EFF's Sihle Lonzi evicted from Parliament after challenging Seta board appointments
Tensions ran high in Parliament on Tuesday, 14 May during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training when Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi questioned the department's director-general, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, about a leaked list of newly appointed chairpersons to Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards.
Lonzi questioned the transparency and political impartiality of the Seta board appointments. However, the committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie (ANC), intervened, saying the minister of higher education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who was absent, would address the issue later.
Letsie noted that the committee had previously decided to defer the discussion until the minister's appearance, a decision Lonzi missed due to his late arrival.
The situation escalated into a heated exchange, with Lonzi accusing the chairperson of shielding the department from accountability.
'This chairperson is protecting corruption,' shouted Lonzi. 'The son of [Minerals and Petroleum Resources] Minister Gwede [Mantashe] gets to be appointed illegally in Setas, and now we are being thrown out because this chairperson is protecting corruption,' said Lonzi as parliament security evicted him from the meeting.
ANC member Gaolatlhe Kgabo shouted at Lonzi while he was being evicted, 'You think you can come here and tell us what to do? We cannot be dictated to by an individual.'
Skills development
Setas facilitate skills development through programmes like learnerships and internships.
In 2024, Nkabane issued a call for nominations for the appointment of chairpersons of accounting authorities for 21 Setas, who would serve a five-year term, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030.
The leaked Seta board list, seen by Daily Maverick, includes Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo Mantashe, who has been appointed chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta. Also named are former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and ex-ANC provincial deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu.
Lonzi told Daily Maverick that Letsie was using the committee to settle ANC internal scores.
'He wants to appear to be strong, a person of accountability, but once you touch those that are going to impact his factional interests within the ANC, he wants to come as a defence. He's turning that committee into a toothless dog.'
Letsie confirmed that the committee had agreed to write to Nkabane following a letter by committee member Karabo Khakhau (DA) calling for the minister to be summoned urgently to explain the appointments.
Khakhau wrote to Letsie that: 'These appointments raise serious concerns about the politicisation of institutions meant to serve all South Africans. Seta boards play a vital role in skills development and economic empowerment. They are not ANC cadre deployment havens, nor should they be misused as rewards for political loyalty.'
Letsie defended his handling of the committee session, stating: 'He [Lonzi] first arrived late, there was no apology and then after members had agreed on the matter of Setas, he wanted to defy that decision. He just wanted to grandstand today because he felt left out by the letter of the DA that was making the rounds.' DM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
27 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year
The president, however, conceded that the commission's timeframe could be extended if needed. With some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among these were claims that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi also alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. ALSO READ: NA agrees to establish ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations The inquiry, to be chaired by outgoing deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will probe allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system. This includes key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps) and the State Security Agency (SSA). According to the terms of reference published this week in the Government Gazette, the commission has been empowered to summon individuals for testimony, among other functions. The commission is expected to deliver a preliminary report in three months and a final report within six months of its formation. [DOWNLOAD]: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from the specific allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. 🔗 July 23, 2025 Ramaphosa on Madlanga commission timelines Speaking to the media in the Northern Cape on Friday, Ramaphosa said that the political task team in KZN had already made progress and has done 'tremendous work'. 'The killings then started coming down in KZN, so the complaints that have been raised by the KZN police commissioner have to be investigated. 'Those have to be investigated and that is why I set up the commission,' he said. The president reiterated his expectation that the commission's work would be conducted swiftly and conclude its work within a year. 'I expect that this commission, whose terms of reference are now out, will work very quickly and we've put clear timeframes. We would like a report within three months and another report within another three months. READ MORE: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations 'So I'm looking at a period which is no more than a year. In fact, I would like us to get to the bottom of all what the police commissioner of KZN alleged to be addressed and answers to come out within a short space of time,' Ramaphosa said. He also conceded that the timeframe could be extended if needed. 'If they need time to be extended, then we will talk to the judge and see how much time needs to be extended. 'But this is a commission that everyone in the country would like to see quick answers coming from.'
