JOHANNESBURG – In a move stirring both political controversy and public scrutiny, Higher Education Minister Manamela has enlisted the Public Service Commission (PSC) to probe the recent appointments of administrators to three troubled Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). This decision follows mounting criticism from opposition parties and echoes challenges faced by Manamela’s predecessor, Nobuhle Nkabane, in a similar scandal.
The Minister’s intervention aims to stabilise and restore public confidence in the Construction SETA, Services SETA, and Local Government SETA, which have all come under intense scrutiny due to governance and operational failures.
The announcement of the administrator appointments was met with swift pushback from several political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the newly formed MK Party. These parties have accused Higher Education Minister Manamela of bypassing proper legal and procedural frameworks in making the appointments.
They argue that due process was not followed and that the appointments could be politically motivated or involve individuals with questionable pasts. Concerns have also been raised about transparency, accountability, and the long-term impact of such appointments on the credibility of the SETA system.
Despite these allegations, Manamela’s office has firmly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all procedures were above board and aligned with departmental regulations.
Minister Manamela Responds: Due Process Followed
According to Matshepo Seedat, spokesperson for the Minister of Higher Education and Training, each appointment went through a rigorous vetting process before being confirmed. Seedat explained that the selection included the evaluation of qualifications, relevant experience, and responses to any allegations or controversies involving the candidates.
“The minister emphasises that due process was followed. This included the identification of suitably qualified and experienced candidates, a due diligence process in which publicly raised allegations and past controversies were carefully considered,” said Seedat.
“Each candidate was afforded the opportunity to respond directly to these matters before any appointment was finalised. Only after the department was satisfied that the appointees could carry out the mandate of stabilising the SETAs were the appointments confirmed.”
In an effort to allay public concern and maintain integrity in the appointment process, Higher Education Minister Manamela has now tasked the Public Service Commission with conducting an independent review of all three appointees. This includes comprehensive fit-and-proper assessments as well as conflict-of-interest evaluations.
According to Seedat, the administrators have voluntarily agreed to be subjected to the PSC process and will accept its findings, whether favourable or not.
“The PSC will provide its report and recommendations to the minister, who will act on them without fear or favour,” she added.
The vetting process is expected to include background checks, analysis of financial and professional histories, and verification of qualifications to ensure that the appointed administrators are capable of leading the SETAs through a period of transformation and recovery.
The situation mirrors the troubles faced by former Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who also faced backlash over governance failures at various SETAs. Critics argue that the recurrence of these issues reflects a deeper, systemic problem within the Department of Higher Education and Training — one that cannot be solved merely by reshuffling leadership or appointing temporary administrators.
Insiders have suggested that the repeated instability across multiple SETAs points to structural weaknesses in governance, monitoring, and financial oversight mechanisms.
While the PSC investigation may provide some clarity on the integrity of the appointees, the political damage may already be underway. Critics are calling for parliamentary oversight and even a broader audit of SETA operations and appointments.
Some analysts believe that Higher Education Minister Manamela must now walk a careful line — ensuring that his chosen administrators are cleared by the PSC while also demonstrating leadership in reforming a system that has long been plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and poor performance.
At stake is not just his political reputation, but also the future of South Africa’s skills development sector, which depends on SETAs to equip citizens with the training and education needed to enter the workforce.
As the nation watches closely, Higher Education Minister Manamela faces a pivotal moment in his leadership. The decision to involve the Public Service Commission may prove to be a strategic step toward transparency — or a defensive move under mounting pressure.
Either way, the public, the SETA community, and political stakeholders will expect not only answers but results. With millions relying on SETAs for training and career opportunities, restoring confidence in the system is more crucial than ever.
Source- EWN
