.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence found in archive to verify Hawks' involvement or status of charges against Nkabane.