Nkabane Bows to Pressure, Apologises to Advocate Motau Over False Seta Panel Claim

A high-profile legal figure distances himself from controversial board appointments as minister issues formal apology

In a stunning turn of events following weeks of mounting political pressure, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has publicly apologised to Advocate Terry Motau, SC, after wrongly naming him as the chairperson of an advisory panel that allegedly helped select candidates for key Seta board positions.

The misrepresentation sparked outrage in Parliament, led to a rebuke from President Cyril Ramaphosa, and has thrown the department’s appointment processes into question.

Minister Admits to Error, Apologises for ‘Reputational Discomfort’

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Nkabane acknowledged the misunderstanding, formally expressing regret for what her office called “reputational discomfort” and “confusion” caused by the inaccurate claim.

“The minister conveyed her sincere apology to Advocate Motau for any inconvenience… There was never any intent to misrepresent Advocate Motau’s role,” said her spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana.

The apology followed a leaked letter from Advocate Motau, in which he categorically denied having any involvement in the advisory panel for Seta board appointments.

“I did not participate in this process. I neither received nor saw any information relating to the process… You never met with me,” Motau wrote.

From Silence to Scandal: How It All Unfolded

The controversy erupted last month when it was revealed that several appointees to Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards were ANC-affiliated, including Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, and Buyambo Mantashe, son of Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe.

When pressed in Parliament about who helped select these politically connected individuals, Nkabane initially refused to name her panel, intensifying suspicions of cronyism.

Only after President Ramaphosa personally intervened, asking for a full report and a list of panel members, did the minister disclose names, incorrectly listing Advocate Motau as chair.

Motau: ‘I Was Never Consulted or Informed’

Motau’s rebuttal was swift and firm.

In his letter, the senior advocate rejected any implication that he played a role, saying he was never consulted, never briefed, and had no formal engagement regarding the appointments.

“You intended to appoint me to chair the committee, which intention never materialised,” he wrote.
“You were not furnished with accurate and complete information,” he generously offered, leaving the door open for further dialogue.

A Lesson in Transparency

Minister Nkabane now faces pressure not just from critics but from within government to restore confidence in the integrity of public appointment processes.

She has committed to briefing the parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education and promised to uphold transparency and procedural compliance going forward.

“The minister remains accountable to Parliament,” said Mavovana.
“She is committed to ensuring that appointment processes are guided by integrity, transparency, and due diligence.”

Political Fallout and Public Perception

The Seta appointments, loaded with politically connected individuals, have already raised concerns about state capture 2.0, a fear that party loyalty continues to outweigh public service credentials in state-linked institutions.

Civil society organisations have called for a full audit of the appointment process, while MPs across party lines have demanded clarity on how names were shortlisted and who made final decisions.

As one social media user bluntly posted:

“If Motau was never involved, who was really making these decisions behind closed doors?”

The apology may have cooled immediate tensions, but questions about government transparency, political influence, and ethical governance remain.

Minister Nkabane’s misstep serves as a potent reminder that credibility is earned, not assumed, especially in a government under increasing scrutiny for patronage and opaque practices.

Whether this signals a shift toward greater accountability or just another temporary PR fix will depend on what comes next, especially when the full report to Parliament is eventually tabled.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com