Transparency in SETA board appointments will be the top priority in the second round of selections, says Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. He emphasised that the process will be merit-based, fair and subject to public scrutiny. This promise follows the controversy surrounding the first round under former minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.
Controversy Over Earlier Appointments
In May 2025, Nkabane withdrew her initial list of chairperson appointments after strong public criticism. Many accused her of favouring political connections instead of qualifications. The list included Buyambo Mantashe, son of Minister Gwede Mantashe, and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
As the backlash grew, Parliament’s higher education committee stepped in. The committee demanded answers after Nkabane skipped a scheduled meeting to explain her decisions. Furthermore, she refused to reveal the members of an “independent panel” she claimed had overseen the process. This refusal deepened concerns about transparency in SETA board appointments.
Panel Questioned by Parliament
Once the panel members were named, several denied any role in the appointments. Consequently, the oversight committee concluded that no genuine independent panel had met. Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie described the process as flawed and damaging to public trust.
Leadership Changes and Renewed Focus
In July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa replaced Nkabane with Buti Manamela and appointed Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister. The leadership change aimed to restore confidence and improve governance standards.
Since taking office, Manamela has repeated his commitment to transparency in SETA board appointments. He outlined that the second round will follow clear criteria, eliminate political influence and include strong oversight measures. According to him, accountability is crucial for rebuilding credibility.
Why a Transparent Process Matters
SETAs are central to skills development and training in South Africa. Therefore, a credible appointment process is essential for their success. With transparency in SETA board appointments, the minister hopes to ensure qualified leaders guide these bodies. This could improve training outcomes, better match skills to industry needs and contribute to economic growth.
