Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has officially withdrawn the recent chairperson appointments to the Boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), following a storm of criticism over alleged political patronage and nepotism.
The announcement comes just days after a leaked list exposed several high-profile ANC loyalists—including Buyambo Mantashe, son of Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube—as appointees to strategic board positions.
Public Outcry Forces U-Turn
Facing mounting scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society, Minister Nkabane made a late-night announcement on Thursday, 15 May 2025, confirming that the appointments would be rescinded.
“I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,” said Nkabane.
“This decision is made in the interest of good governance, transparency, and accountability.”
Parliamentary Fallout and EFF Clash
Earlier in the week, EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary committee meeting after questioning the Director-General on the controversial appointments—particularly that of Buyambo Mantashe.
DA MP Karabo Khakhau also condemned the selections, accusing the ANC of exploiting SETA boards for political gain and ignoring qualified South Africans.
New Appointment Process Announced
Minister Nkabane has now committed to a restructured and merit-based appointment process, announcing that:
- The process will be reopened for nominations via a Government Gazette for seven days.
- A new independent panel will assess nominations based on competency, merit, experience, and inclusive representation.
- All recommended candidates will undergo screening and vetting, and their qualifications will be made public for transparency.
“This process will put emphasis on merit, competencies and relevant experiences – with balanced representations in terms of race, gender, youth and persons with disabilities,” Nkabane stated.
She added that from the previous list of 20 SETA board chair recommendations:
- 3 held Doctoral Degrees (NQF Level 10)
- 15 held Master’s Degrees (NQF Level 9)
- 2 were qualified medical doctors
The group also included professionals like engineers, accountants, auditors, advocates, and governance experts.
MK Party: Reversal Is “Disingenuous”
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party was quick to respond, criticising the reversal as a reactionary move made only under pressure, rather than out of ethical conviction.
“It is disingenuous that the minister revoked such appointments only when faced with such backlash,” said MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
“The retracted list was dominated by ANC deployees with questionable credentials and amounted to cronyism.”
The MK Party called on the minister to disclose the basis for the original appointments and explain who was consulted during the process.
What’s Next?
With the SETAs playing a key role in skills development and youth employment, the public and Parliament alike will closely monitor the next phase of appointments. Minister Nkabane has pledged to expedite the process, aiming to announce new board chairs in the shortest time possible—this time, with greater integrity and transparency.
