Hawks launch investigation into Minister Nkabane over fraud, lying to Parliament

The Hawks have confirmed they are investigating criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following a complaint filed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) last week. 

The DA alleges that Nkabane lied to Parliament and facilitated ANC cadre deployment to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Nkabane is accused of fraud and lying to Parliament under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act.

Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed to IOL News on Monday afternoon that the case is currently in its early stages.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation can confirm that a case has been opened for investigation, which is at an early stage,” Mogale said. 

“Further details cannot be interrogated in the media space.”

The DA's national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau confirmed the Hawks’ probe, saying the party welcomes the serious attention given to the complaint.

“We welcome that the criminal complaint against Nkabane is being seen in a most serious light by the Hawks,” said Khakhau. 

“It is unfathomable that President Ramaphosa remains idle and silent about allegations of egregious ANC corruption and law-breaking in the national executive.”

Khakhau criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking no action against Nkabane and other ANC ministers facing corruption allegations, including Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane.

Nkabane faces allegations of fraud and the statutory offence of lying to Parliament. 

According to the DA, she orchestrated a scheme that saw senior ANC figures and their associates appointed to lucrative SETA board positions. 

Some beneficiaries included the son of Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, Buyambu, former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dr Dube-Ncube, and other high-ranking ANC figures.

Khakhau claimed Nkabane oversaw “a scheme to make ANC cadres rich” and engaged in deception to cover it up. 

“For that gross abuse of power, she has suffered zero consequences from President Ramaphosa,” she added.

The DA said it looks forward to continued cooperation with the Hawks as the investigation progresses. 

“We will provide further updates as this criminal investigation into ANC Minister Nkabane unfolds,” Khakhau said.

Last week, IOL News reported that DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille said the party opened the criminal complaint due to Ramaphosa’s inaction against corruption.

“We're here today for the simple reason that President Ramaphosa refuses to be as good as his word and act against corruption,” Zille said during a media briefing last week. 

“That kind of behaviour goes unchecked, while a DA deputy minister is fired for taking a personal trip without presidential permission.”

Zille accused Nkabane of appointing ANC loyalists to SETA boards under the pretence of an “independent panel.” 

Among those who were appointed, but later withdrawn were:

- Buyambo Mantashe, chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board and son of Gwede Mantashe

- Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, chairperson of the Banking SETA (BANKSETA) board

-Siboniso Mbhele, appointee to the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) board

- Loyiso Masuku, appointee to the Food and Beverages Manufacturing SETA (FOODBEV) board

Zille said Nkabane had falsely claimed the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement.

“She lied to a parliamentary committee, which amounts to lying to Parliament,” Zille said. 

“Upon further investigation, the DA found that three of the six panel members were employees of Nkabane’s department, and others were ANC affiliates.”

Nkabane initially refused to disclose the panel members’ names but later submitted the list under pressure. It included:

- Advocate Terry Motau (who denied serving), Asisipho Solani, Nelisiwe Semane, Mabuza Ngubane and Rhulani Ngwenya.

Zille alleged that among the panellists were Nkabane’s chief of staff, a chief director for SETAs who reports directly to her, and a director of corporate services close to her.

“That’s a blatant lie and abuse of power,” Zille said. 

“These appointments were made to control millions of rands meant to serve the higher education sector.”

The Hawks have not provided a timeline for the investigation’s completion.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics