EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a Parliament committee meeting after raising a question about the appointment of Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, to a leadership position in one of South Africa’s education and training (SETA) boards.
Watch: The moment Sihle Lonzi was kicked out of Parliament committee meeting
The incident occurred during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. Lonzi asked the Director-General if he was aware that Buyambo Mantashe had been appointed as a chairperson on the SETA board.
Before he could finish his line of questioning, Lonzi was shut down and ordered to leave.
The moment was caught on camera and has since drawn criticism and support online.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Lonzi posted, “I asked a simple question. In the most respectful manner. I didn’t shout. I didn’t belittle anyone… It will never happen. Next week I’m asking AGAIN. This Chair is a FRAUD!”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) quickly issued a statement condemning Lonzi’s removal, calling it an “abuse of power” by committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie, whom they accused of trying to protect political allies.
“This abuse of power is a clear attack on democratic oversight and an attempt to shield corruption from scrutiny,” the party said
The question that sparked the controversy relates to a leaked list of new appointments to various SETA boards. Among the names was Buyambo Mantashe, who has been made chairperson of the MERSETA board.
MERSETA stands for Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA, one of several public training institutions meant to help South Africans improve their skills and find jobs.
Other appointees include Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, and Siboniso Mbhele, head of the KZN Department of Transport. These appointments were made by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Nobuhle Nkabane.
Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, have criticised the list. DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau called the appointments “political patronage” and said that institutions like SETAs should serve all citizens fairly, not reward political loyalty.