The recent appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, to the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) board has ignited a political firestorm, prompting accusations of nepotism and political favouritism within government structures.
A leaked list of new SITA board members, reported by IOL on Tuesday, revealed that several appointees have direct ties to the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Among them, Buyambo Mantashe’s inclusion has been met with fierce criticism, especially from opposition parties who view the move as yet another instance of ANC cadre deployment.
Parliamentary Committee Demands Answers
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has urgently summoned Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to account for the selection process and to explain whether due diligence was followed.
Minister Nkabane approved the board appointments, but both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned the process, claiming it reflects a deeper issue of politicisation within public sector entities.
EFF MP Ejected Amid Heated Debate
The controversy escalated during a tense parliamentary committee session on Wednesday, where EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after pressing for clarity on the appointment of Mantashe and other board members.
Lonzi clashed with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie, demanding direct answers from Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi regarding board chairperson appointments for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
“Director-General, have you made appointments to the board chairpersons of SETAs?” Lonzi repeatedly asked, insisting on transparency.
Letsie attempted to divert the discussion, but Lonzi refused to yield, sparking a disruption that led to his removal.
DA Slams ‘Blatant Political Patronage’
Karabo Khakhau, national spokesperson for the DA, issued a strong statement describing the appointments as “blatant acts of political patronage.” The DA expressed concern over the increasing politicisation of public institutions, particularly those tasked with advancing education, digital governance, and skills development.
In a formal letter, Khakhau requested that Deputy Minister Buti Manamela and Minister Nobuhle Nkabane be urgently summoned before the committee to provide a comprehensive explanation.
SITA’s Role and Public Concern
SITA plays a critical role in digital infrastructure and information technology services for government departments. Its leadership is expected to be competent, impartial, and merit-based—qualities critics say are compromised by politically connected appointments.
The controversy comes amid heightened public scrutiny over cadre deployment, a long-standing ANC policy that has often been blamed for inefficiency, corruption, and state capture.
Public Reaction
The public reaction has been swift and critical, with many social media users and commentators questioning whether political connections now outweigh competence and experience in the public service.
“It’s not just about one name—it’s about an entrenched system that continues to benefit the well-connected, while the rest of the country suffers from poor governance,” one political analyst noted.
What’s Next?
With mounting pressure, the Portfolio Committee is expected to schedule a formal hearing, where both the department and SITA will be asked to defend their appointment processes under oath.
If the committee finds irregularities, it could recommend the rescission of certain appointments or initiate broader parliamentary inquiries into governance practices across public boards.
