Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has withdrawn the appointments of newly selected chairpersons to South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, following widespread public concerns. The move was announced in a formal statement issued on Thursday, 15 May 2025 and is expected to trigger a new nomination process open for one week.
Higher Education Minister withdraws SETA Board amid backlash
SETA boards oversee public institutions that help South Africans gain skills for employment, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, transport, and healthcare. These boards are important because they guide how funding and training are managed to support job creation and economic development.
Dr Nkabane stated that the previous appointments were made by an independent panel but acknowledged that public feedback called the process into question.
“I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,” she said.
“This is in the interest of good governance, transparency, and accountability.”
The new process will include reopening nominations for a short seven-day period. A fresh independent panel will be established to review all nominations.
The Minister stressed that the new panel will prioritise candidates who have relevant qualifications, experience, and skills. She also said the selection process would ensure diverse representation, including women, youth, and people with disabilities.
The minister’s decision follows a political controversy that erupted in Parliament on Wednesday.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a committee meeting after questioning whether Buyambo Mantashe—son of senior ANC politician Gwede Mantashe—had been appointed chair of the MERSETA board.
The confrontation gained public attention after Lonzi shared his experience online. He posted:
“I asked a simple question. In the most respectful manner. I didn’t shout… It will never happen. Next week I’m asking AGAIN. This Chair is a FRAUD!”
The EFF later released a statement condemning his removal, calling it “an abuse of power” and accusing the committee chairperson of trying to shield political allies.
The leaked list of appointments had also named several other political figures, such as Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Siboniso Mbhele. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, criticised the appointments.
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau referred to them as “political patronage,” alleging that the SETAs were being used to reward political connections instead of promoting public service.
Despite the criticism, Minister Nkabane defended the qualifications of the previously selected chairs. She revealed that among the 20 appointments, three held doctoral degrees, 15 held master’s degrees, and others were trained professionals including engineers, accountants, and governance experts.
Still, she said, the decision to start over was necessary to restore public trust.
“It is my intention to present new Board Chairs in the shortest period possible,” she said.
The new nominations process will be published in the Government Gazette and must meet the standards set by the Skills Development Act.
