Nkabane withdraws SETA board chair appointments
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has retracted the recent appointments of board chairs at the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA), citing public concerns about the selection process.
The decision comes in response to widespread criticism over alleged nepotism and a lack of transparency.
Those initially appointed included ANC National Chair and Cabinet member, Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe; former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube; and ANC Johannesburg deputy regional secretary Loyiso Masuku.
Their appointments sparked intense debate in Parliament, culminating in the removal of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi on Wednesday after he challenged Buyambo Mantashe’s appointment to the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board.
Nkabane acknowledged the appointees’ strong academic credentials, including several master’s and doctoral degrees, but emphasized 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 in the statement 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 with a focus on merit, expertise, and inclusive representation in terms of race, gender, youth, and people with disabilities."
The minister said the newly nominated candidates will undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting procedures.
“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.”
She noted that the candidates’ skills included engineering, chartered accountancy, auditing, advocacy, medicine, and governance.
Nkabane concluded by expressing her intent to finalize and announce the new Board Chair appointments as soon as possible.
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