A confidential roster of fresh appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards has ignited considerable political debate, as well-known figures associated with the ANC – notably Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, and ex-KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube – are slated to chair these vital organizations.
The selections were finalized by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Nobuhle Nkabane.
DA national spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau, sharply criticized the choices, labeling them as overt “political favoritism” and cautioning against the increasing politicization of state bodies.
“These placements generate significant anxieties regarding the politicization of bodies designed to assist all South Africans. SETAs shouldn’t be ANC deployment platforms, nor utilized as incentives for political allegiance,” Khakhau stated.
The disclosed list details:
- Buyambo Mantashe’s appointment as Chairperson of the MERSETA Board.
- Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s leadership of the BANKSETA Board.
- Siboniso Mbhele, Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, joining the TETA Board.
- Loyiso Masuku, ANC deputy regional secretary in Johannesburg and MMC for Corporate Services in the City of Johannesburg, assigned to the FOODBEV Board.
Khakhau has formally contacted the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, requesting an immediate inquiry into Minister Nkabane’s actions.
In her correspondence, she highlighted that numerous names suggest a concerning degree of the minister’s political ties influencing the selection of board leaders.
“Therefore, I am reaching out to ask that the committee thoroughly examines the minister’s list of appointees to safeguard the impartiality of SETA boards, preventing undue political manipulation,” she said.
Khakhau affirmed that her party will not permit these institutions to be compromised and redirected to advantage a select political group, disregarding the needs of everyday South Africans.
“We will insist on complete openness and responsibility from Minister Nkabane concerning these appointments,” she declared.
