Political Pressure Suspected in Panel Selection for SETA
CAPE TOWN – Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education is intensifying scrutiny on Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, following revelations that the selection panel for SETA board appointments may not have been as independent as previously claimed.
The committee, during a tense sitting on Wednesday, raised concerns that it may have been misled regarding the makeup of the panel tasked with recommending board chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). The controversy stems from Nkabane’s recent disclosure of the panel’s names—information she had earlier withheld—showing several senior officials from her own department were involved.
This apparent contradiction has prompted the committee to call for Nkabane to reappear and fully account for the decision-making process that led to the installation of individuals with close political affiliations into influential SETA leadership roles.
Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie highlighted that the inclusion of department insiders directly undermines the notion of panel independence. “The minister led us to believe there was an impartial process in place. What we now see contradicts that entirely,” Letsie said, adding that legal advice would be sought on how to proceed under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
The situation escalated further when the minister’s letter revealed that the panel’s supposed chairperson had not attended any of its sessions. This surprising detail cast doubt over the legitimacy of the entire process, raising fundamental questions about who chaired the meetings and how candidates were shortlisted.
Transparency in SETA Oversight Now in the Spotlight
At the heart of the issue is not only the lack of transparency but also the potential political entrenchment within South Africa’s education governance. The SETAs play a crucial role in shaping vocational training and sectoral skills development across industries. As such, their leadership must be guided by expertise and integrity—not political alignment.
The Democratic Alliance has already referred Minister Nkabane to Parliament’s ethics committee, accusing her of misleading the legislative body. In addition, there have been growing calls from some committee members to consider criminal complaints, citing possible violations of parliamentary privileges.
As Parliament awaits Nkabane’s explanation, civil society groups and education watchdogs are also starting to demand greater accountability. The final outcome of this inquiry could reshape the protocols around ministerial oversight and appointment transparency across government-linked institutions.
For now, the committee has made its position clear: when it comes to public trust and parliamentary integrity, there can be no compromise.