Latest news with #Fedusa
The Herald
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Fedusa welcomes withdrawal of Seta board chairpersons
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has welcomed the withdrawal of the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons' appointments. Higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane withdrew the appointments on Thursday with immediate effect. A leaked list of new appointments to Seta boards sparked a public debate after the revelation that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, had been named chairperson of the merSETA board. The list identifies him with the notable credential: 'Son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe'. 'I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,' Nkabane said on Thursday. Fedusa said its affiliate, the National Tertiary Education Union, had written a letter to Nkabane, expressing grave concern over the process and seeming lack of transparency in the appointment of Seta board chairpersons.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘We should be grateful we have a government that listens': Ramaphosa says Seta board appointments a ‘mistake'
The appointment of Seta board members triggered widespread criticism this week. President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley, Northern Cape on 16 May 2025. Picture: X / @MYANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairperson appointments, following significant public backlash. Earlier this week, a leaked list of new appointments revealed several ANC members were included. Among the most controversial was the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, as chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta (MERSETA) board. This led to public outcry about nepotism and corruption. Seta board appointments controversy The Democratic Alliance (DA) had written to the chairperson of the Higher Education Portfolio Committee, demanding clarity and accountability on the matter. Tensions escalated during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday, where Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after challenging Buyambo Mantashe's appointment. Following the controversy, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced the withdrawal of all appointments and confirmed that the selection process would be restarted. ALSO READ: Higher education minister withdraws appointment of Seta board chairpersons An independent panel will now be formed to oversee fresh nominations and recommend suitable candidates. According to Nkabane, the revised process will focus on merit, competencies, and relevant experience, while also ensuring balanced representation in terms of race, gender, youth, and persons with disabilities. 🇿🇦Higher Ed Minister Nkabane appoints KZN ANC cadres and Mantashe's son to SETA Boards (see list below). These appointments raise serious concerns about the politicisation of institutions meant to serve all South Africans. SETAs are not ANC cadre deployment havens, nor should… — Karabo Khakhau MP (@KaraboKhakhau) May 13, 2025 Ramaphosa reacts Speaking to the media after attending an ANC event in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Friday, President Ramaphosa described the situation as a 'mistake' that is now being addressed. 'There was a problem, an issue which the minister is trying to correct now and I think it's important to realise that where, for instance, the public sector mistakes are made, immediately we are able to listen to the criticism, the voices of those in the community and immediately take corrective measures. So that's what this is. 'We should also be grateful that we have a government that listens even where it has made mistakes. Mistakes are made and the important thing is to listen and to correct,' the president said. READ MORE: More than half of university students rely on Nsfas Fedusa supports Seta boards withdrawal The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has expressed support for the decision to withdraw the appointments. The union stated that its affiliate, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), had previously raised serious concerns with Minister Nkabane regarding the apparent lack of transparency in the appointment process. 'Fedusa's support for NTEU's position highlights the need for transparency and accountability in these institutions, so that Setas can play their part in developing skills in South Africa,' the organisation said in a statement. 'Ensuring an open and credible appointment process will not only restore public trust but highlights the demand for transparency and accountability, not just in these institutions, but as a fundamental value that South Africa must insist on without fear or favour.' Fedusa further emphasised that transparency and accountability should be foundational principles, rather than being in 'a climate of constant damage control and picking up the pieces of falling confidence'. NOW READ: Frustration mounts as higher education websites remain offline for days
