SETA board appointment process will be transparent, says Manamela

Newly appointed Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, says the process of appointing chairpersons to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards will be transparent.

Manamela today outlined his vision for the department following the dismissal of his predecessor, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.

Nkabane was axed in July, following the fallout over the controversial SETA board appointments, which cast a cloud over her leadership.

Manamela emphasized his commitment to transparency, confirming that nominations for eligible board chairpersons have been finalised.

He says deliberations on suitable candidates are currently taking place.

The minister added that accounting authorities have been appointed to oversee a fair and credible election process.

Acknowledging the reputational damage caused by the previous minister’s actions, Manamela pledged to restore integrity and public trust within the department.

“I’ve met with the director-general, deputy minister, chief directors, and department staff. Our message is simple and straightforward: we must get the department working and responsive to the needs of communities. We must restore the trust deficit created by past events,” he said.

At the same briefing, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi urged students to update their banking information to avoid delays in allowance payments.

His remarks come amid rising frustrations among TVET College students, many of whom have accused NSFAS of failing to provide accommodation and monthly allowances — with some alleging eviction due to non-payment.

Mnisi acknowledged that the transition from third-party payment providers to NSFAS managing disbursements internally has led to delays and complications.

He also revealed that inflated invoices from certain accommodation providers have left NSFAS grappling with a budget shortfall.

Meanwhile, Minister Manamela admitted that the current student funding model needs urgent re-evaluation.

“If we continue with the current model, it will eventually collapse,” he warned. “We need to re-examine how we fund students, consider the constraints on resources, and look at which skills we must prioritise to overcome these challenges.”

The minister has pledged that reforms in both the SETA appointment process and the student funding system will be guided by fairness, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao