Photo: Flickr / GCIS
Photo: Flickr / GCIS
A row at the heart of the Higher Education Department could have some terminal consequences for Blade Nzimande‘s political career, after a raft of allegations were made against the ANC stalwart by a suspended colleague.
What has Blade Nzimande been accused of?
Gwebinkundla Qonde, the Director-General forced out on a temporary basis, has accused Nzimande of improper conduct during his time at the helm of the ministry. Some of the claims are real head-turners, too…
- Qonde alleges that the minister has been guilty of many procurement violations.
- He also accused Nzimande of encouraging him to flout procurement rules in relation to the NSFAS laptop debacle.
- Nzimande is said to have ‘interfered with appointments’ – as well as major operations in the Department of Higher Education.
Calls to suspend Blade Nzimande intensify
Chantel King is the Shadow Minister for Higher Education, Science & Technology. Rather than the book, she wants the whole university library throwing at Blade Nzimande, starting with an SIU investigation into the corruption allegations.
Further to that, King has also implored President Ramaphosa to SUSPEND his comrade from the department.
More corruption allegations levelled against Cyril’s Cabinet
It marks yet another ugly chapter for the current Cabinet, which is still reeling from the resignation of Zweli Mkhize. The former Health Minister was caught profiting from a dodgy deal with Digital Vibes – and Blade Nzimande is now facing a whole heap of pressure from both his own ministry and the ANC’s opposition in Parliament
“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.”
“The President cannot continue to protect his Ministers from being held to account. It is time for the President to do the right thing and suspend the Minister until such time an investigation has been concluded.”
Chantal King
