Despite the DA first exposing the allegation, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are claiming victory after Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane withdrew controversial SETA board appointments, following fierce backlash over alleged nepotism and political favouritism.
The red berets called the appointment “blatantly corrupt and nepotistic,” and that the initial appointments were rooted in a political proximity and abuse of office.
“The EFF is vindicated. We have been consistent and unrelenting in our exposure of the rot and unethical appointments made by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, and we have done so without fear or favour,” EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thbo said.
The party claimed the appointments lacked fairness, transparency, or merit, but instead called them evidence of the ANC’s longstanding practice of rewarding political loyalty with public positions.
This follows the decision by Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, on Thursday night, to withdraw, with immediate effect the recent appointments of the SETA board chairpersons, including several individuals linked to the ANC.
These included Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
The appointments came to light following concerns from the Democratic Alliance (DA). The party then wrote to the Higher Education Portfolio Committee chairperson, demanding answers on the matter.
Thambo described the appointments as not only a conflict of interest, but also “a textbook case of nepotism and elite capture of state institutions for personal and factional gain.”
“We remind the public that it was the EFF that raised the alarm about these appointments both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.
Despite the DA having flagged the appointments, the EFF claimed victory over the withdrawal of the SETA boards.
”It was the EFF that exposed the incestuous political networks at play, and it was an EFF Member of Parliament who was manhandled by parliamentary security in a portfolio committee while demanding accountability.”
On Wednesday, News reported that during a portfolio committee meeting, Lonzi was ejected by parliamentary security after clashing with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie.
In a video shared on social media, Lonzi is seen challenging Department of Higher Education and Training director-general Dr Nkosinathi Sishi over the appointments, demanding answers on alleged political interference.
As tensions escalated, Lonzi accused Letsie of protecting the director-general from accountability. Letsie then ordered Lonzi’s removal.
Thambo said Nkabane’s decision to reverse the appointments without giving a full explanation is clear confirmation that the political pressure from the EFF was effective.
“However, the matter does not end here. The minister must account to the people of South Africa. She must publicly explain why she saw it fit to abuse her powers in the first place.”
“Furthermore, if the portfolio committee of Higher Education and Training had a competent and independent chairperson, an urgent meeting would have been convened by now to receive a detailed report and take corrective action,” he said.
Thambo said they have no confidence in the current chairperson, claiming his focus has been on shielding Nkabane from accountability and suppressing voices that question corruption.
The EFF called on a full and independent audit of all SETA board appointments made under the department, including past appointments.
“This must include a forensic assessment of how individuals were shortlisted, whether due process was followed, and whether political influence played any role in bypassing more qualified and deserving candidates.”
“The minister in her good intention is obliged by the principle of legality to seek the assistance of the court. She is precluded from self-help because she holds public authority and in exercise of public power.”
Thambo emphasised that appointments based on political favouritism are inherently corrupt.
“They deny capable South Africans an opportunity to serve, undermine the credibility of our public institutions, and produce governance structures that are incapable of delivering on their mandate,” he said.
“This is why corruption festers. This is why public trust in government continues to erode,” he added.
He said the reopening of the nomination process must not be a “cosmetic exercise.”
“It must lead to the selection of the best candidates based on merit, experience, and a demonstrable track record of ethical leadership. Anything less will be a betrayal of the public trust,” Thambo said.
Politics
