The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has launched a legal challenge in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria seeking to invalidate the appointments of eight chief executive officers to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) made by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, according to court filings made public on February 23, 2026.
The EFF argues that Manamela’s appointments are “invalid and unlawful” and seeks a court order setting them aside. The application centers on the process followed in selecting the CEOs, alleging irregularities that warrant judicial review, though specific details of those irregularities have not been publicly disclosed.
Manamela appointed the eight executives to the Seta boards last year. The legal action follows a pattern of scrutiny surrounding Manamela’s handling of Seta leadership. In October 2025, he faced criticism for prematurely ending the contract of Ineeleng Molete, the CEO of the Local Government SETA (LGSETA), an action some observers labeled a “blunder.”
The EFF’s challenge comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Manamela as minister, replacing Nobuhle Nkabane, who was dismissed following allegations of corruption and improper appointments to the Seta boards. Nkabane was accused of misleading Parliament regarding the appointment procedures for Seta chairs, a process reportedly dominated by African National Congress (ANC) cadres.
Sihle Lonzi, an EFF Member of Parliament and youth leader, has publicly criticized Manamela, accusing him of flouting recruitment rules by appointing the SETA CEOs for five-year terms without a transparent process. Lonzi called for Manamela to appear before Parliament to address the concerns, alleging that no recruitment process, advertisement, or shortlisting occurred, violating the Skills Development Act (SDA) Regulations.
SETAs play a critical role in South Africa’s skills development and training initiatives, responsible for implementing skills development plans and allocating funds. The appointment of qualified and ethical CEOs is considered vital for the effective functioning of these authorities. The EFF’s legal challenge underscores the importance of transparent governance within the sector, particularly given South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate.
As of February 23, 2026, Minister Manamela has not publicly responded to the EFF’s court application. The North Gauteng High Court has yet to set a date for the hearing.
