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The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Political favour not a factor in appointing Mantashe's son
Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkadimeng has denied claims of political interference in recent Seta board appointments. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has denied allegations that political connections influenced the appointment of individuals to leadership positions within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) — including the son of ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and a former Mpumalanga premier. Speaking during a presentation to parliament's portfolio committee on higher education on Friday, Nkabane stressed that the selection of chairpersons for Seta boards was grounded in legal compliance and merit-based evaluation. 'No candidate was given any preference or suffered any prejudice due to political affiliation or association with any political party,' she said, citing the constitutional right to freedom of association and political choice. From nomination to backlash The minister's remarks followed a firestorm of public criticism over the initial appointments, particularly after it emerged that Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo Mantashe, and former Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane were among those recommended. According to the minister, the process began with a public call for nominations in November 2024. This was outlined in Government Gazette 51625. A selection and evaluation panel reportedly reviewed more than 500 candidates, assessing them against criteria such as leadership experience, qualifications (minimum NQF Level 8), and demographic representation. Nkabane stated that, following consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA), the panel's recommendations were forwarded to the minister on 6 May 2025. She said the NSA responded with an advisory note supporting the appointments on 8 May. However, days later, outrage followed the revelation of politically linked appointees. ALSO READ: Department scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at Gauteng school after delayed start Reopening the process Acknowledging the backlash, Nkabane confirmed she had reopened the process. A new call for nominations was issued on 23 May and will remain open until 13 June. 'Taking heed of the public call and concerns, the nomination process has since been reopened […] to afford stakeholders reasonable time,' she told MPs. The DA welcomed the withdrawal of the appointments, stating it was a necessary reversal of cadre deployment. However, the party insists the minister must still be held accountable. Parliament's portfolio committee also cautioned that the withdrawal 'does not absolve the minister' of accountability. ALSO READ: Gauteng education announces 2026 school admission dates: Here is what you need Integrity and oversight Nkabane reiterated the importance of integrity and impartiality in appointments, asserting that the process followed the Skills Development Act and the King IV governance principles. She added that consultation with the NSA does not equate to seeking approval. 'The decision to appoint the chairpersons and boards ultimately rests with the executive authority, the minister,' Nkabane explained. She reaffirmed her commitment to transparent governance, stressing that all future appointees will undergo induction to ensure they fully understand their roles and responsibilities. NOW READ: Higher Education and Nsfas vow action amid Durban student protests
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Southern African Wildlife College gets accreditation for national diploma
The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) says its flagship diploma in applied natural resource management has now received all formal accreditations with an official registration number from the relevant national regulatory bodies. 'We will enrol our first group of first-year students in January 2026 and encourage interested parties to keep an eye on our website and communications platforms for further updates and application details,' the college said on Tuesday. It said the milestone followed a rigorous multiyear process to ensure the programme met the highest academic and professional standards. 'With accreditation secured from the Council on Higher Education at the end of 2024, and with the recent and subsequent registration of the qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority, the college is pleased to confirm that the diploma is now fully recognised as a nationally registered qualification at NQF Level 6.' The college said the three-year diploma had been developed to respond to the real-world needs of protected area managers and conservation practitioners working across Southern Africa. 'It blends academic learning (two years online with annual practical blocks at the SAWC campus) with intensive field-based application (third year fully applied), ensuring graduates are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage natural resources effectively and holistically.'
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Higher education minister withdraws recently appointed Seta board chairs
Higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane on Thursday withdrew the appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons with immediate effect. She said the decision was taken after broader consultations with stakeholders in the post school education and training sector and their counsel regarding the appointments. 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. She called on all relevant constituencies to nominate candidates. She said the integrity of the process for appointments will be made in terms of the guidelines outlined in the Skills Development Act, as amended. 'Further, I take this decision in the interest of good governance and transparency to ensure accountability of the appointment process. In this regard I will reopen the process by issuing a government gazette calling for nominations for a limited run of seven days.' She will also establish a new independent panel to process the nominations and recommend candidates. 'The process will put emphasis on merit, competencies and relevant experiences, with balanced representations in terms of race, gender, youth and persons with disabilities. Similar to the previous process, all recommended candidates will have to pass the necessary screening and vetting processes.' Nkabane, 'in the interest of transparency and good governance', presented the data of qualifications of the previously recommended board chairs. 'From 20 Seta board chairs previously recommended, there were three doctoral degrees (NQF level 10), at least 15 Master's degrees (NQF 09) and two medical doctors.' Among others, their competencies ranged from engineers to chartered accountants, auditors, advocates, medical doctors and governance experts. 'It is my intention to present new board chairs in the shortest time possible.'
