Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education has withdrawn the the SETA board following public critism. Image: SA Parliament
The Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has decided to withdraw the newly appointed Chairperson of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs) in response to public concerns.
The SETA Boards were made up of prominent ANC-linked individuals – including Mineral Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe and 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.
“The integrity of the process for appointments will be be made in terms of the guidelines as outlined in the Skills Development Act, 1998 as amended,” Nkabane said.
Leading to this, during a parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi got into a squabble with security personnels after he enquired about “nepotistic appointments” in SETA, questioning the appointment of Mantashe.
However, the African National Congress(ANC) had claimed in a statement 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 of the establishment of a new independent panel that will take charge of the nominations and recommend candidates.
“This process will put emphasis on merit, competencies and relevant experiences -with balanced representations in terms of race, gender, youth and persons with disabilities,” she stated.
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 has 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.
“Minister Nkabane’s commitment to merit, transformation, and clean administration reflects the ANC’s fundamental values of discipline, service and responsibility,” the party stated.
ANC also added that decision to publish new Gazette and open nominations is a reinforcement of public participation, not party-political exhibition.
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