Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's non-attendance of the meeting of the Standing Committee on Friday spark outrage among MPs.
Image: GCIS
THE chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has drawn accusations of “malicious non-compliance” from opposition parties after her no-show at a crucial meeting to receive the armaments body’s annual report.
Opposition members were particularly incensed, having formally resolved that the meeting should be attended in person by the minister.
Ntshavheni's absence drew harsh criticism, particularly following a previous meeting where the committee expressed serious concerns about the NCACC's performance in regulating the armaments trade.
DA MP Nicholas Gotsell was quick to challenge the proceedings, stating: “Until we know the reason why the minister is not here, we can't adopt the agenda.”
He highlighted the specific scheduling of the meeting to accommodate her presence.
“This meeting was scheduled for 9am to 3pm specifically for the minister to be here in person,” said Gotsell.
EFF MP Carl Niehaus echoed this sentiment, accusing Ntshavheni of a “deliberate malicious non-compliance” and impact on the briefing on the body's annual report.
“The absence of the minister is a deliberate, malicious non-compliance on a clear indication we gave that we believe it is essential for the briefing of NCACC on its 2025 annual report for her to be present physically in this meeting,” said Niehaus.
In her absence, Ntshavheni sent an apology letter citing an incorrect invitation format from the committee secretariat, which she claimed indicated the meeting would be virtual.
“My office accordingly aligned my schedule based on this official notification,” she explained.
However, Committee Secretary Nandipha Maxhegwana countered, clarifying that those two official invitations had been sent, both specifying that the meeting was to be held physically.
ANC’s Pitso Noe attempted to interject in defence of Ntshavheni, urging that reasons for her absence should first be addressed.
“We agree the minister is not here and is supposed to be here. Let us first get the reasons for her absence and whether we accept them or not,” Noe said.
This plea was met with little sympathy from the opposition, with DA MP Chris Hattingh saying Ntshavheni has a well-established history of defying accountability.
“Her defiance has become predictable,” he asserted.
“The arrogance and disdain for this committee and oversight by this minister cannot continue. We have the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence (AMD) Industries Association of South Africa with critical issues,” Hattingh said.
The meeting resolved that they would not receive an annual report from NCACC members, Deputy Ministers Andries Nel and Bantu Holomisa.
Nel said it was the prerogative of the committee to regulate and conduct its affairs in terms of the parliamentary rules.
“We want it to be formally recorded that the committee submitted its report and Honourable Deputy Minister Holomisa and I are here ready to present this report and engage the committee whether the committee chooses or not,” he said.
Phiroane Phala, the co-chairperson of the standing committee, said they deferred the presentation of the annual report owing to the unavailability of Ntshavheni.
Phala stated that it had been made clear that the meeting was always scheduled to be held physically in Parliament due to the lack of accountability by the NCACC.
“Following the meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026, the committee issued a media statement that made it clear that the meeting would be a physical setting. Also, the minister has parliamentary liaison officers that must provide the minister with accurate and timely information, which clearly was not the case this time around,” said Phala.
He expressed concern that engagement with AMD highlighted concerns with the NCACC, its irregular meetings, and inability to approve applications in line with the National Conventional Arms Control Act.
“The challenges with the NCACC, according to the committee, have a direct impact on the defence industry’s ability to meaningfully contribute to economic growth. The committee resolved that this meeting must be scheduled urgently,” said Phala.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za