Johannesburg – A leaked list of appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards has revealed shocking political patronage, with African National Congress (ANC) loyalists, including party chairman and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son and a former KwaZulu-Natal premier, handed key positions.
Karabo Khakhau MP, DA Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, stated: “These appointments confirm the ANC’s blatant abuse of SETA boards for political gain.
“We demand that Minister Nkabane explain why qualified South Africans are being sidelined for connected cadres.”
Controversial Appointments Exposed:
- Buyambo Mantashe (son of ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe) – MERSETA Board Chair
- Nomusa Dube-Ncube (ex-KZN Premier) – BANKSETA Board Chair
- Siboniso Mbhele (KZN Transport HOD) – Given SETA board role
- Loyiso Masuku (ANC Johannesburg Deputy Secretary) – Key appointment
[Full list available here]
SETA Boards Must Serve the People, Not ANC Elites
SETA boards are critical for tackling unemployment and skills development, yet Minister Nkabane’s appointments prioritize political loyalty over merit.
The DA has urgently written to Parliament to summon the Minister for questioning.
Khakhau warned: “The DA will not allow SETAs to become ANC deployment committees.
“We’ll fight for transparency and skills-based appointments that benefit all South Africans.”
DA’s Action Plan:
- Summon Minister Nkabane – Full parliamentary accountability
- Expose cadre deployment – Demand public interview processes
- Protect SETA integrity – Ensure boards serve economic growth
The DA in the National Assembly has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training to urgently summon the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to appear before the committee.
“The DA will not allow these institutions to be captured and repurposed to benefit a narrow political elite at the expense of ordinary South Africans,” said Khakhu.
*This article was first published in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
