Mantashe defends son as 'independent professional’
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says it's unfortunate in South Africa that children of political figures are treated worse than the offspring of illegal immigrants.
Mantashe was responding to the controversy involving his son Buyambo, who was removed from the Sector Education and Training Authorities board amid allegations of political favouritism.
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane retracted the recent appointments of board chairs at the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) last Friday, citing public concerns about the selection process.
The decision came in response to widespread criticism over alleged nepotism and a lack of transparency.
Those initially appointed included the son of Mantashe, who is ANC National Chair and a cabinet member, as well as Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former KwaZulu-Natal premier, and ANC Johannesburg deputy regional secretary Loyiso Masuku.
Speaking on the sidelines of the South African National Petroleum Company launch on Friday, Mantashe said Buyambo is an independent professional.
"Buyambo happens to be my son and I happened to listen to this EFF guy (MP Sihle Lonzi) talking about corruption. Buyambo has two master’s degrees. He is an independent individual. He doesn't stay with me, he is not an extension of myself, and that's where it is, and I prefer it that way.
"What is important is that in South Africa one of the things that must be discussed in the open is the fact that if you are a political activist like myself, you are not only punished as yourself but it seems like our sins are punished to us and our offspring from the first to the fourth generation, it cannot work like that."
Nkabane acknowledged the appointees’ strong academic credentials, including several master’s and doctoral degrees, but emphasised the need to restore confidence in the selection process.
“I have decided to recalibrate the process, which was overseen by an independent panel. 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.”
She stated that the decision aims to promote transparency and uphold good governance in the appointment process.
“In this regard, I will reopen the process by issuing a government gazette calling for nominations for a limited run of seven days.”
Plans are underway to establish a new independent panel to handle the nominations, focusing on merit, expertise, and inclusive representation in terms of race, gender, youth, and people with disabilities.
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