Nkabane withdraws SETA board appointments amid nepotism outcry
Image: Supplied
Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has withdrawn the recent appointments of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, including several individuals linked to the ANC.
These included Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
The move follows a heated parliamentary session on Wednesday in which Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after questioning Mantashe's appointment to the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board.
"Following broader consultations with stakeholders in the post-school education and training sector and their counsel regarding the appointment of the chairpersons of the boards of SETAs, I have decided to recalibrate the process – which was overseen by an independent panel," Nkabane said in a statement.
She has called on relevant constituencies to nominate new candidates and committed to ensuring that appointments are made in line with the Skills Development Act.
"I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns. Further, I take this decision in the interest of good governance and transparency, to ensure accountability in the appointment process," she said.
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The process will be reopened via a Government Gazette calling for nominations for a period of seven days. A new independent panel will be established to review nominations and make recommendations.
Nkabane said the new process would prioritise merit, competencies and relevant experience, while ensuring balanced representation in terms of race, gender, youth and persons with disabilities. All candidates will be subject to screening and vetting.
"In the interest of transparency and good governance, I feel it is necessary to present the data on the qualifications of previously recommended board chairs," she said.
Of the 20 previously recommended candidates, three held doctoral degrees (NQF Level 10), at least 15 held master's degrees (NQF Level 9), and two were medical doctors. Their expertise spanned engineering, accountancy, law, medicine and governance.
"It is my intention to present new board chairs in the shortest time possible," Nkabane added. What happened in Parliament?
During a portfolio committee meeting on Wednesday, Lonzi was ejected by parliamentary security after clashing with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie.
In a video shared on social media, Lonzi is seen challenging Department of Higher Education and Training director-general Dr Nkosinathi Sishi over the appointments, demanding answers on alleged political interference.
"DG, have you made appointments to the board chairpersons of SETAs?" Lonzi asked.
Letsie responded that the question had already been addressed prior to Lonzi's arrival and was outside Sishi's mandate, falling under Minister Nkabane's authority.
As tensions escalated, Lonzi accused Letsie of protecting the director-general from accountability. "You are becoming his lawyer," he said.
Letsie then ordered Lonzi's removal. As he was escorted out, Lonzi shouted: "You're protecting corruption? Why am I being chased out? Because the chairperson is protecting corruption? The son of Gwede Mantashe, a minister, gets appointed to a SETA board. I ask a question, and then I must be chased out?"
The leaked list
Among the withdrawn appointments were: Buyambo Mantashe – Chairperson, MERSETA board (son of Minister Gwede Mantashe)
Nomusa Dube-Ncube – Chairperson, BANKSETA board (former KZN premier)
Siboniso Mbhele – Appointee to the TETA board (head of KZN Department of Transport)
Loyiso Masuku – Appointee to the FOODBEV board (ANC deputy regional secretary, Johannesburg)
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