Newsletter

Higher Education Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Withdrawn SETA Chairpersons

A note from our President Dagada; 

Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane faced intense scrutiny from opposition MPs, including the EFF's Sihle Lonzi, over her recommendation of now-withdrawn chairpersons for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Lonzi controversially suggested the appointments could have included Nkabane's "boyfriend or family members."The controversy erupted after leaked appointments to SETA boards revealed several individuals linked to the ANC, such as former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe. Despite rescinding the appointments due to public outcry, Nkabane maintained that the process adhered to legal standards, stating, "The integrity of the process was beyond scrutiny and reproach." Nkabane informed the Committee for Higher Education and Training that an independent panel, operating under the guidance of the King IV Report on Corporate Governance, recommended only 20 out of 573 nominations. She emphasized that these panel members were reputable volunteers who did not act on behalf of the ministry. However, she repeatedly refused to disclose the names of these panelists, telling DA MP Letta Maseko, "There is no need for me to come and declare my volunteers." Nkabane asserted that she, as the minister, should be held accountable if any wrongdoing occurred, not the volunteers.

Arise South Africa, Arise.