Latest news with #SkillsDevelopmentAct
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
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Nkabane confident in new SETA appointments amid public scrutiny
Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane says the government gazette for SETA chairpersons' appointments affirms that all nominations for the relevant bodies will solely be judged on lawful merit-based criteria. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is confident that the restarted process to appoint chairpersons of boards of directors of the Sector and Education Training Authorities (SETA) will not again attract an outcry from the public. Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Nkabane said she will stick to legislative imperatives and has instructed the panel, independent of handling the nominations and recommendations, to ensure that the list of recommended candidates is not bloated with politically exposed persons. 'When we reopened the process this time around, we are going to address the concerns that were raised. I don't envisage public outcry after this process is concluded because we anticipate concluding it within a short space of time. I just want to assure the House that there will be no public outcry,' she said. Nkabane made the statement during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly in connection with the withdrawal of the appointments of SETA chairpersons earlier this month after she received backlash from civil society and political parties for appointing several ANC-aligned individuals. 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 ✕ Ad Loading Among the controversial appointees were former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson and Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe. The minister said the Constitution guaranteed fundamental freedoms such as the right to choose freely one's trade, occupation, profession, equality before the law, political rights, and freedom of association. 'These principles ensure no individual is denied opportunities based on political affiliation or association,' she said. Nkabane added that the Skills Development Act contained no provision excluding or favouring candidates based on their political beliefs. 'The government gazette of 22 May 2025 affirms that all nominations for the relevant bodies will be solely judged on lawful merit-based criteria.' She defended the now-cancelled appointments, saying the recommended candidates were academically qualified. 'We decided to recalibrate the process, not because there was something wrong with the process that was conducted by the independent panel. It is only because we are responding to the outcry of society hence we are a responsive government, as the ANC. 'We felt it was very important for us to be responsive and listen to the citizens when they cry to say they feel the calibre of the candidates is more politically heavy. So we had to respond, not that there is any legislation we contravened,' Nkabane said. She was adamant that the now-cancelled appointments were beyond reproach and that candidates had met the criteria for appointment. 'They have a role to play in society. They raised their hands to say they wanted to serve so that they could turn around the post-school and education sector. We have a responsibility as a government to respond to the cries.' EFF MP Sihle Lonzi said the withdrawal of the appointment effectively meant there was a flaw in the process. And that there were people who were not supposed to be chairpersons of the boards. 'If there was no problem in the process, you were not going to withdraw those names. You withdrew the names because the people of South Africa don't want Gwede Mantashe's son and ANC comrades there,' Lonzi said. In response, Nkabane said there was no flaw in the process followed, and they were merely responding to the public outcry. 'We are not to deviate from the legislation that empowers the minister on processes that must be followed in appointing accounting authorities. 'We are still to follow the Constitution, Skills Development Act, and the guide on the criteria that must be followed. Because our people cried that, indeed, it is politically bloated with candidates that were recommended, this time around, among the criteria I will add personally, is to say to the independent panel to please make sure it is balanced in demographics and that that we don't see bloated politically associated candidates in that list. 'However, we need to take into consideration that the Constitution does not preclude those who are politically affiliated,' Nkabane said.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
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) IOL Politics
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
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Nkabane withdraws SETA board appointments amid nepotism outcry
Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, was among the figures named in the scrapped SETA board appointments. Image: Supplied Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has withdrawn the recent appointments of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairpersons, including several individuals linked to the ANC. These included Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube. The move follows a heated parliamentary session on Wednesday in which 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. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 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. Nkabane 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. What happened in Parliament? During a portfolio committee meeting on Wednesday, Lonzi was ejected by parliamentary security after clashing with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie. In a video shared on social media, Lonzi is seen challenging Department of Higher Education and Training director-general Dr Nkosinathi Sishi over the appointments, demanding answers on alleged political interference. "DG, have you made appointments to the board chairpersons of SETAs?" Lonzi asked. Letsie responded that the question had already been addressed prior to Lonzi's arrival and was outside Sishi's mandate, falling under Minister Nkabane's authority. As tensions escalated, Lonzi accused Letsie of protecting the director-general from accountability. "You are becoming his lawyer," he said. Letsie then ordered Lonzi's removal. As he was escorted out, Lonzi shouted: "You're protecting corruption? Why am I being chased out? Because the chairperson is protecting corruption? The son of Gwede Mantashe, a minister, gets appointed to a SETA board. I ask a question, and then I must be chased out?" The leaked list Among the withdrawn appointments were: Buyambo Mantashe – Chairperson, MERSETA board (son of Minister Gwede Mantashe) 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) IOL Politics
