Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has withdrawn the appointments of chairpersons of the Boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). The nominations process is set to be reopened for a limited period of seven days, during which interested candidates can apply.
SETAs are critical for skills development across several industries. They provide funding for essential learnerships and training programmes through levies collected from employers. They also ensure the quality of training meets national standards, which is key in addressing skills shortages and boosting economic growth.
Concerns were raised following leaked information indicating that Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Minister Gwede Mantashe, had been appointed chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA. Other contentious appointments included the former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and former ANC provincial deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu, which raised concerns over alleged cadre deployment.
The minister defended the previous appointments, indicating that nominees for 20 of the positions held several qualifications. These included three Doctoral degree holders, 15 Master’s degree holders, and two medical doctors. Competencies included engineers, chartered accountants, auditors, advocates, and governance experts.
Parliament Backs Withdrawal of SETA Appointments
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education backed the decision by the minister to withdraw the appointments.
However, the committee chairperson, Teboho Letsie, said they were concerned that the minister withdrew the appointments before responding to the committee’s formal request for an explanation.
“In our recent meeting, we’ve had to deal with the fallout from these appointments, and while the withdrawal may calm fears, it also raises further questions.”
Letsie added that the minister’s actions seem to suggest that standard procedures were not followed.
If there were nothing to hide, there would be no need to reverse the appointments.
They further expressed concerns regarding the appointment of a panel to consider nominees and recommend candidates to be appointed by the minister.
Furthermore, we are concerned about the advice given to the minister by the National Skills Authority (NSA) on the appointed persons.
Letsie warned that despite the withdrawal of the appointments, the committee still expects the minister to appear before it to account for the original appointment process.
Select Committee Cries Foul
The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries chairperson, Makhi Feni, said ridiculing the entire sector based on errors in judgement concerning conflicts of interest is unfortunate and unfair. The committee threw their support behind the minister.
We note the urgency with which she acted in attending to what society regarded as a mistake, again confirming the ability of the minister to listen and lead such a complex sector as higher education.
Feni said the appointment of the SETA boards and board chairpersons was merely a minor responsibility of the minister and should not be used as the basis for claims of corruption. He added that the minister must exercise her discretion and appoint individuals whom she deems fit to serve in the respective roles.
These should be men and women who will advance the objectives of society and take forward the vision of the Government of National Unity.
Civil Society Calls for Ethical Leadership
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomed the minister’s decision and called for ethical and competent leaders from business, academia, and civil society to be nominated.
OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage, emphasised the need for individuals with the necessary skills to turn around the skills development sector and address unemployment.
