Embattled Nkabane justifies snubbing crucial Parliament meeting

CAPE TOWN - Embattled Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has justified snubbing a crucial meeting in Parliament on Friday. 

Nkabane was meant to appear before the higher education portfolio committee, but she instead decided to attend a student induction and Mandela Day event at a TVET college in East London.

The minister was set to give members another briefing on the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board selection process, which was abandoned after an outcry that the appointees were politically connected.

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Nkabane explained her absence from the portfolio committee while addressing the Mandela Day event in Buffalo.

MPs from different parties had earlier slammed Nkabane for snubbing the committee at the eleventh hour to attend to other business.

Minister Nkabane said it was crucial for her to attend the student event at the Buffalo City TVET College in East London.

"Even today, there’s a portfolio committee and I could see that there’s no way I can disappoint and not come. but I’ve tendered my apology. I think I must register that because I know media can create things that don’t even exist."

The committee resolved to meet with Nkabane next week Tuesday, as it considers what further action to take against her.