Minister Nkabane reverses controversial SETA appointments amid public outcry

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane’s decision to reverse the appointments of chairpersons for several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) has been welcomed by parties as some claimed credit for applying pressure on her.

Nkabane made the about-turn on the appointments on Thursday following a public outrage after a leaked list of appointments to SETAs surfaced.

The appointments had included ANC-aligned people that included former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe.

Also on the list was KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport head Siboniso Mbhele, and ANC deputy regional secretary in Johannesburg, who is the wife of former Gauteng health MEC Bandile Masuku, and SACP leader and former higher education director-general Gwebinkundla Qonde, among others.

DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said Nkabane’s decision marked a step in the right direction and showed that the pressure applied by her party and civil society has not been in vain.

"We are pleased that the Minister has finally come to her senses and recognised that SETA boards cannot and must not be treated as extensions of ANC patronage networks," Khakhau said.

She reiterated the DA’s call that SETAs should be free from political interference, and that future appointments should be made on the basis of merit, experience, and commitment to service delivery.

“We look forward to reviewing the new list of appointees and will continue to monitor the process to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability,” Khakhau said.

The MK Party Nkabane’s said the reversal of the appointments was not a matter of principle but a response to its pressure and public outrage.

“It is disingenuous that the Minister revoked such appointment only when faced with such backlash rather than acknowledging the inherent ethical failings and moral impropriety of the original decision,” spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said.

Ndhlela said there was no transparent public consultation on constituting the SETA boards dominated by ANC deployees nor merit followed.

“Following the Minister’s call for the nomination of new candidates, the MK Party vows to closely monitor the process of SETA board appointments to ensure that due processes are strictly followed and that the Minister is held to account.

“The MK Party will continue to expose every instance where institutions meant for public good are hijacked for private political gain,” he said.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said his party was vindicated in its consistent and unrelenting exposure of the rot and unethical appointments by Nkabane.

“It is our firm belief that these appointments were not made in the spirit of fairness, transparency or merit but were a manifestation of the ANC’s longstanding practice of rewarding political loyalty with positions of public responsibility,” Thambo said.

He said the reopening of the nomination process must not be a cosmetic exercise.

“It must lead to the selection of the best candidates based on merit, experience and a demonstrable track record of ethical leadership. Anything less will be a betrayal of the public trust,” Thambo said.

The ANC said Nkabane’s decision was a reaffirmation of its commitment to ethical governance, democratic accountability and institutional integrity.

“It was a decision of conscience and accountability, made by a Minister committed to transparency and good governance,” national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.

Bhengu-Motsiri also said Nkabane has reassured that the recalibrated process will be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the Skills Development Act.

“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,” she said.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za