ANC supports Nkabane's withdrawal of controversial SETA board appointments
Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, was among the figures named in the scrapped 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
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Minister Nkabane responds after chewing gum backlash
Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has come under fire for chewing bubble gum during a tense Portfolio Committee session last week. In a statement released and quickly deleted on the Department of Higher Education and Training's Facebook page, Nkabane responded to mounting criticism over her conduct. The incident took place during the 30 May 2025 committee meeting. Observers and MPs accused Nkabane of acting with 'disrespect' and showing a 'lack of seriousness' while addressing Parliament. 'I acknowledge that the situation could have been handled differently,' said Nkabane. She added that she had taken note of concerns raised by several stakeholders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, who issued a public statement earlier on Wednesday. Critics singled out her behaviour during the meeting, particularly the moment she visibly chewed gum while speaking, as a symbol of disregard for parliamentary decorum. The backlash prompted growing calls for accountability and professionalism. Nkabane said she now wants to rebuild trust with Parliament. 'I intend to maintain a constructive, respectful, and professional working relationship with all Members of Parliament,' she said. She insisted she did not mean to 'evade accountability or undermine the decorum of Parliament.' She vowed to strengthen the relationship between her Ministry, the Department, and the Portfolio Committee. 'I will continue to lead with humility. I value the critical role of Parliament in providing oversight to ensure our sector delivers effectively for all South Africans,' she said Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa taking Higher Education Minister to task over her attitude in Parliament
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to task for how she engaged with Parliament's Higher Education portfolio committee last week. She's been ordered to provide him with an explanation for her conduct and full details regarding the appointment of chairpersons for Sector Education and Training bodies (SETA). Nkabane's exchanges with parliamentarians have gone viral on social media, with her demeanour towards the committee being viewed as combative and dismissive. 'What makes a person credible chair is exactly how it is defined when you Google. In the encyclopedia, you will see what it means. Exactly that." This was Nkabane eating while responding to a question from the chairperson of the Higher Education committee, Tebogo Letsie, last week. ALSO READ: Nkabane defends decision to appoint politically connected people to chair SETA boards NKabane told Parliament the appointments had been retracted due to public outcry, and not because the process was questionable. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the social media commentary on that appearance, in which the South African public has labelled Nkabane as rude and arrogant, has not gone unnoticed by the president. "The president has requested the minister provide him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with parliament." Magwenya says the president also expects to be apprised of the appointment process of SETA chairpersons. He says the report is being requested of Nkabane in view of the expectation that ministers conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially when accounting to Parliament. 'The president expects the minister to establish a constructive relationship with the portfolio committee as she exercises her leadership and accountability,' added Magwenya.
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
'It was never my intention to evade accountability or undermine parliament — Nkabane
Higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane has accepted that her conduct was wrong when she appeared before a portfolio committee in parliament this week. TimesLIVE on Thursday reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa had asked Nkabane to write him a report on her conduct when she appeared in parliament and refused to answer questions relating to the process she followed on the appointment of chairs of sector education and training authorities (Setas). Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Thursday revealed that Nkabane had been requested to submit a detailed report on the appointment process, as well as an explanation of her conduct before the portfolio committee. Nkabane's demeanour was deemed disrespectful when she refused to answer questions and referred the chair of the committee to Google for answers to a question she was asked. Nkabane was criticised for appearing to be nonchalant and seemingly chewing gum the entire time she was before the committee. 'Upon reflection, and having considered the feedback received from various stakeholders, I acknowledge that the situation could have been handled differently. I take this opportunity to express my commitment to strengthening the relationship between the ministry, the department, and the portfolio committee,' said Nkabane in a statement released by her department. Ramaphosa had taken issue with Nkabane's behaviour and wanted her to explain herself as he believed government officials should always uphold standards when appearing before structures such as parliament. Magwenya said Ramaphosa expected ministers, deputy ministers and senior executives in the public sector to conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially in engaging parliament and other accountability structures. In her statement, Nkabane said she had intended to maintain what she said was a 'constructive, respectful and professional' working relationship with parliament. 'I remain committed to the principles of accountability, good governance and co-operative governance as outlined in our constitution and parliamentary protocols,' she said. 'It was never my intention to evade accountability or undermine the decorum of parliament. I will continue to lead with humility, and I value the critical role of parliament in providing oversight to ensure our sector delivers effectively for the benefit of all South Africans.'
