SETA scandal: Minister Nkabane to Face Ethics committee

(The Post News)- Higher Education Portfolio Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie says the committee must refer minister Nobuhle Nkabane to the ethics committee. This comes after the minister had revealed what she claims is the independent panel, which was tasked with appointing the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board members.

On May 30, she informed the higher education committee that an independent panel had appointed SETA board members. This appointment, which was later withdrawn, sparked public debate about nepotism following the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son; former KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube; and former ANC deputy chairperson in KZN Mike Mabuyakhulu.

Following the controversy, Nkabane released the names of the panel on Tuesday, June 17, which she had previously refused to disclose. The panel consisted of advocate Terry Motau (chairperson), Asisipho Solani, Nelisiwe Semane, Rhulani Ngwenya, and Mabuza Ngubane.

Although Nkabane had released the names of individuals she claims were part of the panel, advocate Terry Motau disputes the claims that he was chairperson of the panel. Motau says he was not involved in the process and didn’t attend meetings. He maintained that he was never officially appointed.

According to Daily Mavrick, Motau claimed Nkabane reached out to him on March 18, 2025, to request his involvement as the panel’s chair. Motau stated he attended an initial meeting with several others, including Asisipho Solani, Luvo Makasi, and Rhulani Ngwenya, to discuss the process. He further stated that a second meeting scheduled with Solani and Ngwenya at his chambers didn’t happen. Instead, he learned about the appointments from the media, with no direct notification or briefing from the minister’s office.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 18 June, the higher education portfolio committee expressed their concerns over the panel saying that they were misled by Minister Nkabane. The committee is concerned about the independence of the panel and the integrity of the appointment process.