Tensions rise as SETA Board appointments come under scrutiny

Political analyst, Bongani Mahlangu says the uproar around the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments, shows that the country is becoming more vigilant about what is happening in the political sphere.

His remarks come as concerns were raised this week, over some of the board appointments in the state institution including Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo and former KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

Political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) flagged the list of the appointment’s, which the Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane subsequently reversed following public concern over the fairness of the selection process.

Speaking to Ynews, Mahlangu says for political parties to now fight over who brought this up is irrelevant.

This is after the Mkhonto Wesizwe party (MKP) also joined the fray saying they also flagged the issue.

He says the MK Party has failed in many instances to show that they are the official opposition party.

There were dramatic scenes in Parliament earlier this week where Lonzi was subsequently removed from the chambers, after questioning the department’s Director General over the appointments.

After government’s sudden U-turn on the appointments, Lonzi says the party has been vindicated in the saga, saying transparency on such important matters should always take preference.

Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Tebogo Letsie, who made the call to remove Lonzi from the chambers, says the Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane will need to account for her decision to withdraw the appointments saying she owes Parliament an explanation.

Meanwhile, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says the minister is now taking corrective measures.

The process will now be reopened for nominations in the next coming seven days subsequent to that, a new independent panel will be established to review nominations and make recommendations.

 

Fact: the EFF single handedly fought against the irregular appointment of 21 SETA BOARD MEMBERS. Currently, the EFF is fighting against another money making scheme Act, called National Skill ACT. pic.twitter.com/WjVgIY1ID7

— Dr Ndlozi, Mathematician (@liedetectors42) May 16, 2025

No arguments Mokone, however what remains is, they are South Africans. Many of them hold decent qualifications. Being appointed a board member of a state institution like SETA should not create issues especially political – to be me that is what constitutes selective unfairness. https://t.co/x25PAX8vJP

— motsepe matlala (@motsepematlala) May 16, 2025

MEDIA STATEMENT : The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) welcomes the withdrawal of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Board Chairpersons appointments and effectively opening up the process again. #SETA #FEDUSACARES pic.twitter.com/Efj1IIrC5D

— FEDUSA (@FEDUSAMedia) May 16, 2025

The level of corruption within setas will require a commission of enquiry. Removal of this board members will not resolve the critical issues faced by the level corruption. I worked in one seta left after being victimized when I brought nehawu to try assist in the fight.

— Mfana_Ke_Mfana (@MshishiMatsane) May 16, 2025

We’re not talking about the power to appoint. The question was, where board appointments made

The DG should be able to answer this question as all the SETA boards report to him/her

— Sello (@I_are_Sello) May 16, 2025

While the DAs annoying African Medical Dr @KaraboKhakhau have been vocal, the truth is that the @EFFSouthAfrica , through @veronica_mente MP, exposed the ANC-linked SETA board appointments including Gwede Mantashe’s son.

— Morompeu (@VincentMashian1) May 16, 2025