Latest news with #Seta
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
20-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
If we are hungry, Mantashe's child must also be: EFF's Sihle Lonzi
EFF student command president Sihle Lonzi has spoken out against favouritism and nepotism in government appointments, citing high unemployment in South Africa. Speaking to supporters on Monday at the party's VAT victory march, Lonzi said the party won't tolerate ANC leaders' children being preferred for jobs over others. 'We don't have a problem with the children of ANC politicians and ministers. Our fight with them is not personal, but we have a problem with favouritism and nepotism,' he said. Lonzi's statement came after a recent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting in which he questioned the department of higher education's appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairs. The controversy surrounds Buyambo Mantashe, the son of ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe, who was listed as one of the Seta board chairs. After public outrage, the appointments were withdrawn. The issue was escalated by the high number of unemployed youth in the country, with the unemployment rate increasing by a percentage point to reach 32.9% in the first quarter of the year. Lonzi argued that politicians' children should not be given preferential treatment when many young people are struggling to find jobs. 'We have a problem if the children of politicians jump the line when young people in South Africa are unemployed. 'If we are unemployed, even the child of Ramaphosa must be unemployed. If we are hungry, the child of Mantashe must also be hungry. If we don't have jobs, even the child of Mbalula must not get a job. We are tired of politicians eating while the youth of this country remain hungry.' EFF leader Julius Malema has previously called for South Africans to be prioritised for jobs, regardless of language or connections. 'We don't want to know if you're a relative, we don't want to know which language you speak. If you're South African and qualified, get the job. That should be the position of the EFF councillor. We need to prioritise South Africans and our own constituency.'
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Mantashes accused of using political links for personal or familial gain
The powerful Mantashe family is once again under the public microscope, following revelations that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC National Chairperson and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, was appointed chairperson of a Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board. The leak of a list of Seta appointments triggered a political storm in Parliament, with opposition parties questioning the legitimacy and transparency of the process. Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led the charge against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, demanding clarity on how the appointments were made. Critics claimed the process smacked of favouritism, pointing to Buyambo's appointment as indicative of the ANC's alleged practice of rewarding insiders and politically connected individuals. The controversy deepened when Zakhele Buthelezi, another new appointee, prematurely introduced himself to a parliamentary committee as the chairperson of the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta), even though Parliament had not been formally notified. The confusion sparked outrage among MPs, who raised concerns about procedural irregularities and the broader credibility of the appointments. Facing mounting pressure, Minister Nkabane ultimately withdrew Buyambo Mantashe's appointment. T his is not the first time the Mantashe family has faced allegations of using political connections for personal or familial gain. In 2021, a News24 investigation known as 'The Eskom Files' reported that Gwede Mantashe's daughter, Nombasa Mantashe Mawela, received funds linked to kickbacks involving Eskom suppliers during the Kusile Power Station project. The payments were allegedly funnelled through former Eskom executive Frans Hlakudi and were tied to a poultry venture associated with Mawela. Although the Press Ombudsman later criticised News24 for a misleading headline that implied Mawela knowingly received 'dirty money,' most of her complaints were dismissed. The incident further entrenched the public perception that the Mantashe family had reaped disproportionate benefits from their proximity to political power. Those perceptions were already long in the making. One of the most enduring scandals dates back to 2015, when a R631-million toilet tender awarded by the Amathole District Municipality to the Siyenza Group raised eyebrows. The deal was linked to Gwede Mantashe's wife, Nolwandle, and implicated the sons of both Mantashe and Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu. Although then-Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane cleared the senior politicians of direct interference, she referred the case to the Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit for criminal investigation into the broader network involved. In 2022, the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture recommended a criminal investigation into Gwede Mantashe himself. The commission found a 'reasonable suspicion' that Mantashe received free security upgrades, including CCTV systems and electric fencing at three properties, courtesy of Bosasa, a company notorious for its dealings with government officials. Mantashe has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The controversies have not been limited to state tenders and government appointments. In 2021, the Gwede Mantashe Foundation dismissed its Chief Operating Officer, Caswell Mokoena, after it emerged that a company he directed had received up to R6 million from Voltex, a subsidiary of Bidvest. The funds were allegedly disguised as donations to the foundation. Mantashe denied that the foundation received the money, saying it did not even operate a bank account and that all support was channelled directly to its social initiatives. For critics, the recent Seta appointments have added yet another chapter to a long history of politically connected dealings.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mantashes accused of using political links for personal or familial gain
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and his son, Buyambo who was appointed to be part of the SETA boards. The powerful Mantashe family is once again under the public microscope, following revelations that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC National Chairperson and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, was appointed chairperson of a Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board. The leak of a list of Seta appointments triggered a political storm in Parliament, with opposition parties questioning the legitimacy and transparency of the process. Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led the charge against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, demanding clarity on how the appointments were made. Critics claimed the process smacked of favouritism, pointing to Buyambo's appointment as indicative of the ANC's alleged practice of rewarding insiders and politically connected individuals. The controversy deepened when Zakhele Buthelezi, another new appointee, prematurely introduced himself to a parliamentary committee as the chairperson of the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta), even though Parliament had not been formally notified. The confusion sparked outrage among MPs, who raised concerns about procedural irregularities and the broader credibility of the appointments. Facing mounting pressure, Minister Nkabane ultimately withdrew Buyambo Mantashe's appointment. This is not the first time the Mantashe family has faced allegations of using political connections for personal or familial gain. In 2021, a News24 investigation known as 'The Eskom Files' reported that Gwede Mantashe's daughter, Nombasa Mantashe Mawela, received funds linked to kickbacks involving Eskom suppliers during the Kusile Power Station project. The payments were allegedly funnelled through former Eskom executive Frans Hlakudi and were tied to a poultry venture associated with Mawela.
News24
18-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
More vigilance required after Seta debacle
On Thursday, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane was forced to make a hasty retreat after her department loaded the appointment of Seta chairpersons with ANC loyalists, in what appeared to be a Luthuli House capture of the institutions. Nkabane was forced to backtrack and cancel the appointments of 21 chairs and members. The minister said: 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. She has called on relevant constituencies to nominate new candidates and commit 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. But the truth is that she was forced to take this step after massive public pressure after even her ANC colleagues were shocked at the blatant politically partisan appointments to the institutions that help refine students with skills needed in the workplace. The initial concern from opposition parties was about Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo, who was appointed as chair of the manufacturing, engineering and related services Seta. But it later transpired that more ANC heavyweights littered the appointments. They included: Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, appointed as chairperson of the Bank Seta; KwaZulu-Natal ANC Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Amanda Mapena, appointed as chair of the quality council for the trades an soccupation Seta; and ANC MMC in the Johannesburg council Loyiso Masuku, appointed as chair of FoodBev Manufacturing Seta. This list goes on, revealing that ANC members occupy positions in 21 Setas. All these appointments would have been approved by Nkabane. They point to a capture of these institutions to use them to benefit ANC members. This is what the ANC has got away with for years – capturing institutions to use them to fund activities such as conferences and election campaigns. When EFF MP Sihle Lonzi tried to question the director-general of the department of higher education in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he was shut down by committee chair Tebogo Letsie, and was eventually bundled out of the committee meeting by parliamentary security. This is a reminder once again that the ANC is a syndicate in which members not only engage in improper behaviour but are also able to get other members in influential positions to shield them from accountability. But, in the end, the people are the victors because the minister capitulated to public pressure. However, the whole exercise calls for South Africans to be even more vigilant in protecting our institutions.
