ANC backs Nkabane's decision to withdraw controversial SETA board appointments

THE African National Congress (ANC) is standing behind a decision to withdraw and re-open the appointment process of SETA Board chairpersons following a wave of criticism over current post appointments. 

The appointments included Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

The appointments came to light following concerns from the Democratic Alliance (DA). The party then wrote to the Higher Education Portfolio Committee chairperson, demanding answers on the matter.

Furthermore, during a heated parliamentary session on Wednesday, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after questioning Mantashe’s appointment to the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board.

"Following broader consultations with stakeholders in the post-school education and training sector and their counsel regarding the appointment of the chairpersons of the boards of SETAs, I have decided to recalibrate the process, which was overseen by an independent panel," Nkabane said in a statement.

She has called on relevant constituencies to nominate new candidates and committed to ensuring that appointments are made in line with the Skills Development Act.

"I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns. Further, I take this decision in the interest of good governance and transparency, to ensure accountability in the appointment process," she said.

Meanwhile, the ANC, which has previously been silent about alleged nepotism among members, said it "welcomes and fully supports” Nkabane’s move in response to public concerns.

ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, said the move is a principled act and a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to ethical governance, democratic accountability and institutional integrity. 

“It is precisely the kind of leadership envisioned in our programme of organisational renewal — responsive, transparent, and anchored in public service, not personal entitlement,” she said.

“It was a decision of conscience and accountability, made by a minister committed to transparency and good governance.”

“Our deployee has reassured the ANC, the minister, that the recalibrated process will be conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the Skills Development Act,” Bengu-Motsiri said.

She said the party is satisfied that all due diligence will be observed during recruitment, and that all candidates will be appointed under the principles of merit, representation, good governance, and public accountability. 

“As a movement, we remain committed to ensuring that such critical public processes reflect the highest standards of ethical leadership and institutional integrity.”

“Minister Nkabane’s commitment to merit, transformation, and clean administration reflects the ANC’s foundational values of discipline, service, and responsibility.”

Nkabane also said the process will be reopened via a Government Gazette calling for nominations for seven days. A new independent panel will be established to review nominations and make recommendations.

She said the new process would prioritise merit, competencies and relevant experience, while ensuring balanced representation in terms of race, gender, youth and persons with disabilities. 

All candidates will be subject to screening and vetting.

“In the interest of transparency and good governance, I feel it is necessary to present the data on the qualifications of previously recommended board chairs," she said.

Of the 20 previously recommended candidates, three held doctoral degrees (NQF Level 10), at least 15 held master's degrees (NQF Level 9), and two were medical doctors. Their expertise spanned engineering, accountancy, law, medicine and governance.

"It is my intention to present new board chairs in the shortest time possible," Nkabane added.

The ANC, however, said the decision to publish a new Gazette and open nominations reinforces public participation, not party-political spectacle.

“As the ANC, we call on all sectors of society, especially progressive voices in business, labour, academia and civil society — to participate in the renewed process and nominate candidates who reflect the ethos of public service, transformation and national development.“

Bengu-Motsiri said the party will not be lectured on accountability by those who have no respect for democratic institutions, who turn every policy question into a populist outburst, and who offer critique without responsibility.

“What we have witnessed is not their victory; it is the maturity and discipline of ANC-led governance on full display,” she said.

Among the withdrawn appointments were:

• Buyambo Mantashe – Chairperson, MERSETA board (son of Minister Gwede Mantashe)
• Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube – Chairperson, BANKSETA board (former KZN premier)
• Siboniso Mbhele – Appointee to the TETA board (head of KZN Department of Transport)
• Loyiso Masuku – Appointee to the FOODBEV board (ANC deputy regional secretary, Johannesburg)