The Democratic Alliance (DA) has escalated its legal action against Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, filing criminal charges at the Cape Town Central Police Station today. The charges include fraud and a statutory offense under the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament Act.
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, speaking outside Parliament, accused the minister of lying about the independence and composition of an advisory panel she appointed. “Not only did she misrepresent the panel’s independence, but she also falsified its composition,” Khakhau stated. “If the minister doesn’t even know who chaired the panel, how can the public trust it existed at all?”
The charges follow earlier complaints to Parliament’s ethics committee and the Public Protector. Khakhau defended the multipronged approach, saying, “We want the law to take its full course. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing accountability through ethics investigations, a Public Protector probe, and criminal charges simultaneously.”
The DA’s affidavit reportedly details discrepancies in the minister’s statements since May 13, including alleged false testimony before Parliament. Khakhau emphasized the party’s demand for President Ramaphosa to dismiss Dr. Nkabane, citing “repeated lies” as grounds for immediate action.
When questioned about past cases against ministers yielding little result, Khakhau remained defiant: “Our commitment is to the rule of law. Fraud must be prosecuted—we trust SAPS to deliver justice.”
The minister’s office has yet to respond. Legal analysts note the case could test enforcement of parliamentary accountability laws.
