Democratic Alliance MP Karabo Khakhau harshly criticised Ingwe TVET College’s deputy principal for partners and innovation, Sharon Motoboli, during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday, questioning her achievements in improving technological resources for students.
The fiery exchange took place during a briefing by Ingwe TVET College to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, which covered governance, teaching and learning, and administration.
Ingwe TVET College is based in the Eastern Cape.
Khakhau began by asking Motoboli when she was appointed to her current role.
“I was appointed in 2005. But for this particular—” Motoboli began.
“I don’t want the whole history. I want the position you are currently holding,” Khakhau interrupted.
“2023,” Motoboli replied.
“So, you’ve been in the position for two years?” Khakhau asked.
“Yes,” Motoboli confirmed.
Khakhau then asked how much money Motoboli had raised to improve internet connectivity in college labs.
“Connectivity?” Motoboli responded, appearing confused. “Unless we can put the analysis up so that I can then talk.”
“What do you mean, ‘analysis’?” Khakhau pressed.
“Have you formed any partnerships in the last two weeks with any private sector company?”
“Yes,” Motoboli replied.
“Is there connectivity on campus to improve internet access—yes or no?”
“No,” Motoboli admitted.
Khakhau continued by asking whether she had taken any steps to improve access to computers.
“Yes,” said Motoboli.
“How many computers were you able to secure in the last three years?” Khakhau asked.
“Into the institution?” Motoboli asked, visibly unsettled.
“I mean, surely not in your house, Mama,” Khakhau responded sharply.
“No, I haven’t,” Motoboli said.
The exchange came after a presentation by the college’s student representative council (SRC), which raised ongoing concerns, including poor internet connectivity, missing marks on the system, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Khakhau asked how many textbooks or partnerships had been secured in the last two years.
“No, we haven’t,” said Motoboli. “We brought money into the institution.”
“How much money were you able to get?” Khakhau asked.
“Plus-minus R2 million,” Motoboli replied.
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Khakhau then turned to chief financial officer Nkululeko Kabalaza. “CFO, the deputy principal says R2 million was raised from partnerships for textbooks. How many textbooks were you able to pay for with that amount?”
Kabalaza did not immediately respond, appearing to search for the information.
Khakhau pointed out that a Telkom modem costs less than R1,000 per month and suggested that delivering basic internet access over two years should have been achievable.
She noted that large telecoms such as Vodacom, MTN and Telkom have existing partnerships with the Department of Basic Education and could be approached for collaboration.
“For me, the fact that you haven’t done that tells me—and tells South Africa—that either you have zero capacity to do the job, you don’t know what you’re doing, or you simply don’t care,” she said.
“I’m not asking for your response,” Khakhau concluded. “I’m just telling you, that’s a comment.”
Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who was expected to address the committee regarding the controversial SETA board selection panel, was not present at the meeting.
Politics
