Amid rising criticism, Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has reversed the appointment of the Chairpersons of the Boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Earlier this week, a leaked list of appointments to SETA boards revealed shocking political patronage, with African National Congress (ANC) loyalists, including party chairman and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, and a former KwaZulu-Natal premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, handed key positions.
However, late on Thursday, (15 May 2025), Minister Nkabane withdrew the controversial appointments.
“I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,” Minister Nkabane said.
“Further, I take this decision in the interest of good governance and transparency to ensure accountability of the appointment process.”
This after the leaked appointments raised eyebrows and sparked criticism.
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Democratic Alliance (DA) MP and Member of the Committee on Higher Education, and Training, Karabo Khakhau, stated: “These appointments confirm the ANC’s blatant abuse of SETA boards for political gain.
“We demand that Minister Nkabane explain why qualified South Africans are being sidelined for connected cadres.”
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary committee meeting after questioning the Director-General about the appointment of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son to the SETA board.
Reversing the appointments under a barrage of crticism, Minister Nkabane stated: “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,” the minister stated.
“I call on all relevant constituencies to nominate candidates.
“The integrity of the process for appointments will be made in terms of the guidelines as outlined in the Skills Development Act, 1998 as amended.
“In this regard, I will reopen the process by issuing a Government Gazette calling for nominations for a limited run of seven days.”
Minister Nkabane said she will establish a new independent panel to process 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,” Minister Nkabane said.
“Similar to the previous process, all recommended candidates will have to pass the necessary screening and vetting processes.
“In the interest of transparency and good governance, I feel it is necessary to present the data of qualifications of previously recommended Board Chairs.”
From 20 SETA Board Chairs that were previously recommended, there were three Doctoral Degrees (NQF Level 10); at least 15 Masters Degrees (NQF 09); and two medical doctors.
Among others, their competencies ranged from engineers, chartered accountants, auditors, advocates, medical doctors, and governance experts.
“It is my intention to present new Board Chairs in the shortest period possible,” said Minister Nkabane.
Responding to the withdrawal of the SETA appointments, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) expressed its “strong condemnation of the minister” and “subsequent reversal of the appointments, not as a matter of principle, but in response to MK Party’s pressure and public outrage”.
MK Party National Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela added: “It is disingenuous that the minister revoked such appointments only when faced with such backlash, rather than acknowledging the inherent ethical failings and moral impropriety of the original decision”.
“The retracted list of SETA board appointments was dominated by ANC deployees with questionable credentials and amounted to cronyism.
“We call on the minister to explain the grounds on which the initial appointments were made, and offer insight on who was consulted as well as what qualifications the initial nominees possess.”
