Nkabane reveals names of panellists who oversaw controversial Seta board appointments
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane initially refused to disclose the names of the independent panel responsible for appointing the chairpersons of 21 Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards.
Among the board chairpersons were people connected to the ANC, including Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo Mantashe, former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and ex-ANC KZN provincial deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu. All these appointments were withdrawn by Nkabane after a public outcry.
Nkabane revealed the names after requests from frustrated members of the parliamentary committee on higher education.
Independent panel
The long-awaited names of the independent panel established by the Nkabane include advocate Terry Motau SC, who conducted investigative work into the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank, where he was commissioned by the South African Reserve Bank to lead a forensic probe.
His findings — summarised in the 2018 report, The Great Bank Heist — detail how about R1.8-billion was misappropriated, implicating more than 50 individuals in high-level fraud. Motau has also contributed to the Investigating Directorate under the National Prosecuting Authority and to the Zondo commission as an investigator. Motau did not attend any of the panel's meetings.
Another member is Asisipho Solani, who is an adviser to Nkabane and usually accompanies the minister to oversight and committee meetings. Solani was a South African Students Congress leader at the University of the Western Cape and is a lecturer at the University of South Africa.
Also part of the panel is Nelisiwe Semane, who has been chief of staff in Nkabane's office since September 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The other two members are deputy director-general for corporate services in the Department of Higher Education and Training Rhulani Ngwenya and chief director for Seta coordination Mabuza Ngubane. During a parliamentary committee meeting early this month, Ngwenya was part of Nkabane's team that came under the scrutiny of MP Sihle Lonzi.
These were the five members who were responsible for assisting Nkabane in making decisions on the Seta boards' chairpersons. During a parliamentary committee meeting, it was revealed that there had been no vetting to ensure that these panel members were suitable.
Missed deadline
Nkabane was given until 12 June 2025 to submit the names to the committee, but she missed the deadline due to her concerns over the panellists' rights to privacy.
Although she asked for an extension until 30 June, she has now submitted the names.
Higher Education spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana told Daily Maverick that Nkabane 'is determined to ensure that Sector Education and Training Authorities and all institutions under the Department of Higher Education and Training deliver tangible outcomes, empowering young people and addressing unemployment.'
The Seta board appointments caused chaos at the parliamentary committee meeting on 14 May and 2 June 2025, leading to the eviction of the EFF's Sihle Lonzi after he questioned Department of Higher Education and Training Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, and called the Seta board appointments 'corrupt'.
Chairperson of the committee Tebogo Letsie told Daily Maverick, 'We're very happy, as the committee, that she has furnished us with the names. We had not yet discussed whether we were going to agree to give her the extension to 30 June.'
Despite Nkabane submitting the names, the Democratic Alliance's Karabo Khakhau will refer Nkabane to the ethics committee for misleading the committee, because she had said that all the panellists were independent.
The committee will meet tomorrow to discuss whether to call the minister to appear before it.
A statement released by the the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on Wednesday stated that 'After reviewing the letter submitted by the Minister of Higher Education, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has expressed concern that it was misled about the composition of the panel responsible for recommending appointments to the boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Members of the Committee said the information provided through the letter does not reflect the independence initially claimed and that its raises serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the appointment process.'
The statement went on to say that 'Committee members feel misled by previous representations made regarding the independence of the panel and the integrity of the appointment process. In particular, the Committee finds the redaction or censoring of some panel member names highly irregular and unacceptable.
