For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Former Minister found guilty of misleading Parly on Seta board appointments; Gayton McKenzie denies ActionSA claims of intimidation, lays counter complaint; And, Two contenders emerge for DA leader ahead of elective congress

Former Minister found guilty of misleading Parly on Seta board appointments

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests today recommended a formal reprimand and apology from former Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for her failure to “exercise due care” in the appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority board chairpersons.

The Joint Committee found that Nkabane breached the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests.

Last year the Democratic Alliance laid criminal charges against Nkabane for allegedly lying to Parliament that the panel tasked with appointing Seta board chairpersons had consisted of independent people. She subsequently informed Parliament that they were not independent at all.

DA Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training member Karabo Khakhau claimed that Nkabane abused the name of senior legal expert Advocate Terry Motau, claiming that he chaired her independent panel.

Nkabane has since been removed as Minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced her with Buti Manamela.

The Joint Committee said its investigation revealed that Nkabane had left the recruitment and selection panel for the appointment to her adviser Asisipho Solani and did not follow up with him on whether the panel was appointed.

Gayton McKenzie denies ActionSA claims of intimidation, lays counter complaint

Patriotic Alliance President Gayton McKenzie has formally lodged a complaint with Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests against ActionSA MP Dereleen James.

In his submission, McKenzie set out that James breached multiple provisions of the Code of Ethical Conduct, including those requiring members to act in accordance with the public trust, to place the public interest above personal or political interests, to maintain public confidence in Parliament, and to refrain from using derogatory language or bringing Parliament into disrepute on social media.

James announced yesterday she would be laying criminal charges against McKenzie at the Cape Town Central Police Station, following what ActionSA says are intimidatory tactics and threats.

McKenzie is alleged to have threatened James on social media by indicating he had "beefed up" his security and suggesting she should do the same.

ActionSA said the threats arose directly from James’s probing during the Ad-hoc Committee into alleged links between the PA leadership and alleged Big 5 cartel member Katiso Molefe.

PA spokesperson Steve Motale accused James of deliberate mischaracterisation and for taking things out of context.

And, Two contenders emerge for DA leader ahead of elective congress

Elections for the Democratic Alliance’s key leadership roles is set for April 11 and 12, and following nominations, Sibusiso Dyonase has challenged Geordin Hill-Lewis for the top spot as DA leader.

The party released the names of all nominated candidates for its federal positions, on Tuesday, where it was revealed that Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis will be challenged for the leadership position, which current leader John Steenhuisen will relinquish.

The DA said all nominations have been vetted and found to be compliant with its constitution.

Challenging the position of Federal Chairperson are nominees Solly Msimanga and Ivan Meyer.

Vying for the three roles of Deputy Federal Chairpersons are Cilliers Brink, Belinda Echeozonjoku, Siviwe Gwarube, Solly Malatsi, Anroux Marais, Nomafrench Mbombo and Nicholas Nyati.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform, at the handle @PolityZA