No party favourites: Minister defends appointment of Mantashe’s son to Seta board

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has denied allegations that political connections influenced the appointment of individuals to leadership positions within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) — including the son of ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and a former Mpumalanga premier.

Speaking during a presentation to parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education on Friday, Nkabane stressed that the selection of chairpersons for Seta boards was grounded in legal compliance and merit-based evaluation.

“No candidate was given any preference or suffered any prejudice due to political affiliation or association with any political party,” she said, citing the constitutional right to freedom of association and political choice.

From nomination to backlash

The minister’s remarks followed a firestorm of public criticism over the initial appointments, particularly after it emerged that Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, and former Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane were among those recommended.

According to the minister, the process began with a public call for nominations in November 2024. This was outlined in Government Gazette 51625.

A selection and evaluation panel reportedly reviewed more than 500 candidates, assessing them against criteria such as leadership experience, qualifications (minimum NQF Level 8), and demographic representation.

Nkabane stated that, following consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA), the panel’s recommendations were forwarded to the minister on 6 May 2025.

She said the NSA responded with an advisory note supporting the appointments on 8 May.

However, days later, outrage followed the revelation of politically linked appointees.

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Reopening the process

Acknowledging the backlash, Nkabane confirmed she had reopened the process.

A new call for nominations was issued on 23 May and will remain open until 13 June.

“Taking heed of the public call and concerns, the nomination process has since been reopened […] to afford stakeholders reasonable time,” she told MPs.

The DA welcomed the withdrawal of the appointments, stating it was a necessary reversal of cadre deployment.

However, the party insists the minister must still be held accountable.

Parliament’s portfolio committee also cautioned that the withdrawal “does not absolve the minister” of accountability.

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Integrity and oversight

Nkabane reiterated the importance of integrity and impartiality in appointments, asserting that the process followed the Skills Development Act and the King IV governance principles.

She added that consultation with the NSA does not equate to seeking approval.

“The decision to appoint the chairpersons and boards ultimately rests with the executive authority, the minister,” Nkabane explained.

She reaffirmed her commitment to transparent governance, stressing that all future appointees will undergo induction to ensure they fully understand their roles and responsibilities.

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