ANC supports Nkabane's withdrawal of controversial SETA board appointments
Image: Supplied
The African National Congress (ANC) is standing behind a decision to withdraw and re-open the appointment process of SETA Board chairpersons following a wave of criticism over current post appointments.
IOL previously reported that the appointments included Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
The appointments came to light following concerns from the Democratic Alliance (DA). The party then wrote to the Higher Education Portfolio Committee chairperson, demanding answers on the matter.
Furthermore, during a heated parliamentary session on Wednesday, 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.
Meanwhile, the ANC, which has previously been silent about alleged nepotism among members, said it "welcomes and fully supports' Nkabane's move in response to public concerns.
ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, said the move is a principled act and a reaffirmation of the party's commitment to ethical governance, democratic accountability and institutional integrity.
'It is precisely the kind of leadership envisioned in our programme of organisational renewal — responsive, transparent, and anchored in public service, not personal entitlement,' she said.
'It was a decision of conscience and accountability, made by a minister committed to transparency and good governance.'
'Our deployee has reassured the ANC, the minister, that the recalibrated process will be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the Skills Development Act,' Bengu-Motsiri said.
She said the party is satisfied that all due diligence will be observed during recruitment, and that all candidates will be appointed in accordance with the principles of merit, representative, good governance, and public accountability.
'As a movement, we remain committed to ensuring that such critical public processes reflect the highest standards of ethical leadership and institutional integrity.'
'Minister Nkabane's commitment to merit, transformation, and clean administration reflects the ANC's foundational values of discipline, service, and responsibility.'
Nkabane also said 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.
She 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.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The ANC, however, said the decision to publish a new Gazette and open nominations reinforces public participation, not party-political spectacle.
'As the ANC, we call on all sectors of society, especially progressive voices in business, labour, academia and civil society — to participate in the renewed process and nominate candidates who reflect the ethos of public service, transformation and national development.'
Bengu-Motsiri said the party will not be lectured on accountability by those who have no respect for democratic institutions, who turn every policy question into a populist outburst, and who offer critique without responsibility.
'What we have witnessed is not their victory; it is the maturity and discipline of ANC-led governance on full display,' she said.
Among the withdrawn appointments were: Buyambo Mantashe – Chairperson, MERSETA board (son of Minister Gwede Mantashe)
Dr 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)
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Caught in a bad romance? South Africa's GNU gets the Politically Aweh treatment
South Africa's cheekiest news show, Politically Aweh, returns with a sizzling new season – and it's already putting the 'national' back into 'national drama'. Hosted by the ever-witty KG Mokgadi and dynamic new co-host Zoë Human, the first episode dives head-first into that rare and endangered political creature: the GNU. Like a wildlife documentary in Parliament, the team studies and dissects the polygamous political marriage born out of the 2024 elections, where the ANC, having been klapped at the polls, found itself with less than 50% of the vote – and a big, empty bed in Tuynhuys. What followed was less House of Cards and more Boer Soek 'n Vrou: Parliamentary Edition. Would the DA get the rose?Would the IFP bring snacks?Would Gayton McKenzie bring a surprise twist or just another hat? Spoiler alert: the ANC courted the DA, and after a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, they said 'I do' (to working together). Along with eight smaller parties, they formed the GNU – that's nine makotis in one house, and yes, the DA is still undlunkulu. But in true South African fashion, nobody knows how long this bad romance will last. Will it be lasting love or a bitter divorce before year-end? Meanwhile, in the opposition corner, the MK party, born from Zuma's political ashes and packing 14.5% of the vote, was supposed to be the bold new watchdog. But instead of barking they've been napping through crucial parliamentary votes. So much for being the government-in-waiting – at this rate they're barely the WhatsApp group admin. And just when you thought it couldn't get spicier, Tony Leon and Mmusi Maimane make a guest appearance. Leon makes a surprising observation about MK: 'They're an interesting example of not performing particularly well as a parliamentary opposition but who on the ground seem to be making significant progress.' Maimane makes the case for being driven by 'the strength of your ideas, not the sheer number [of MPs in a parliamentary party]'. So, how do we hold any of these political lovebirds accountable? According to KG and Zoë:By paying making by remembering that babysitters can't sleep while the house is on fire. This isn't just a show. It's a public service – wrapped in satire, served with a wink and backed by facts. Let's keep the GNU keep the vibe Aweh. DM
eNCA
5 hours ago
- eNCA
DA rejects GNU expansion
JOHANNESBURG - Tensions between the GNU's two biggest partners continue. READ: ANC pushes to expand GNU The relationship between the ANC and DA has been an uneasy one, since the 2024 election. Disagreements on policy, from BEE, to national budget and foreign relations. The ANC now says the GNU has been the right tool to take South Africa forward. But it now wants to see if more parties are able to join, but the DA is not convinced. Political commentator, Sam Mkokeli discussed this with eNCA.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
City accused of wasting money investigating its forensic investigators
GFIS was formed in 2016. It was meant to save the city from losing money through corruption and fraud. While the City of Johannesburg is facing financial challenges, it has spent R12 million investigating its own corruption-fighting unit, Group Forensic Investigation Services (GFIS). In a statement on Monday, ActionSA accused the City of Johannesburg of wasting money on investigating GFIS. GFIS has been accused of carrying out spying activities on some ANC councillors, but there has not been tangible evidence despite numerous investigations. 'We strongly encourage those seeking to continue this witch-hunt to instead demand answers as to why over R12 million has been squandered on it to date, with no preliminary report ever seeing the light of day and, after years of work, making no progress. 'This witch-hunt, set to cost residents a total of R40 million or more, simply cannot be justified and, given the city's dismal balance sheet, is an expenditure it cannot afford for what is nothing more than a vendetta-driven exercise that was rightly questioned and suspended pending a review,' said the party's Marcel Countriers. GFIS is one of Herman Mashaba's legacy projects in the City of Johannesburg. He launched this corruption-busting unit to fight the abuse of municipal funds. Mashaba's legacy project Countriers said the current administration in the city is trying to erase Mashaba's good work as mayor of Johannesburg. 'ActionSA will always stand firmly by the fight against corruption launched by Herman Mashaba during his tenure as mayor. 'To the deep displeasure of those who had been looting the city blind, the corruption-busting unit he established, namely the Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS), investigated over 6 000 cases involving transactions worth R35 billion, marking one of the most decisive anti-corruption efforts in any municipality in South Africa's history,' said Countriers. Will GFIS close down? Critics said there seems to be a coordinated effort by the current administration to try to close down this corruption-fighting unit. 'Unsurprisingly, attempts to exacerbate the city's current regression have found eager champions in failed former mayor Thapelo Amad, who seems determined to accelerate the decline through unscrupulous demands for pointless witch-hunts. 'This is only aimed at distracting from the fight against corruption by unjustly targeting the very efforts that put an end to the large-scale corruption which brought Johannesburg to its knees,' he said. ALSO READ: '-Move Ramaphosa from Chiawelo to Houghton': Joburg ANC fight heats up Still no evidence of spying Mashaba has denied that GFIS has been used to spy on ANC councillors. This matter was also reported to State Security, but it also did not find any negative findings against GFIS. Last year, a GFIS forensic investigator was shot dead in Johannesburg. It is believed that he was investigating corruption involving members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). At the time, the city had also proposed extra protection for their GFIS investigators. NOW READ: Morero given ultimatum over MMC's joy ride to KZN