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Shock revelations show half of Ekurhuleni top officials are underqualified
Accusations are mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. Accusations are mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. A source in the Human Resources Department of the Ekurhuleni Municipality has revealed to The Star that 50% of middle to senior management at the municipality is underqualified or does not meet standard requirements. Accusations are also mounting against Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over his perceived inaction in the wake of damning revelations surrounding the irregular appointment of Mr. Phakamile Mbengashe as the Head of Department (HOD) for Communications, Marketing and Tourism. Despite widespread allegations and formal challenges regarding Mbengashe's academic credentials and experience, the mayor has yet to initiate or endorse any investigation — a silence that critics interpret as implicit protection of the embattled official. The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, in a strongly worded media statement, called for a full-scale investigation into what it terms an ''unscrupulous" and "politically influenced" appointment. 'The appointment of Mr. Mbengashe appears to be a result of his close ties to influential politicians within and outside the city,' said Commissar Oupa 'Sosco' Mokoena, regional coordinator of the MK Party. 'It is an affront to Black excellence to reward friends and cronies in such a manner.' At the centre of the controversy is Mbengashe's academic record, which allegedly lacks the legally required undergraduate degree for the position — a requirement under South Africa's Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Regulations on the Appointment of Senior Managers. A confidential letter from the Municipal Executive and Corporate Staff Union (MECSU), addressed to city officials, specifically questions Mbengashe's qualification, claiming, 'He is allegedly holding a Master's Degree from the University of Salford in the UK, but does not possess a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification.' The letter, signed by General Secretary Vukile Mlungwana, demands verification and threatens external legal action if ignored. Independent reports have echoed these concerns. A story published by The Star revealed that Mbengashe is among a growing list of politically connected figures allegedly exploiting a loophole involving foreign qualifications. According to the report, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has often recognised such international postgraduate qualifications without adequate scrutiny of the prerequisite undergraduate credentials. Adding further fuel to the controversy, a leaked council report shows that out of 288 applicants for the Communications HOD position, Mbengashe, who allegedly lacks both proper qualifications and requisite managerial experience, emerged as the preferred candidate. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Independent Citizens Movement (ICM) councillors have questioned how the vetting panel could have overlooked these glaring discrepancies. Dr. Joe Mojapelo, ICM leader and councillor in Ekurhuleni, has written to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, calling for urgent intervention. 'It is clear the process was pushed through without proper verification or transparency,' said Mojapelo. 'This is not just a flawed appointment — it is a potential violation of municipal law.' Sources within the City of Ekurhuleni claim the situation is symptomatic of a broader problem. 'At least 50% of senior staff in the municipality are underqualified or were irregularly appointed,' one insider alleged. 'These are not isolated incidents; it's a systemic governance issue.' Meanwhile, MEC Mamabolo has formally requested a Regulation 17 Report detailing the appointment process and addressing all allegations. His office has indicated that if the report confirms procedural flaws or qualifications fraud, he may invoke Section 56(6) of the Municipal Systems Act to declare the appointment invalid. Yet, Mayor Xhakaza remains silent. Requests for comment have gone unanswered, and no internal probe has been announced. Critics suggest that his reluctance to act may be rooted in political loyalties or fears of wider fallout if the appointment is reversed. With the Regulation 17 Report due and public pressure mounting, Ekurhuleni faces a pivotal moment. Whether the city will uphold transparency and the rule of law, or continue to shield politically favoured individuals, remains to be seen. 'This isn't just about one man,' said Mokoena. 'It's about the credibility of our entire municipal administration.' This is a developing story.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Labour Court rejects George Municipality's bid to validate unqualified HR appointment
A former employee of the George Municipality was appointed as an HR manager under circumstances which amounted to an unfair labour practice as the person did not have the minimum qualification requirement. Image: File The George Municipality's Labour Court bid to have a now-retired employee's appointment declared lawful has been dismissed, with the court upholding that the appointment flouted fair labour practice. The municipality appointed the woman as a Human Resources manager in 2015 without having the minimum qualification requirement. A commissioner of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council found the municipality committed an unfair labour practice in shortlisting and appointing the woman without the NQF Level 7 qualification. This prejudiced two other employees who applied for the same position and held the required qualification but ranked lower in the interviewing process. The employee has since retired. The municipality sought the arbitration sanction to be reviewed and set aside, and for it to be heard afresh before a new commissioner. It was in 2019, during an audit of the municipality's Human Resources Department, that the two employees who held the qualification became aware that their now-former colleague did not have an NQF level 7 qualification when she was appointed, as she was missing one subject for her qualification. Acting Judge of the Labour Court, Glen Cassells, noted in his judgment that no condition was stipulated in the woman's appointment letter that she was required to obtain the qualification within a reasonable time. The arbitration award noted that the municipality, as a local authority, is expected to comply with the requirements stated in the advertisement and that if the provisions existed to accommodate a candidate who otherwise did not meet the minimum requirements of the advertisement, this should be recorded in all relevant documentation. 'The arbitration award notes that (the former) employee had a national diploma in library and information services and that her highest incomplete qualification related to post school education, and that accordingly it would have been reasonable to frown upon choosing her, as the qualification stipulated in the advertisement was relevant to the position and deviating from it to accommodate a qualification not close to the position was problematic. 'The arbitrator concluded that the shortlisting committee and the Municipal Manager would have acted differently if they knew that she did not possess the minimum qualification… In the circumstances, she should not have been shortlisted and accordingly not appointed into the advertised position, and by allowing her to be part of the process and to be appointed under the circumstances amounted to an unfair labour practice as it was based upon a wrong principle,' said Cassells.
