Buti Manamela Faces Criticism Over Appointment of Seta Administrators
New Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has faced backlash following his recent appointment of administrators to three troubled Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta).
The move has sparked concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups who have raised alarms about potential political interference due to the administrators’ ties to the ANC.
Ironically, Manamela was promoted to his current position after President Cyril Ramaphosa ousted his predecessor Nobuhle Nkabane for misleading information regarding the appointment process of Seta board chairs.
Manamela announced the appointments of Oupa Nkoane for the construction Seta, Lehlogonolo Masoga for the services Seta, and Zukile Mvalo for the local government Seta. These appointments were made in response to longstanding governance issues within these institutions, such as financial mismanagement and unstable boards.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns about Nkoane and Masoga, citing their alleged involvement in tender fraud and corruption. Nkoane was implicated in a forensic report detailing mismanagement of R872 million, while Masoga was associated with a backdated communications contract worth R4.4 million.
The DA MP Karabo Khakhau expressed worries that appointing individuals with such questionable backgrounds could perpetuate corruption within the Setas, undermining their purpose of skills development and employment opportunities.
Similarly, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized the appointments, stating that political interference undermines the Setas’ mandate and perpetuates corruption within these institutions.
Despite the criticisms, Manamela defended his appointments, highlighting the professional qualifications and experience of the administrators. He emphasized their role in stabilizing the Setas, restoring operational capacity, and ensuring the fulfillment of their educational and training roles.
It is essential for the government to prioritize competence over political connections in these appointments to maintain transparency and accountability in the skills development sector.
Civil society organizations, including the Public Service Accountability Monitor, have called for full transparency and independent oversight to prevent governance failures of the past from recurring.
The Setas play a crucial role in South Africa’s post-school education and training landscape, and it is vital to ensure that these institutions operate with integrity and accountability to support national skills development objectives.
The DA has formally requested Manamela to reconsider the appointments and prioritize independent candidates to demonstrate a commitment to competence-based appointments.
Overall, the appointment of administrators to the troubled Setas has sparked controversy and raised concerns about political interference and corruption within these crucial institutions. It is imperative for the government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity in these appointments to safeguard the future of skills development in South Africa. the perspective of a plant about the benefits of photosynthesis.
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