Furthermore, the committee is alarmed by the revelation in the Minister's letter that the purported Chairperson of the panel did not attend any of its meetings raising further questions about who chaired the panel meetings and oversaw the selection of candidates for SETA boards.' DM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
National Dialogue will be in the hands of South Africans
The National Dialogue will take place within communities before the next national convention, Despite concerns that the National Dialogue has been 'hijacked' by the ANC and government, Lindiwe Mazibuko, who is a member of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has reassured South Africans that the process is citizen-led. Mazibuko delivered the closing address at the end of the first national convention in Pretoria on Saturday. The convention brought members of different sectors together with other stakeholders to discuss the framework of the dialogue process in communities. 'From the outset, we established that citizens will drive this dialogue grounded in our President's commitment to unity. This dialogue is owned by the people,' she said. Tough times ahead for the country Mazibuko said the process of national engagement will not be easy, but she said the EPG will be there to ensure the success of the National Dialogue. Her comments also come as several political parties and legacy foundations have distanced themselves from the dialogue, citing transparency and time frame issues. 'The road ahead will not be easy, our obstacles are deep-rooted and complex, we will have setbacks and we will have disagreements, there may be moments where despair seems more appealing than hope. 'The imminent persons group, which I am proud to be part of, is committed to walking this path with you. 'We will not waiver or abandon our efforts. This dialogue is for the people, and it belongs to you,' she said. ALSO READ: Calls for Kolisi & Co to 'save' the National Dialogue, ActionSA claims convention will cost R25 million Why have a National Dialogue? She said the dialogue will help shape the future of South Africa for the next 30 years. 'Together we will create a shared vision for the next 30 years. We are here because South Africans want real action jobs and livelihoods, safety from crime and corruption, a functioning education system, a state that embodies integrity, a culture of values and social cohesion, tangible progress in addressing violence against women and girls,' she said. When will the dialogue kick off? Despite Mazibuko's closing remarks, there are some who believe that the convention did not achieve its intended purpose because of the rushed nature of events. The convention had also failed to constitute a steering committee during the two days of the convention. Meanwhile, the EPG has been called upon to ensure that all finances related to the dialogue are spent in accordance with government regulations, which guide the spending of public money. NOW READ: National Dialogue: ANC talking to an empty room, but it must listen
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘Government should hang their heads in shame': Marikana Massacre marks 13 years without justice
Government has paid more than R350 million in claims linked to the tragedy. Saturday, 16 August 2025, marked 13 years since 34 mineworkers were gunned down by police in what is now remembered as the Marikana massacre. The incident took place at the Lonmin platinum mine (now Sibanye-Stillwater) in North West, during a wage protest in 2012. Ten people were also killed in the days leading up to the Marikana massacre between 12 and 16 August. ALSO READ: Over 1,800 illegal miners arrested in Stilfontein operation, most deported Although a commission of inquiry recommended that a full investigation be conducted to hold police accountable, no officers have faced prosecution to date. Meanwhile, government has paid more than R350 million in claims linked to the tragedy. Marikana Massacre remembered On Saturday, various organisations honoured the victims and renewed calls for accountability. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stressed that the slain miners were not criminals, but workers demanding fair wages. 'They were fathers, brothers, and sons, demanding a living wage in the face of exploitation, degradation, and hunger. 'Instead of dialogue and dignity, they were met with the barrels of guns in full view of the world,' the EFF said in a statement. READ MORE: Illegal miner says he will keep digging to survive The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was a shareholder in Lonmin at the time, and the ANC for failing to deliver justice. 'It is not surprising then that the ANC has refused to bring justice to the families of the Marikana victims. 'There have been no prosecutions, no reparations, and no structural change to the mining sector that continues to enrich a few at the expense of the many. 'The workers of Marikana died in vain because their demands remain unmet, their killers remain unpunished, and the system that murdered them remains firmly in place.' The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg found in July 2022 that Ramaphosa did not carry legal responsibility for the massacre The EFF's Statement on the Anniversary of the Marikana Massacre -The recent unemployment statistics paint a bleak picture: millions without work, millions without hope, and millions trapped in poverty while the political elite grow richer. Black workers, in particular, have… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 16, 2025 'We will never forget' The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) also reiterated demands for justice. 'The families have yet to see justice, victims have yet to be compensated, and those who gave the orders have yet to be brought to account for their criminal conduct,' the union said. AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa said the ongoing National Dialogue disrespected the memory of the slain workers. 'The government should hang their heads in shame. This slaughter of hard-working men happened under their watch, under their command. 