EFF MP Forcibly Removed Over Mantashe Son’s SETA Board Role

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary committee meeting after questioning the Director-General about the appointment of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son to the SETA board.

The incident follows the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s revelation of a leaked list of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointments, exposing widespread political patronage. The list includes ANC loyalists, such as Mantashe’s son and a former KZN Premier, in key positions.

DA Demands Accountability

Karabo Khakhau MP, DA Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, stated:
“These appointments confirm the ANC’s blatant abuse of SETA boards for political gain. We demand Minister Nkabane explain why qualified South Africans are being sidelined for connected cadres.”

SETA boards play a crucial role in skills development and unemployment reduction, yet Minister Nkabane’s appointments prioritize political connections over merit.

Next Steps

The DA has urgently written to Parliament to summon the Minister for questioning. Khakhau warned:
“The DA will not allow SETAs to become ANC deployment committees. We’ll fight for transparency and skills-based appointments that benefit all South Africans.”

Controversial Appointments Exposed:

• Buyambo Mantashe (son of ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe) – MERSETA Board Chair

• Nomusa Dube-Ncube (ex-KZN Premier) – BANKSETA Board Chair

• Siboniso Mbhele (KZN Transport HOD) – Given SETA board role

• Loyiso Masuku (ANC Johannesburg Deputy Secretary) – Key appointment

[Full list available here]

Watch Video Below from MDN News

Sihle Lonzi forcibly removed from Parliament Committee meeting after questioning DG on Mantashe’s son’s appointment

EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting after asking the Director-General if he was aware that the son of Gwede… pic.twitter.com/uTp59p4B7F

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) May 14, 2025

Reactions:

ANC has clearly conceded to power. They’ve given up on running this country and their mandate now is to just try and loot whatever they can until the next elections…they no longer even have any regard for parliament process and rules. How can a chair decide which question the DG…

— WE REMAIN HUMBLE ☠️ (@ka_madesi) May 14, 2025

Why is the DG failing to answer a simply question posed on him and why is the Chairperson shielding him 🤔. This is a clear proof that the ANC is dead and nothing can be done to resuscitate it. The only logical thing to do is to ensure that they are thrown into the dusbin of…

— 💜Mao jnr🇿🇦 (@Remiazania2) May 14, 2025

I asked a simple question. In the most respectful manner. I didn’t shout. I didn’t belittle anyone.

So we must just allow ANC Comrades to loot and STEAL money meant for unemployed youth and students 💔

It will never happen. Next week I’m asking AGAIN.

This Chair is a FRAUD! pic.twitter.com/bGGfA0AQrk

— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) May 14, 2025

EFF CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF COMMISSAR SIHLE LONZI FROM PARLIAMENT pic.twitter.com/HWfGvBLyNc

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 14, 2025