SETA Governance Scandal: Minister Kabani Withdraws Controversial Nominee List

Cape Town, South Africa – Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Kabani has been forced to withdraw a controversial list of proposed SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) board chairpersons after watchdog group OUTA revealed it included family members of ANC politicians.

“The initial list had zero educational merit – just political connectedness,” said OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage during testimony before Parliament.

Governance Crisis at SETAs

The scandal has drawn attention to widespread governance issues within the SETA system. With seven SETA CEOs and CFOs currently serving under qualified audits, MPs questioned the credibility of approving further funding.

During a heated exchange, DA MP Belinda Bozzoli asked:

“How can we approve R27.8 billion budget increases when procurement systems are broken?”

The portfolio committee emphasized the urgent need for stronger leadership and stricter accountability measures.

READ: "I Accept My Dismissal" – Axed Minister Nkabane Claims Systemic Forces Ousted Her

Historical Roots of Corruption

Evidence suggests that corruption networks within SETAs date back more than a decade. Whistleblower documents indicate that the biometric fraud scheme now plaguing several SETAs was first perfected at the Services SETA in 2017, during the 10-year tenure of Dr. Blade Nzimande as Higher Education Minister.

Analysts argue that these entrenched practices have made it increasingly difficult to restore transparency and trust within the education and training sector.

READ: Newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela Pledges to Stabilise NSFAS and Rebuild Higher Education Sector

What’s Next?

The committee has demanded a new list of SETA nominees based on merit, along with a full review of procurement and audit practices. For many South Africans, the scandal raises broader questions about how billions in education funding are being managed, and whether learners will ultimately benefit.