Nkabane Immediately Withdraws SETA Board Appointments

(The Post News)– The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has decided to withdraw the newly appointed Chairperson of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) in response to public concerns of nepotism.

The SETA Boards were made up of prominent African National Congress (ANC)-linked individuals – including Mineral Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son Buyambo Mantashe, former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube leaders, and a former ANC Premier – until the DA intervened.

Nkabane said that her decision is influenced by the interest of good governance and also transparency in ensuring accountability of the appointment processes. She also noted that the procedures specified in the Skills Development Act, 1998, as amended, will be followed to ensure the integrity of the appointment process.

Her decision to withdraw the recent appointments comes after Wednesday’s Parliament sitting, which saw Sihle Lonzi, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP), being sent out for enquiring about nepotistic appointments” in SETA, particularly the appointment of Mantashe.

However, in a statement, the ANC claimed that the committee is committed to holding all entities accountable and ensuring the voices of students and stakeholders are heard and considered.

Furthermore, Nkabane shared plans for the establishment of a new independent panel that will take charge of the nominations and recommend candidates. She explained that the procedure will emphasise merit, competencies, and relevant experiences, with equitable representation in terms of race, gender, youth, and people with disabilities.

Nkabane also revealed that the previously recommended board was comprised of academically decorated candidates and also said that she will present new board chairs as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has praised the decision, citing that their pressure has overturned a “major ANC cadre deployment attempt” and also described it as a victory for fairness and for transparency.

However, the ANC released another statement in support of Nkabane’s decision, stating that it is an act of reaffirmation of their commitment to ethical governance and institutional integrity. They also said that what has happened is no one’s victory, but it is a display of maturity and discipline of the government that they lead.

Moreover, the ANC said Minister Nkabane’s commitment to merit, change, and clean administration represents its core principles of discipline, service, and responsibility. The party added that the decision to publish a new gazette and open nominations is a reinforcement of public participation, not party-political exhibition.