'These workers are not just numbers – they had names, families, and identities. Yet we are still calling for justice thirteen years later. That is a disgrace,' he said. READ MORE: Groups warn against heavy-handed raids in tackling illegal miners The union pointed out that Parliament rejected its calls for 16 August to be declared a public holiday. 'They would not even recognise it as a massacre. They want us to forget, but we will never forget.' AMCU added that, through the Marikana Massacre Trust Fund, it has built houses for the families of 34 victims. Mathunjwa said the day was more than just about remembrance, but a warning. 'That was the day the state showed its true face,' he added. Silence on NPA appeal Furthermore, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri) emphasised that true justice could only come through successful prosecutions. 'The state continues to fail the families of the deceased and the survivors of the massacre,' the NGO said. While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has prosecuted nine police officers, Seri highlighted that that two trials ended in acquittals. 'In 2023, the NPA issued a statement detailing various personnel and resource constraints as reasons for their failure to prosecute the Marikana case. READ MORE: 'We know it's wrong, but they're trying to make a living,' say families of arrested illegal miners 'However, two more years have passed, and the families and survivors of the massacre have still not seen any progress concerning prosecutions for the massacre of 16 August 2012. 'Following the acquittals in 2024, the families were told that the NPA would consider an appeal but have heard nothing since. 'This inaction reflects a lack of commitment to ensuring the families obtain justice for the deaths of their loved ones.' Seri added that several family members of the victims had died without ever seeing accountability. Marikana Massacre a 'premeditated act of state violence' The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) declared that the Marikana massacre was not a tragic accident, but 'a premeditated act of state violence in defence of capital'. The federation said the state has ignored or failed to implement the commission's recommendations adequately. 'The state's refusal to fully implement these recommendations confirms Saftu's reluctance to participate in any so-called national dialogue. 'Dialogue without justice is a betrayal to the victims and a mockery to the working class.' NOW READ: SA opened 159 new mines in five years, creating over 15 000 jobs
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
LIVE: 'The show goes on' - President Ramaphosa to deliver keynote address at National Dialogue
Simon Majadibodu | Published 1 day ago The first National Convention of the controversial National Dialogue will kick off on Friday in Pretoria, despite the withdrawal of former President Thabo Mbeki, several legacy foundations, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, and civil society groups. Several prominent foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, have pulled out of the process over concerns regarding its implementation and rushed timelines. The Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), pulled out, accusing the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of using the dialogue to bolster its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. However, the ANC confirmed its participation in the event that will take place on Friday and Saturday, saying it supports the effort to build consensus and address the country's deepening socio-economic and political challenges. 'Our participation will be anchored in the values of the ANC, the resolutions of our National Conferences, and the current lived experiences of our people,' ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri said. The ANC delegation will include secretary general Fikile Mbalula, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, treasurer general Gwen Ramokgopa, and head of political education subcommittee David Mathura. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address. IOL News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa, through presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, responded to the criticism during a media briefing at the Union Buildings, saying the convention would proceed regardless of who attends. 'The show goes on,' Magwenya said. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue - it is a platform to set the agenda and map out the roadmap for the broader dialogue process.' He said that the convention marks the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement expected to reach communities, wards, districts, and various sectors of society. 'With all due respect, the seven foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans,' he said. 'This process belongs to the people, not the government or any single individual.' Magwenya argued that the absence of legacy foundations such as the Steve Biko Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation does not diminish the legitimacy of the process. A week ago, seven foundations issued a joint statement announcing their withdrawal, citing concerns that what was originally envisioned as a citizen-led initiative had shifted towards government control. Magwenya dismissed this claim, reiterating that the dialogue would not be defined by the attendance of a handful of organisations. 'It would have been great to have former President (Mbeki) there - but if he's not, he's not. South Africa is much bigger than any individual or single foundation.' He added that boycotting the convention was 'not boycotting the government - it's boycotting the people of South Africa.' Meanwhile, other political parties have also withdrawn from formal participation. ActionSA announced on Wednesday that it would not take part due to unresolved concerns about the process and its funding. However, the party said it will send its MPs, Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni to observe proceedings. Controversial lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity also confirmed their non-particip Despite the mounting criticism and boycotts, the Presidency maintains that the convention remains an inclusive platform to address the challenges facing the country. [email protected] IOL Politics
