EFF MP Ousted After Clashing with DG Regarding Minister Gwede Mantashe’s Son’s SETA Appointment
Johannesburg – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcefully removed from a parliamentary committee meeting after questioning the Director-General about the appointment of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son to the SETA board.
This event follows the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s revelation of a leaked list detailing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointments, which reveal significant political patronage.
RELATED: Minister Nkabane Appoints ANC Cadres, Gwede Mantashe’s Son To SETA Boards – The Bulrushes
The list includes ANC loyalists, such as Mantashe’s son and a former KZN Premier, holding crucial positions.
DA Calls for Accountability
Karabo Khakhau MP, a DA Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, remarked: “These appointments illustrate the ANC’s flagrant misuse of SETA boards for political gain. We urge Minister Nkabane to explain why qualified South Africans are being sidelined for connected individuals.”
SETA boards play a vital role in skills development and mitigating unemployment; however, Minister Nkabane’s appointments seem to favor political ties over qualifications.
Next Steps
The DA has swiftly written to Parliament requesting the Minister be called in for questioning. Khakhau stressed: “The DA will not allow SETAs to become ANC deployment committees. We will champion for transparency and merit-based appointments that cater to the needs of all South Africans.”
Controversial Appointments Revealed:
- Buyambo Mantashe (son of ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe) – MERSETA Board Chair
- Nomusa Dube-Ncube (former KZN Premier) – BANKSETA Board Chair
- Siboniso Mbhele (KZN Transport HOD) – Appointed to a SETA board role
- Loyiso Masuku (ANC Johannesburg Deputy Secretary) – Significant appointment
[Full list available here]
*This article initially appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za