Former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has been elected acting chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture.

The move comes after former committee chairperson Dina Pule was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Social Development.

Nkabane Steps Into Acting Role

According to the report, Nkabane was elected on Wednesday to lead the committee on an interim basis. She is expected to serve in the role until the committee’s next meeting in August.

The committee is preparing for Parliament’s next term, which also begins in August.

Nkabane’s election follows Pule’s move to Cabinet, which left the committee needing an acting chairperson to take over its work in the meantime.

Parliament Rules Applied

Committee secretary Albertina Kakaza reportedly presided over the election.

Kakaza explained that Parliament’s rules require members to elect another committee member as acting chairperson when the permanent chairperson is absent or unable to perform the role.

“If the chairperson of the committee is absent or unable to perform the functions of chairperson, the committee must elect another of its members as acting chairperson,” Kakaza said.

Nkabane’s Return to Committee Leadership

Nkabane’s election comes after she was removed from the executive by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year.

At the time, she had served as Minister of Higher Education. After her removal, Nkabane thanked Ramaphosa for the opportunity to serve in the portfolio.

“It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio, and I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity,” Nkabane said.

She added that she remained committed to public service and the country’s development.

SETA Questions Followed Her Exit

Nkabane was dismissed a day before she was expected to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education.

She had been due to explain the appointment process for the boards of the Sector Education and Training Authorities, known as SETAs.

Her new acting role now places her back in a committee leadership position, although only on an interim basis until the Agriculture Committee meets again in August.