In a dramatic political turn, Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has reversed her decision to appoint new chairpersons to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), following a firestorm of public outrage over transparency failures and alleged political favoritism.
The controversy erupted after a leaked list revealed *Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC National Chairperson **Gwede Mantashe, and *former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube among the appointees. The appointments sparked accusations of *”cadre deployment”, with critics claiming the selections prioritized *ANC loyalty over merit.
🔥 Political Fallout
Karabo Khakhau, DA spokesperson for higher education, condemned the move, stating:
“This is yet another example of the ANC government deploying politically connected individuals to powerful positions without considering qualifications or public accountability.”
Tensions boiled over on *May 14, when *EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary portfolio committee after challenging Mantashe’s appointment. The EFF called the incident
“an abuse of power” and “violent suppression of accountability.”
Minister Steps Back
Faced with mounting pressure, Minister Nkabane announced a full withdrawal of the appointments and reopened the nomination process for a *seven-day period. She pledged a *transparent, merit-driven selection process moving forward, stating:
“We acknowledge the public’s concern and are committed to restoring trust through open and credible procedures.”
🏛 Calls for Accountability Grow
Parliament’s Higher Education Committee has weighed in, demanding a detailed explanation and calling for public interviews of shortlisted candidates. Committee Chairperson, speaking anonymously, said:
“South Africans deserve to know who is managing their skills development bodies, and how they got there.”