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
ZANU–PF warns South Africa against US sanctions and Trump's influence
Zimbabwe's ruling party has come out strongly against a proposed US bill that could sanction ANC leaders, urging South Africa to stay firm and resist foreign intimidation. Image: AFP Zimbabwe's ruling party (ZANU–PF) says South Africa should not be intimidated by a proposed US bill that could empower President Donald Trump with 'superpowers' to impose sanctions on African National Congress (ANC) leaders. ZANU–PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the United States should not "misdirect itself" in its diplomatic relations with South Africa. 'These issues could be resolved without resorting to sanctions. But if America decides to go its own way, so be it - we've had over two decades of experience dealing with sanctions,' Mutsvangwa said. He made the comments on Friday at the ANC's 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park. He said the US' previous sanctions on Zimbabwe had not derailed the country's progress. 'They have not stopped Zimbabwe from making progress. On the contrary, we are now potentially the most dynamic economy on the African continent,' Mutsvangwa told Newzroom Afrika. 'Who would have thought that Zimbabwe would now be developing a third-world steel industry - one that even America might look at with a bit of jealousy?' Last year, the US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of serious human rights violations after his disputed victory in the 2023 elections. Relations between Washington and Harare have been strained for more than 20 years. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The US initially imposed economic and travel sanctions on Zimbabwe in the early 2000s, targeting the late President Robert Mugabe and several senior government officials, accusing them of eroding democratic principles. However, on March 4, 2024, former President Joe Biden officially ended the US sanctions program against Zimbabwe, lifting restrictions on all previously sanctioned individuals, entities, and assets under that policy. He encouraged South Africa to view the situation from a more optimistic perspective. 'Don't worry about being pushed around by superpowers. We've travelled that road before. We share experiences, and we have the resources anyway,' he added. This comes after reports that the US Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced the US and South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, a bill that could sanction ANC leaders for allegedly supporting US adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran. On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue while visiting BMW South Africa. 'We've heard what has happened in the House Committee, but the process still has a long way to go,' Ramaphosa said. 'Our bilateral dealings and engagements with the United States will continue, and we'll talk about all manner of things - including this issue.' Ramaphosa added that South Africa values its diplomatic relations with the US and hopes to strengthen them through continued dialogue. 'We are very positive that the outcome of our engagements with the United States will be comprehensive and all-encompassing, so we can return to good deals with the United States,' he said. IOL News previously reported that the ANC said it is pinning its hopes on Democrats in the US Congress, particularly those who supported the anti-apartheid movement, to block the bill. 'There are many Democrats, including those who were part of the anti-apartheid movements, who will stand up to caution Americans against supporting a president who wants to censor and undermine the sovereignty of other nations,' said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri. Bengu-Motsiri said the ANC will vigorously oppose any attempt to isolate it through renewed sanctions. 'Remember, we come from a history where sanctions were imposed against the apartheid system,' she said. 'The ANC was also isolated by countries that worked closely with the apartheid regime, including the United States.' The bill, which was passed through the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, will now be presented before the full US House of Representatives for a vote. IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Zuma's endorsement of Moroccan occupation sparks renewed debate on Western Sahara's future
More and more countries — and former SA president Jacob Zuma — are backing Rabat's plan for autonomy for Western Sahara. Former South African president Jacob Zuma's visit to Morocco and endorsement of its continued occupation of Western Sahara as an autonomous region, have rekindled debate about this contentious and ongoing issue. Zuma, who now heads the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat last week. Zuma formed MK just before South Africa's national elections last year, as the then-governing ANC was moving to expel him. MK raked in 15% of the vote, contributing to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since 1994. MK cited a long list of explanations for abandoning the cause of Sahrawi independence, which Zuma espoused as president and the ANC still vigorously champions. MK's reasons included pan-Africanism, anti-colonialist solidarity, traditional leadership, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The anti-colonial argument was ironic given that the ANC views Morocco's claim over Western Sahara as colonialism and supports UN efforts to hold a referendum on the issue. Despite the rhetoric, most of Zuma and Morocco's critics — including MK's former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula — suspect Zuma and MK sold out for money or other material gain. That is certainly credible given Zuma's history of corruption and State Capture while president. Those same critics believe material interests are the main reason Rabat has been making steady progress in switching the allegiance of international and African states. 