SETA Oversight Panel Revealed After Parliamentary Pressure: Committee Welcomes Minister’s Compliance

CAPE TOWN — The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, has welcomed the long-delayed release of names for the oversight panel responsible for appointing chairpersons to South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). This development comes after mounting pressure from Parliament on the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane, to comply with transparency and accountability requirements in public appointments.

In a statement on Wednesday, Letsie confirmed that the committee had received formal correspondence from the minister disclosing the panel members. “We are pleased that sanity has prevailed and that the minister has now complied with this requirement,” said Letsie. “The committee believes this disclosure should have occurred from the outset.”

The Portfolio Committee had been adamant that the public nature of SETAs, which are funded through parliamentary appropriations, demands strict adherence to constitutional principles. “It was baffling that the committee had to strongly remind the minister of such a basic accountability requirement in our democratic governance system,” Letsie added.

According to the minister’s submission, the individuals appointed to the panel include Advocate Terry Motau SC, who was designated chairperson, alongside Asisipho Solani, Nelisiwe Semane, Mabuza Ngubane, and Rhulani Ngwenya. However, the committee has expressed concern over Motau’s reported non-attendance at any of the panel meetings to date — an issue that may become a point of contention in future engagements.

Letsie confirmed that the committee is moving into the next phase of oversight, stating that further discussions will be held with the minister regarding the processes followed in selecting Seta chairpersons. “We will engage further with the minister on the processes followed in appointing chairpersons to lead the SETAs,” he said. Parliament, he added, expects full clarity on whether best governance practices were followed and whether any irregularities occurred.

Setas play a pivotal role in vocational training and skills development across South Africa’s economy. Their boards influence everything from strategic partnerships with training providers to funding decisions that affect thousands of learners and workers. However, recent allegations of political interference and favouritism in the board appointment process have intensified scrutiny, prompting Parliament’s firm stance on oversight.

The Portfolio Committee is expected to investigate whether the appointments aligned with the ethical standards outlined in South Africa’s public administration policies. It is also examining whether the process served the interests of public service delivery or was shaped by political agendas.

Responding to the developments, the Ministry of Higher Education and Training stated that Minister Nkabane remains open to further engagement. “Minister Nkabane will respond to all queries and provide additional information as required by Parliament,” the ministry said.

While the release of the panel names is seen as a step in the right direction, parliamentary oversight continues as concerns persist over the integrity of the appointment process. With public confidence in institutions already under strain, the way forward will likely depend on how transparent and accountable the ministry is willing to be in the coming weeks.