Sihle Lonzi
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has fiercely condemned Parliament security for forcibly removing EFF MP Sihle Lonzi from the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. The dramatic incident, caught on video, unfolded during a tense debate over controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. The EFF has labelled the removal an “abuse of power” and a “violent suppression of accountability,” accusing Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie of shielding corruption
Alongside the EFF, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded answers from Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, spotlighting allegations of nepotism and political patronage in the appointments.
The Incident: Sihle Lonzi’s Removal Sparks Outrage
The confrontation erupted when Sihle Lonzi, an EFF MP and Commissar, questioned the Director General of the Department of Higher Education about the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe as Chairperson of the MERSETA board. Buyambo is the son of ANC National Chairperson and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, raising red flags over potential nepotism.
Rather than allowing the Director General to respond, Chairperson Tebogo Letsie, supported by ANC-aligned members, halted the discussion and summoned security to eject Lonzi from the meeting. Video footage of the incident shows security personnel physically removing the MP, amplifying public and political backlash.
EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo condemned the move in a statement, saying, “Let it be known that Commissar Lonzi’s only ‘crime’ was demanding accountability.” Thambo described Letsie’s actions as “undemocratic” and a “gross abuse of authority,” accusing him of protecting ANC leaders from scrutiny. The EFF has called for an immediate investigation into Letsie’s conduct and a full parliamentary inquiry into the SETA appointments, vowing to fight what they call “systemic ANC corruption.”
Controversial SETA Appointments Under Fire
The SETA board appointments, authorised by Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, have ignited a national outcry over alleged political patronage. A leaked list of appointees reveals a pattern of politically connected individuals, including:
- Buyambo Mantashe (MERSETA Chairperson) – Son of ANC heavyweight Gwede Mantashe.
- Nomusa Dube-Ncube (BANKSETA Chairperson) – Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier.
- Siboniso Mbhele (TETA Board Member) – Head of the KZN Department of Transport.
Other notable appointees include: - Thembinikos Josopu (CATHSSETA) – Linked to the National Development Agency.
- Gwebinkundla Qonde (CHIETA) – Former Director General at the Department of Higher Education and an advisor to Gwede Mantashe.
- Philemon Mapulane (INSETA) – Former ANC MP and Deputy Minister of Communications.
- Loyiso Lugayeni Masuku (FOODBEV) – ANC Deputy Regional Secretary and wife of Bandile Masuku, a prominent ANC figure.
Critics argue these appointments reflect “cadre deployment,” a practice where ANC loyalists and their families are placed in key state positions. The EFF claims SETAs, meant to boost skills development for youth and workers, are being turned into “ANC deployment zones.” Additional appointees like Amanda Mapena (QCTO), a former KZN MEC, and Micheni Mbuyakhulu (SERVICES SETA), a former KZN MEC, further fuel these concerns.
DA Joins the Fray, Demands Ministerial Accountability
The DA has echoed the EFF’s concerns, with MP Karabo Khakhau writing to Letsie on 13 May 2025, requesting Minister Nkabane’s urgent appearance before the committee. In her letter, Khakhau stated, “Majority of the names raise a serious question of the minister’s political connection to the desired board chairperson appointees.” She urged the committee to interrogate the list to ensure SETA boards remain free from “political engineering.” The DA’s involvement signals growing cross-party pressure on the ANC-led government to address the allegations.
A Deeper Look at the SETA Appointments
A detailed table of appointees reveals the extent of political ties. For instance, Dr Zakhele Buthelezi (CETA) serves as CFO at Gert Sibande District Municipality, while Dr Nandi Malumbazo (EWSETA) is a Wits lecturer with prior board experience. Adv Mthokozisi Xulu (FP&MSETA), President of the South African Chamber of Commerce, and Elizabeth Thobejane (PSETA), a former Gauteng Deputy Director General, also feature. While some appointees boast professional credentials, their political affiliations—especially to the ANC—dominate the narrative of nepotism.
The controversy isn’t new. In recent years, SETA boards have faced scrutiny for mismanagement and political interference. The appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, lacking public evidence of extensive skills development expertise, has become a lightning rod, intensifying calls for reform.
Political Tensions and Parliamentary Oversight at Stake
This incident underscores deep tensions between the ANC and opposition parties like the EFF and DA. The EFF has accused Letsie of acting as a “shield for corruption,” undermining Parliament’s role in holding the executive accountable. Thambo warned, “The violent removal of Commissar Lonzi is not just an attack on him, it is an attack on democracy and the people of South Africa.” The DA, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a voice for transparency, aligning with public demands for cleaner governance.
Parliamentary procedures are now under the spotlight. The forcible removal of an MP raises questions about the rights of elected officials to challenge the executive without fear of censorship or violence. If unaddressed, this could erode trust in Parliament as a democratic institution.
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