Latest news with #SETAs
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane apologises for her conduct in Parliamentary Committee
Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Image: Supplied The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has publicly apologised for her behaviour in a Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education session held earlier this week after being lambasted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. In a post on X, she said that she had reflected and acknowledged 'that the situation could have been handled differently'. Nkabane met with the Committee earlier this week, to in theory, explain why she appointed certain people as chairmen of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) recently and then withdrew those appointments. However, Nkabane was accused of not providing a detailed explanation and of not being transparent over her withdrawal of the appointments, and said any process needed to ensure that it was not victim to state capture or be dominated by any one political party when it came to political allegiance of those chosen for the role. She was also accused of not listening and telling Members of Parliament that, even though she withdrew appointments of chairmen, that process was not flawed. One member went as far as to say that no-one would believe her. Ramaphosa's indirectly said the Minister had called the process, and Parliament into ill repute. 'The public broadcast of Parliamentary proceedings and the viral spread of content from and public comment on these proceedings demand that all Ministers and senior officials remain conscious of all aspects of their conduct during such proceedings." 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 ✕ Ramaphosa's office stated, 'he has requested that the Minister provides him with a detailed report on the decorum and substance of her engagement with Parliament'. Nkabane said she 'noted' Ramaphosa's statement and that of other 'concerns raised by various stakeholders'. Ramaphosa also said he wanted a report on the process undertaken to appoint board members to the SETA authorities that were at the centre of the Portfolio Committee's questions. 'The request for the report is in view of the President's expectation that Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior executives in our public sector conduct themselves professionally, transparently and cordially in engaging with Parliament and other accountability institutions.' Nkabane said in her post on X that she took 'this opportunity to express my commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Ministry, the Department, and the Portfolio Committee. I intend to inculcate and maintain a constructive, respectful, and professional working relationship with all Members of Parliament.' The Minister added that '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.' IOL
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
After Ramaphosa's rebuke over her conduct in Parly, Nkabane promises to lead with humility
CAPE TOWN - Having reflected on her recent conduct in Parliament, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said that she could have handled the situation differently. Following a week of public backlash, the president has ordered her to explain her behaviour to him. On Thursday night, Nkabane accepted the rebuke in a statement she issued, saying that she intended to lead with humility. A minister for less than a year, Nkabane has landed herself in hot water over the manner in which she engaged with MPs of the higher education portfolio committee last week, when she appeared dismissive towards them during questioning about sector education training authorities (SETAs). Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said that no deadline had been set for Nkabane to explain herself to the president. But he said that comfort should be taken in the fact that what transpired during Nkabane's appearance in Parliament had not escaped the president's attention. "It's often better to leave that between the president and the minister concerned, otherwise you are running the risk of the president managing issues with members of his national executive in the public domain, which is not ideal and will not be prudent. We should allow the minister a little bit of room to address the matter with the minister." Following that announcement, Nkabane said she had noted the concerns about her conduct but it had not been her intention to evade accountability nor the decorum of Parliament. "I intend to inculcate and maintain a constructive, respectful and professional working relationship with all Members of Parliament. I remain committed to the principles of accountability, good governance, and cooperative governance as outlined in our Constitution and parliamentary protocols," Nkabane said in a statement. Nkabane added that she was committed to strengthening the relationship between the ministry, the department and the portfolio commitee.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Alex youth join Services SETA for micro-enterprise development
Thembalethu Development is empowering young people, under the age of 29, in Alexandra through its Services SETA micro-enterprise initiative. The goal is not just to provide survivalist opportunities, but to foster sustainable micro-enterprises that empower young people and tackle unemployment. Read more: Thembalethu Development empowers Alexandra youth with skills and opportunities Over 40 young people met at the Alexandra Police Station on May 14 to sign contracts to participate in the Services SETA programme. Project co-ordinator Muhammed Gadimang explained that these young people are transitioning from the Social Employment Fund (SEF) initiative into the new programme. 'They are from the SEF programme. This one is the Services SETA [programme]. They are going to do the learnership around micro-entrepreneurship. So, we are graduating them from SEF and we are taking them into Services SETA to train them around micro-enterprise and around the business as well.' This marks the second round of youth entering such a programme. On May 3, the first group signed contracts for the BANK SETA initiative. Gadimang noted that while the sponsors differ, the focus remains the same. 'There is not much difference from the BANK SETA [initiative], except that the SETAs are different. They will be doing the same micro-enterprise development that BANK SETA is doing, just under different sponsors. This one focuses on youth, under 29, whereas before, we had some flexibility to include a few older participants.' Also read: YDE Lumen30 tackles youth unemployment and energy insecurity in Alexandra Thembalethu Development implements learnership programmes, including SETAs, and works with private companies to implement their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Gadimang emphasised the programme's long-term vision. 'The goal is career path development, whether that leads to formal employment or their own businesses… They gain specific skills, and as they move into entrepreneurship, we assess how to support them further. Should we need to help them register businesses, apply for funding, or procure equipment. In Alexandra, 20 people have already received business starter kits. We gave some for nail salons, and others for carpentry, plumbing, or panel beating.' The initiative is part of Thembalethu's ongoing effort to uplift Alexandra's youth. Gadimang spoke about their future plans, saying that they are hoping to run other programmes that Thembalethu might have from July onwards. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Utnubu Movements STOL tries to decolonise Alex youth At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Minister Nkabane reverses controversial SETA appointments amid public outcry
Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane made an about-turn on the appointments of SETA chairpersons following a public outrage after a leaked list of the appointments surfaced. Image: Twitter Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane's decision to reverse the appointments of chairpersons for several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) has been welcomed by parties as some claimed credit for applying pressure on her. Nkabane made the about-turn on the appointments on Thursday following a public outrage after a leaked list of appointments to SETAs surfaced. The appointments had included ANC-aligned people that included former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe. Also on the list was KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport head Siboniso Mbhele, and ANC deputy regional secretary in Johannesburg, who is the wife of former Gauteng health MEC Bandile Masuku, and SACP leader and former higher education director-general Gwebinkundla Qonde, among others. 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 ✕ DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said Nkabane's decision marked a step in the right direction and showed that the pressure applied by her party and civil society has not been in vain. "We are pleased that the Minister has finally come to her senses and recognised that SETA boards cannot and must not be treated as extensions of ANC patronage networks," Khakhau said. She reiterated the DA's call that SETAs should be free from political interference, and that future appointments should be made on the basis of merit, experience, and commitment to service delivery. 'We look forward to reviewing the new list of appointees and will continue to monitor the process to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability,' Khakhau said. The MK Party Nkabane's said the reversal of the appointments was not a matter of principle but a response to its pressure and public outrage. 'It is disingenuous that the Minister revoked such appointment only when faced with such backlash rather than acknowledging the inherent ethical failings and moral impropriety of the original decision,' spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. Ndhlela said there was no transparent public consultation on constituting the SETA boards dominated by ANC deployees nor merit followed. 'Following the Minister's call for the nomination of new candidates, the MK Party vows to closely monitor the process of SETA board appointments to ensure that due processes are strictly followed and that the Minister is held to account. 'The MK Party will continue to expose every instance where institutions meant for public good are hijacked for private political gain,' he said. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said his party was vindicated in its consistent and unrelenting exposure of the rot and unethical appointments by Nkabane. 'It is our firm belief that these appointments were not made in the spirit of fairness, transparency or merit but were a manifestation of the ANC's longstanding practice of rewarding political loyalty with positions of public responsibility,' Thambo said. He said the reopening of the nomination process must not be a cosmetic exercise. 'It must lead to the selection of the best candidates based on merit, experience and a demonstrable track record of ethical leadership. Anything less will be a betrayal of the public trust,' Thambo said. The ANC said Nkabane's decision was a reaffirmation of its commitment to ethical governance, democratic accountability and institutional integrity. 'It was a decision of conscience and accountability, made by a Minister committed to transparency and good governance,' national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said. Bhengu-Motsiri also said Nkabane has reassured that the recalibrated process will be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the Skills Development Act. '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,' she said.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Nkabane unveils new National Skills Authority board to tackle youth unemployment and skills gaps
South Africa's National Skills Authority Board Induction: A Step Towards Youth Empowerment Image: Twitter In a significant step towards revitalising South Africa's skills development landscape, Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, officiated the induction ceremony for the 6th Board of the National Skills Authority (NSA), in Midrand on Tuesday. The event marked a critical moment as the country intensified efforts to address youth unemployment, skills deficits, and the modernisation of post-school education and training. The newly appointed NSA Board comprises a diverse group of professionals representing various constituencies — including organised labour, business, community organisations, education and skills development providers, and government agencies. The board notably includes a strong presence of women and young people, exemplified by chairperson Asanda Luwaca, aged 33, reflecting the government's commitment to youth leadership. Minister Nkabane expressed optimism about the board's potential to drive meaningful transformation. 'It is heart-warming to see such a diverse portfolio, especially with women and young people taking leadership roles,' she said. 'We look forward to your insights on how best to modernise our post-school education and training systems to meet the needs of our economy.' In her address, the Minister acknowledged the growing impatience among South Africans demanding tangible progress. 'Our citizens are no longer patient; they are raising their voices with limited actions from our side,' she remarked. 'We must act and act now, ensuring our decisions are aligned with our values of integrity and ethical leadership. Credibility must always take precedence over convenience.' She emphasised the importance of the Skills Development Act, which underpins the establishment of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. These institutions are tasked with developing sector-specific skills plans and overseeing training initiatives aligned with labour market needs. One of the most pressing issues highlighted was youth unemployment, with an estimated 3.5 million young South Africans aged 15-24 neither in employment, education, nor training. Minister Nkabane reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that SETAs prioritise youth skills development, especially in emerging sectors driven by technological innovation. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The SETAs must respond to the rapid pace of industry change by integrating digital skills such as e-commerce, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital marketing into their training programs,' she urged. 'Our youth are best placed to benefit from continuous development that keeps pace with industry evolution.' The Minister also underscored the importance of good governance within the SETAs, noting that half of them have previously received adverse audits from the Auditor-General. 'This is unacceptable,' she stated. 'We expect our boards to be centres of excellence, not only in skills training but also in governance, financial management, and compliance.' She emphasised that performance evaluations of SETA chief executive officers and board members will be rigorous, with a focus on delivering timely learner certificates and ensuring responsible management of public funds.
