President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally requested a detailed report from Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane concerning her conduct when she was seen eating and being dismissive while answering questions  from members of parliament on the composition and conduct of the Sector Education and Training Authority’s (SETA) advisory panel.

Ramaphosa wants Nkabane to answer on her “decorum” while engaging with parliamentarians during the much publicised hearing last week. 

This was confirmed by the presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, in a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday.

“Ramaphosa has requested that the minister provide him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with Parliament,” Magwenya said.

“In this regard, the President will appreciate a report on the process undertaken to appoint board members to the SETA that were at the centre of the Portfolio Committee’s questions.

“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,” said Magwenya.

This comes after Nkabane, refused to answer questions posed to her by MPs in a video that has been widely circulated on social media and has taken to the same platforms to defend herself.

Nkabane could be seen chewing on something, while flatly refusing to explain what a credible appointment was.

Nkabane last week faced strong criticism after she appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to explain her controversial SETA chairperson appointments which were reversed after she had to withdraw the process.

Although Magwenya did not state when the report was expected, he said the public broadcast of parliamentary proceedings and the viral spread of content remained conscious of all aspects of their conduct during such proceedings.

“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,” he said.

Furthermore, Ramaphosa urged Nkabane to establish a constructive relationship with the Portfolio Committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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