Cape Town – Civil action group the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called on newly appointed Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to urgently address deep-rooted corruption and dysfunction in the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), warning that his long-standing ties to the department could hinder much-needed reform.
Manamela, who replaced outgoing minister Nobuhle Nkabane, has served in various deputy minister roles since 2014, including within the Higher Education portfolio.
OUTA says this proximity to the existing failures of the department is cause for concern.
“His appointment is not a welcome development for those demanding real reform and accountability,” said Wayne Duvenage, CEO of OUTA.
“We are deeply concerned about continuity rather than change, especially given his past involvement in a department plagued by scandal.”
MUST READ: The #SETAs are bleeding money – and faith. OUTA has exposed systemic corruption for years.
Now there’s a new minister @ButiManamela and he’s no outsider. Is this a blessing or a curse? Will he be part of the solution?We’ve asked for an urgent meeting. Time to act.… pic.twitter.com/8cilFVTrHE
— OUTA (@OUTASA) July 22, 2025
OUTA has for years investigated and exposed alleged governance failures, maladministration, and corruption within several SETAs, including the Services SETA, MICT SETA, INSETA, CETA and ETDP SETA. Despite qualified audits and adverse findings from the Auditor-General, OUTA says senior executives remain in office, drawing large salaries and bonuses with little accountability.
“The SETAs cost taxpayers R21 billion annually but fail to deliver value for money. It’s time for real oversight and ethical leadership,” said Advocate Stefanie Fick, OUTA’s Executive Director for Accountability.
While the organisation acknowledged recent improvements at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) – including the appointment of Dr Karen Stander as board chairperson and Waseem Carrim as CEO – they said similar bold action is urgently required across all SETAs.
“We acknowledge Minister Nkabane’s efforts to address governance issues at NSFAS, particularly the removal of key individuals linked to misconduct under the previous leadership of Andile Nongogo, Ernest Khosa, and former Minister Blade Nzimande,” Fick said. “This kind of bold intervention is desperately needed across all SETAs.”
OUTA is calling on Manamela to urgently appoint independent, ethical, and politically unaffiliated board chairpersons to replace current leadership. The group also criticised the decision to maintain two deputy ministers in the department, calling it unnecessary.
The organisation said it would formally request a meeting with Manamela to present evidence of systemic corruption and assist with reform efforts.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
