Wednesday, 14 May 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns the abuse of power and unconstitutional conduct displayed by Mr. Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, during a recent sitting of the committee in the South African Parliament.

During the meeting, EFF Member of Parliament and Commissar Sihle Lonzi raised a critical and constitutionally protected question to the Director General (DG) of the Department of Higher Education. Commissar Lonzi sought clarity on whether the DG was aware of the politically controversial and nepotistic appointments recently made to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards — specifically the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC Chairperson and Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, as Chairperson of the MERSETA board.

Instead of allowing the DG to respond to this legitimate inquiry, Chairperson Tebogo Letsie, backed by ANC-aligned committee members, shut down the question, disrupted proceedings, and proceeded to call in parliamentary security personnel to forcibly remove Commissar Lonzi from the meeting. This undemocratic act was not only unparliamentary in nature, but a violent suppression of accountability and a direct attack on the political rights of Members of Parliament to exercise oversight over the Executive.

Let it be known that Commissar Lonzi’s only ‘crime’ was demanding accountability. His question directly addressed the politicisation, cadre deployment, and corruption that has become the defining feature of the ANC’s relationship with public institutions.

The appointments in question — leaked to the public and sparking national outcry — include:

• Buyambo Mantashe (MERSETA Chairperson) – son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe

• Nomusa Dube-Ncube (BANKSETA Chairperson) – former Premier of KwaZuluNatal

• Siboniso Mbhele (TETA Board Member) – Head of the KZN Department of Transport

These appointments, made by Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, are glaring examples of political patronage, where state institutions intended to empower youth and workers are turned into ANC deployment zones for loyal cadres and family members of the ruling elite.

Instead of upholding the integrity of Parliament, Chairperson Letsie acted as a shield for corruption, using his position not to ensure accountability, but to protect ANC leaders from scrutiny and silence those who seek the truth. His conduct constitutes a gross abuse of authority, bringing the Portfolio Committee into disrepute and undermining the credibility of Parliament itself.

The EFF will not tolerate the politicisation of Parliamentary spaces by those who act as extensions of the corrupt ANC executive. We reaffirm the right of our members to hold institutions accountable without fear or censorship. 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.

We demand an immediate investigation into the conduct of Mr. Tebogo Letsie, and we call for a full parliamentary inquiry into the SETA board appointments and the growing evidence of systemic ANC corruption and nepotism within the Department of Higher Education.

The EFF remains committed to exposing corruption, dismantling cadre deployment, and restoring accountability in all spheres of government.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581