President Cyril Ramaphosa’s axing of Nobuhle Nkabane as higher education and training minister paves the way for the DA to throw its weight behind the Appropriation Bill set to be tabled before the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The Bill allocates funding to each national department. Ahead of the crucial vote, the DA had threatened to withhold support for Nkabane’s departmental budget following allegations of misconduct and misleading Parliament regarding appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards.
DA’s spokesperson, Willie Aucamp confirmed on Tuesday that his party would now vote with the ANC in every department, paving the way for the Appropriation Bill to pass without major challenges.
“Our caucus met this afternoon, and we have decided that we will support the other departmental budgets. So the DA will support the total budget. The axing of minister Nkabane came after relentless pressure from the DA on the president to get rid of the minister.”
However, Aucamp said the party would keep applying pressure on the president to get rid of anybody in his government who is implicated in corruption, either by the Zondo Commission or through the VBS Bank looting scheme.
The Appropriation Bill requires 201 of 400 votes in the National Assembly. With the DA’s support, the Bill is likely to pass without significant hurdles.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said Nkabane’s removal must be the beginning, not the end.
“There are still individuals in the Executive facing serious allegations. If the President is serious about restoring public trust, he must act decisively and consistently, not only when under pressure. The ANC must also accept that it no longer governs alone.
“In a coalition, meaningful consultation with partners is not optional. It is essential to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountable governance. We will continue to engage the GNU parties in good faith to stop corruption and drive delivery in government.”
Cape Times
