Higher Edu Minister vows to be transparent in the latest SETA board nominations

JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has promised more transparency in the latest round of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board nominations.

It’s the first time he’s addressed the media since taking over from Nobuhle Nkabane, who was fired over controversial appointments.

Manamela said the post-school sector is fragmented, underperforming and out of step with the economy’s needs, while the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and SETAs remain under pressure.

Briefing members of the media in the City of Tshwane metro on Tuesday, Manamela outlined six priorities, including securing long-term funding from the National Treasury, aligning courses with jobs, tightening governance and creating a unified system.

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When asked about the controversial issue of SETA board appointments, Manamela was quick to dismiss suggestions of irregularity, promising transparency. 

He said the morale in the department is low, and NSFAS is struggling to get funds to students, and senior vacancies need to be filled at several SETAs.

"From those who have been nominated, we will then apply our minds in terms of who fits the positions required. We are going to make sure that people have the skills and capacity to preside as chairpersons of SETA Boards."

Over the next year, he wants to pilot autonomous colleges, reform community colleges, introduce new TVET curricula and create a national database for the sector.