A leaked list of new appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards has sparked a political outcry, as prominent ANC-linked individuals — including Mineral Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, and former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube — have been tapped to lead these influential institutions.
The appointments were made by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Nobuhle Nkabane.
DA national spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau, condemned the appointments, describing them as blatant “political patronage” and warning against the growing politicisation of public institutions.
“These appointments raise serious concerns about the politicisation of institutions meant to serve all South Africans. SETAs are not ANC cadre deployment havens, nor should they be misused as rewards for political loyalty,” Khakhau said.
According to the leaked list:
– Buyambo Mantashe has been appointed Chairperson of the MERSETA Board.
– Nomusa Dube-Ncube will head the BANKSETA Board.
– Siboniso Mbhele, Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, joins the TETA Board.
– Loyiso Masuku, ANC deputy regional secretary in Johannesburg and MMC for Corporate Services in the City of Johannesburg, is appointed to the FOODBEV Board.
Khakhau has written to the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, urgently calling for Minister Nkabane to be summoned for a full explanation.
In her letter, she explained that the majority of the names raise a serious question of the minister’s political connection to be desired board chairperson appointees.
“As such, l am writing to you to request that the committee interrogates the minister’s list of appointees to ensure the integrity of SETA boards, free from political engineering,” she said.
Khakhau said her party will not allow the institutions to be captured and repurposed to benefit a narrow political elite at the expense of ordinary South Africans.
“We will demand full transparency and accountability from Minister Nkabane regarding these appointments,” she said.
Politics
