Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has withdrawn the recent appointments of SETA board chairpersons following a public outcry over transparency and alleged political favoritism.

The decision follows the leak of a list of appointees, including Buyambo Mantashe son of ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe and former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Critics, including DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, slammed the move as “cadre deployment” that prioritizes loyalty over merit.

Tensions escalated on May 14 when EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a Portfolio Committee meeting after questioning Mantashe’s appointment. The EFF called the incident “an abuse of power” and “violent suppression of accountability.”

In response, Nkabane has reopened nominations for a seven-day period, pledging transparent, merit-based selections to restore public trust. Parliament’s Higher Education Committee has also demanded answers and is pushing for public interviews of candidates to ensure integrity in the process.

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