Higher Education Minister Manamela ropes in PSC to vet SETA administrators

JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has roped in the Public Service Commission (PSC) to look into the latest SETA scandal in what appears to be a repeat of circumstances that landed Manamela's predecessor, Nobuhle Nkabane, in hot water.

This follows Manamela’s decision to appoint administrators to oversee three Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

Political parties have since raised objections to Manamela’s appointment of the administrators to help turn around the construction SETA, services SETA and local government SETA.

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The Democratic Alliance (DA), MK Party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) believe due processes were flouted.

Spokesperson to the minister of higher education and training, Matshepo Seedat, said that the PSC would now vet the appointed administrators.

"The minister emphasises that due process was followed. This included the identification of suitably qualified and experienced candidates, a due diligence process in which publicly raised allegations and past controversies were carefully considered, affording each candidate the opportunity to respond directly to these matters before any appointment was finalised, only after the department was satisfied that the appointees could carry out the mandate of stabilising the SETAs, were the appointments confirmed."

In a bid to address public concerns, Seedat said the PSC would conduct fit-and-proper assessments and conflict-of-interest vetting of all three administrators.

"The administrators have agreed to subject themselves to this process and to accept its outcomes. The PSC will provide its report and recommendations to the minister, who will act on them without fear or favour."