DA accuses Buti Manamela of filling new SETA boards with ANC loyalists

A fresh controversy has erupted over the appointment of board members to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), with the Democratic Alliance (DA) accusing Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela of filling key positions with ANC loyalists.

Manamela, who replaced Nobuhle Nkabane as minister after a board appointment scandal earlier this year, is alleged to have appointed former mayors, youth league leaders, and even ward councillor candidates to the SETA boards.

DA Member of Parliament Karabo Khakhau says that, of the 21 SETAs, 18 now have new boards comprising more than 200 members, most of whom, she claims, are politically connected rather than appointed on merit. 

Khakhau further alleged that some appointees have been linked to corruption and mismanagement, while the process of appointing both board members and CEOs failed to comply with the Skills Development Act.

"The quality of the chairpersons that she [Nkabane] appointed was shady because it pointed directly towards state capture, cadre deployment, classic ANC culture. Now, her successor, Buti Manamela, is following in those same footsteps.

To listen to Khakhau in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: