Seta breaking news | Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board – Appointments Amid Political Backlash
Higher Education | Seta breaking news | Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board insisting the process was legal and candidates were qualified.
Minister Nobuhle Nkabane Defends SETA Board Appointments Amid Public Outcry
CAPE TOWN – Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Nobuhle Nkabane, has stood by her decision to appoint individuals with political ties to key leadership roles within South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Seta breaking news | Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board Despite public backlash, she emphasized that all selected candidates were qualified and that the process was legally sound.
SETA Board Appointments Under Scrutiny
The controversy emerged following the announcement of several new chairpersons for SETA boards, some of whom were linked to prominent political figures.
Among the appointees were Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Philly Mapulane, a former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament.
The appointments sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society, and members of the public. Many raised concerns over perceived nepotism and political favoritism in the selection process.
In response, Minister Nkabane briefed Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on Friday, addressing the criticism and explaining her decision to withdraw the contested appointments.
Nkabane: “Appointments Were Beyond Reproach”
Minister Nkabane remained firm in her stance that the selection process was conducted fairly and transparently. She reiterated that the individuals recommended by the selection panel possessed the necessary qualifications and leadership experience to serve effectively as SETA board chairpersons.
Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board
“The panel recommended highly qualified candidates, and I was happy to share their profiles with the portfolio committee. There’s nothing illegal about the process—no flaws,” Nkabane stated.
She described the appointment process as “above board” and “beyond reproach,” underscoring that all legal and procedural requirements had been met.
Public and Political Pressure Forces Withdrawal
Despite defending the integrity of the process, Nkabane acknowledged the significant public pressure that influenced her decision to retract the appointments.
She said the negative response from political parties, stakeholders, and social media users prompted her to take a step back and reevaluate.
“I took note of the concerns raised by the public and various political parties. In the spirit of transparency and to maintain the integrity of the department, I decided to withdraw the appointments and restart the process,” she said.
Nkabane clarified that the withdrawal did not imply wrongdoing on the part of the candidates or flaws in their qualifications, but rather reflected a commitment to public accountability and trust.
What Are SETAs and Why Are These Appointments Important?
SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) play a critical role in South Africa’s skills development landscape.
They are responsible for facilitating training and education within specific economic sectors, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed for national development and economic growth.
Each SETA is governed by a board, and the chairperson is a key figure who oversees the strategic direction, governance, and accountability of the authority.
Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board
As such, the appointment of board chairpersons is a matter of public interest and requires a high level of transparency and integrity.
Opposition Reacts to Political Connections
The inclusion of politically affiliated individuals, particularly those with close ties to senior ANC leaders, has fueled allegations of cadre deployment and patronage.
Opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized the minister for what they described as an attempt to entrench political influence in critical education and training bodies.
Civil society organizations also weighed in, calling for a more transparent and merit-based selection process that prioritizes competence and independence over political allegiance.
Nkabane Commits to Transparent Reappointment Process
Minister Nkabane assured Parliament and the public that the process of appointing new SETA board chairpersons would be restarted promptly and carried out with renewed transparency.
“We are committed to ensuring that the new appointments are accepted by all stakeholders and do not trigger further controversy or opposition. We have learned from this process, and we aim to improve,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the revised process would lead to the appointment of individuals who meet the necessary qualifications while also enjoying broad public and political support.
Conclusion: Balancing Merit and Public Perception
The SETA board appointments controversy highlights the ongoing tension between technical merit and public perception in South Africa’s public sector appointments. While Minister Nkabane has defended the qualifications of her chosen candidates, the backlash underscores the importance of transparency and trust in public institutions.
Minister Nkabane Defends SETA Board
As the Higher Education Department restarts the appointment process, all eyes will be on the outcome and whether it meets both the standards of excellence and the expectations of the South African public.
