Mantashe's son speaks out about his axing as a Seta board chairperson

Buyambo says his dad had nothing to do with his post

- By Queenin Masuabi

ANC national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo Mantashe feels prejudiced by a decision taken by Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane, to rescind all Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons appointments.

Mantashe jnr was appointed by Nkabane as the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority board chairperson, alongside prominent ANC politicians and others who are linked to the party.

The minister faced mounting pressure and backlash from opposition parties and the public this week, after a leaked list of the newly appointed board chairpersons made the rounds on social media.

Mantashe's son told Sunday World that he applied to be a board chairperson on his own and was not relying on his father to influence the process.

He believes the matter makes him seem like a "second-hand" citizen when he is in fact qualified for the position.

"I applied, the minister did not inform me of any influence and I did not ask my dad for permission. Did he influence my appointment? It is for him to answer that question," he said.

Mantashe holds a BSc in agricultural economics from the Fort Hare University, a Master of Science in agricultural economics and management from China Agriculture University and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, among other qualifications.

"I more than qualify, even with requirements which were set up. I think it is unfair that we are found guilty by the court of public opinion because I was born to a politician. I am not a secondary citizen of South Africa. I have rights like everyone," he said.

According to Mantashe, it is within his rights as a South African citizen to serve in any public or private institution, apart from the mineral resources department, where his father is the minister.