DA calls on President Ramaphosa to act on allegations against Minister Nzimande

7 September 2021

The DA calls on the President to sign a proclamation to allow the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the conduct of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, following the startling allegations made against him by the suspended Director-General of the department, Gwebinkundla Qonde.

Qonde has accused the Minister of procurement violations and interferences with appointments as well as the operations in the Department of Higher Editing and Training. Qonde also accused Nzimande of encouraging him to flout procurement rules in relation to the NSFAS laptop debacle.

These allegations warrant an independent investigation by the SIU to test the substance of the claims made. The DA, therefore, urges the President to sign a proclamation without delay.

The DA has noted the ongoing dispute between Minister Nzimande and DG Qonde which has resulted in mudslinging. However, the allegations against the Minister cannot be ignored by President Ramaphosa. Only an independent investigation can fully test the veracity of these allegations.

The President cannot continue to protect his Ministers from being held to account. It time the President to do the right thing ans suspend the Minister until such time an investigation has been concluded.

Issued by Chantel King, DA Shadow Minister for Higher Education, Science & Technology, 7 September 2021