Nkabane tells MPs the process to appoint SETA chairpersons was 'beyond reproach'

CAPE TOWN – Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane insists the appointment of chairpersons of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) was above board, despite withdrawing the names.

Nkabane told Parliament that her department had now restarted the process to fill the positions through a government gazette with calls for nominations.

On Friday, the minister briefed the portfolio committee on higher education on the decision to withdraw the appointments of chairpersons of the various SETAs, which included several politically connected individuals.

Nkabane briefed the committee following a public outcry about the appointment of politically exposed individuals like Buyambo Mantashe, who is the son of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.

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Mantashe was appointed to the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) board.

But Nkabane told members of Parliament (MPs) that the process was "beyond reproach" and that those previously selected were more than qualified.

"There’s nothing illegal about it, there are no flaws, there’s no breach of any legislative imperatives, everything was followed. And the process was beyond reproach."

The nomination process has been reopened through a government gazette published on 23 May 2025, inviting nominations for suitable candidates.

The gazette is open for 14 days and will close on 13 June 2025.