'With Morocco's typical use of money, I am not surprised by Zuma's move,' a retired South African diplomat told ISS Today. 'He has fallen into Morocco's strategic campaign to get African countries to endorse its plan. 'In effect, Zuma's endorsement changes nothing but causes confusion, which I guess is part of Morocco's intention.' The retired diplomat didn't see the South African government or ANC shifting their positions 'any time soon'. And didn't think this represented new thinking. It was noteworthy, however, that Morocco treated Zuma almost as a foreign minister. This was possibly to embarrass Pretoria, which is among Africa's most ardent supporters of independence for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Or perhaps the aim was to shift South Africa's position. But Chrispin Phiri, the spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, told ISS Today: 'Our foreign policy is fundamentally shaped by our constitutional values and enduring national interests, not by the transient political manoeuvrings of any single figure or party. 'It's crucial to distinguish between the particular agenda of former president Zuma and his political faction, and the broader, more permanent aspirations of the nation itself. To conflate the two would be an error of the highest order. Mr Zuma and his party, like any political entity, operate as non-state actors.' It is difficult to assess how many states back Morocco's autonomy position. But support is growing internationally with the US, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE — and, just this week — Portugal backing Morocco. In Africa the tally is murkier, though experts and media reports suggest Morocco is gaining ground. They indicate it now has around 23 supporters — most in West Africa, versus about 18 countries — mainly in southern Africa, backing Western Sahara independence or at least the right to a referendum on the issue. Significant victory Morocco was reported to have scored a significant victory in May when Kenya, which had hitherto firmly supported the SADR's right to self-determination, expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Ghana did the same in June. However, the Polisario Front that governs the SADR has also won a few points. This year, its major champion Algeria twice defeated Morocco for African Union (AU) positions, both as AU deputy chair and in retaining North Africa's seat on the Peace and Security Council. Nonetheless, the former South African diplomat said he was surprised by Kenya and Ghana's recent switch. He added that 'countries would have to think deeply and decide whether they would want to undermine African unity, which is one of the foundational principles of the AU'. Liesl Louw-Vaudran, AU expert at the International Crisis Group, says Morocco has made gradual progress in its campaign for recognition of its autonomy position, globally and in Africa. 'And I think Kenya is a very important country, continentally, at the UN and in the AU.' She also believes Rabat has succeeded in neutralising the issue in Africa. In 2018, shortly after Morocco rejoined the AU, Louw-Vaudran and Christian Ani wrote that the AU's decision to largely leave the Western Sahara issue to the UN had been 'a big win for Morocco, which believes the AU-led efforts are biased'. Louw-Vaudran told ISS Today this week that since then, Western Sahara was no longer discussed as a crisis within the AU, including in its Peace and Security Council. 'South Africa… and some other countries are still trying to support Western Sahara, but it's no longer such a huge emotional, explosive issue, because Morocco really is, apart from South Africa, achieving its goal to stifle any debate about the Western Sahara within the AU. It has got more and more countries siding with it, like Kenya now.' Louw-Vaudran said that despite rumours that Morocco would launch a campaign to get the SADR expelled from the AU, it hasn't happened. With strong opposition from the likes of South Africa and Algeria, 'it would be very, very difficult'. Sceptical SADR Foreign Minister Mohamed Beisat is sceptical about claims that Morocco is gaining support for its autonomy plan. He told ISS Today that Kenya and Ghana's reported switches had only been announced in joint statements with Morocco — not in their own statements. He added that it was irrelevant what any other country or leader thought. 'They want the world to vote in the referendum instead of the Sahrawis themselves,' he said, referring to the UN decision that the Sahrawis must hold a referendum to decide on independence, autonomy or integration with Morocco. Morocco now insists that the option of independence is off the table. 'I don't see the point of Mr Zuma to choose for the Sahrawis or Mr Marco Rubio or Mr Macron or Mr Netanyahu or anyone else. The choice is for the Sahrawis.' That is true. But in Zuma's case, it appears that in an increasingly transactional, self-interested world, many countries and others are backing Morocco's plan because it has something concrete to offer — from fertilisers to tourism, fisheries and renewable energies. SADR by comparison, sadly, does not. DM
