Mantashes accused of using political links for personal or familial gain
The powerful Mantashe family is once again under the public microscope, following revelations that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC National Chairperson and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, was appointed chairperson of a Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board.
The leak of a list of Seta appointments triggered a political storm in Parliament, with opposition parties questioning the legitimacy and transparency of the process.
Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led the charge against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, demanding clarity on how the appointments were made.
Critics claimed the process smacked of favouritism, pointing to Buyambo's appointment as indicative of the ANC's alleged practice of rewarding insiders and politically connected individuals.
The controversy deepened when Zakhele Buthelezi, another new appointee, prematurely introduced himself to a parliamentary committee as the chairperson of the Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta), even though Parliament had not been formally notified.
The confusion sparked outrage among MPs, who raised concerns about procedural irregularities and the broader credibility of the appointments.
Facing mounting pressure, Minister Nkabane ultimately withdrew Buyambo Mantashe's appointment.
This is not the first time the Mantashe family has faced allegations of using political connections for personal or familial gain. In 2021, a News24 investigation known as 'The Eskom Files' reported that Gwede Mantashe's daughter, Nombasa Mantashe Mawela, received funds linked to kickbacks involving Eskom suppliers during the Kusile Power Station project. The payments were allegedly funnelled through former Eskom executive Frans Hlakudi and were tied to a poultry venture associated with Mawela.
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