Cape Town – Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has asked the Public Service Commission (PSC) to vet three recently appointed Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) administrators, following growing public criticism over the appointments.
The minister confirmed that the PSC will assess whether the individuals meet the “fit-and-proper” requirements, including checks for conflicts of interest.
“I have written to the PSC requesting them to conduct assessments on the appointed administrators. All three administrators have agreed to this process and will cooperate fully,” Manamela said, as quoted by IOL.
The controversy surrounds appointments at the Services SETA, the Construction SETA (CETA), and the Local Government SETA (LGSETA). Critics argue the process lacked transparency and may have been politically influenced.
The DA is asking Education Minister Buti Manamela to reconsider new SETA board administrators’ appointments, describing some as unfit and implicated in corruption. DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau elaborates.
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Manamela defended the department’s actions, stating: “We subjected the appointees to a thorough due diligence process, informed them of any concerns raised, and provided them the opportunity to respond before confirmation.”
Opposition parties have seized on the matter, calling for the appointments to be overturned.
Democratic Alliance MP Karabo Khakhau said, “The minister’s move to rope in the PSC is itself a huge admission that the appointments were scandalous. These appointments must be withdrawn immediately,” according to News24.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) echoed similar sentiments.
EFF MP Sihle Lonzi argued that the minister was undermining governance structures, saying: “This entire process is unlawful. The minister must reverse his decision and respect proper procedure.”
[WATCH]
EFF MP Sihle Lonzi says Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela bypassed due processes under the Skills Development Act in appointing alleged corruption-linked SETA administrators. pic.twitter.com/EGFB6gtdYR— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 23, 2025
Manamela has also instructed the affected SETAs to publish stabilisation plans within 90 days. These reports, he said, will be open to Parliament, stakeholders, and the public.
“The stabilisation plans must have clear, measurable indicators so that progress can be tracked transparently,” he told Eyewitness News.
While the PSC process unfolds, Manamela promised to act based on its findings. “I will take whatever steps are necessary, guided by the recommendations, and will do so without fear or favour,” he said.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
