EFF Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi has issued a strong warning to Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela over his recent appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards.
Lonzi accused the minister of a lack of transparency and due process, alleging that several of the newly appointed individuals are linked to ongoing corruption issues. The EFF has demanded that Manamela clarify the procedure used to place three SETAs under administration and explain the appointments.
Lonzi stated that the Skills Development Act sets strict, clear procedures for placing SETAs under administration, which he implies were not followed. He warned that the EFF will hold the minister accountable, arguing that politically connected appointments come at the expense of South Africa’s unemployed youth and struggling students.
We have asked the new Minister of Higher Education to clarify which process was followed to place 3 SETAs under administration.
We are still coming for the ANC Delinquents that he appointed. For now, let us first deal with the PROCESS.
The Skills Development Act is very CLEAR! pic.twitter.com/0DAWzGW61p
— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) August 21, 2025
SETA boards are responsible for overseeing funding for critical skills development and training programs. Past investigations have uncovered widespread mismanagement and corruption within some SETAs, where millions of public rands were allegedly misused.
The confrontation occurs as the EFF increases its oversight role in Parliament, particularly on issues of corruption. The department has not yet responded to the allegations, but Minister Manamela is under growing pressure to provide clarity on the appointments and the process used.
