'Highly problematic': MPs slam Nzimande, Manamela for asking to leave urgent meeting Minister and deputy asking to be excused 'communicates a message that we don't care about the issues facing students across the country': committee chair 17 March 2021 - 16:21 The portfolio committee on higher education, science and technology had to abruptly terminate an urgent meeting aimed at discussing issues and exploring possible solutions to the ongoing funding crisis facing the sector. File photo. Image: Sebabatso Mosamo An urgent parliamentary meeting to discuss issues and explore possible solutions to the higher education sector's ongoing funding crisis had to be abruptly terminated on Tuesday, angering MPs.