Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nakedimeng has denied claims of political intervention in recent Seta board appointments.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Majkain denied the allegations that political connections have affected the appointment of individuals for the posts of leadership within the Sector Education and Training Officers (SETAS) – including ANC Chairperson Gued Mantashe and a former Mapumlanga Premier.
Speaking during a presentation for Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on Friday, Nkabane stressed that the presidents for SETA boards were selected in legal compliance and merit-based evaluation.
He said, “No candidate was given any preference or faced any prejudice due to political affiliation or cooperation with any political party,” he said, citing constitutional rights for the freedom of the Sangh and freedom of political options.
From nomination to backlash
The minister’s remarks followed a firearms of public criticisms on initial appointments, especially after it came to light that Gued Mantashe’s son, Belbbo Mantashe, and former Mapumlanga Premier Refilve Mitshwani-Tapeen were recommended.
According to the minister, the process began in November 2024 with a public call for enrollment. This government gazette was mentioned in 51625.
A selection and evaluation panel allegedly reviewed over 500 candidates, assessing them against norms such as leadership experiences, qualifications (minimum NQF level 8), and demographic representation.
NKABANE said, after consulting the National Skill Authority (NSA), the panel recommendations were sent to the minister on 6 May 2025.
He said that on 8 May, the NSA replied with a advisory note supporting the appointments.
However, after days, resentment followed the revelation of politically associated appointments.
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Reopen the process
Accepting the backlash, Masabain confirmed that he had reopened the process.
A new call for nomination was released on 23 May and will remain open till 13 June.
He said, “Focusing on public calls and concerns, the enrollment process has been reopened since (…) to give appropriate time to stakeholders,” he told MPs.
The DA welcomed the return of appointments, stating that it was a necessary opposite to the deployment of the cadre.
However, the party says that the minister should still be held accountable.
The Portfolio Committee of Parliament also warned that the return “does not absent the minister’s minister”.
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Integrity and inspection
Nkabane reiterated the importance of integrity and fairness in appointments, claiming that the process followed the Skill Development Act and King IV regime principles.
He said that consultation with NSA is not equal to seeking approval.
“The decision to appoint the chairperson and boards eventually rests with the Executive Authority, the minister,” Masaken explained.
She confirmed her commitment to transparent rule, saying that all the future appointments would go through inspiration to ensure that they fully understand their roles and responsibilities.
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