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The appointment of Seta board members triggered widespread criticism this week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley, Northern Cape on 16 May 2025. Picture: X / @MYANC
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairperson appointments, following significant public backlash.
Earlier this week, a leaked list of new appointments revealed several ANC members were included.
Among the most controversial was the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, as chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta (MERSETA) board.
This led to public outcry about nepotism and corruption.
Seta board appointments controversy
The Democratic Alliance (DA) had written to the chairperson of the Higher Education Portfolio Committee, demanding clarity and accountability on the matter.
Tensions escalated during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday, where Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed after challenging Buyambo Mantashe’s appointment.
Following the controversy, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced the withdrawal of all appointments and confirmed that the selection process would be restarted.
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An independent panel will now be formed to oversee fresh nominations and recommend suitable candidates.
According to Nkabane, the revised process will focus on merit, competencies, and relevant experience, while also ensuring balanced representation in terms of race, gender, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Ramaphosa reacts
Speaking to the media after attending an ANC event in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Friday, President Ramaphosa described the situation as a “mistake” that is now being addressed.
“There was a problem, an issue which the minister is trying to correct now and I think it’s important to realise that where, for instance, the public sector mistakes are made, immediately we are able to listen to the criticism, the voices of those in the community and immediately take corrective measures. So that’s what this is.
“We should also be grateful that we have a government that listens even where it has made mistakes. Mistakes are made and the important thing is to listen and to correct,” the president said.
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Fedusa supports Seta boards withdrawal
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has expressed support for the decision to withdraw the appointments.
The union stated that its affiliate, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), had previously raised serious concerns with Minister Nkabane regarding the apparent lack of transparency in the appointment process.
“Fedusa’s support for NTEU’s position highlights the need for transparency and accountability in these institutions, so that Setas can play their part in developing skills in South Africa,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Ensuring an open and credible appointment process will not only restore public trust but highlights the demand for transparency and accountability, not just in these institutions, but as a fundamental value that South Africa must insist on without fear or favour.”
Fedusa further emphasised that transparency and accountability should be foundational principles, rather than being in “a climate of constant damage control and picking up the pieces of falling confidence”.
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