The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) on Tuesday urged newly appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela to “demonstrate a break from the past” and implement changes in the sector education and training authorities (Seta) environment.

Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage said this must begin with the urgent appointment of new Seta board chairpersons, with people that are free from political interference to ensure accountability.

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa fired Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who is facing accusations that she misled Parliament. He replaced her with Manamela.

Duvenage explained that while Manamela brings years of experience to the role, his long-standing presence within the Higher Education ministry raises serious concerns about continuity rather than change.

He said given Manamela’s proximity to the “dysfunction and corruption” in the Department of Higher Education and its entities, such as the Setas, his appointment is not a welcome development for those demanding real reform and accountability.

He highlighted that Outa has, over several years, exposed deep-rooted maladministration, governance failures and corruption at multiple Setas and at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).

Outa acknowledged Nkabane’s efforts to address governance issues at Nsfas, particularly the removal of key individuals linked to misconduct under the previous leadership of Andile Nongogo, Ernest Khosa, and former Minister Blade Nzimande.

“While there have been some positive developments – such as the appointments of Dr Karen Stander as Nsfas chairperson and Waseem Carrim as CEO – the Setas remain mired in dysfunction, with little sign of meaningful intervention,” explained Duvenage.

He noted that despite repeated adverse findings and qualified audits from the Auditor-General, the leadership at entities such as INSETA, CETA, Services SETA, ETDP SETA, and MICT SETA have remained intact.

“…executives implicated in mismanagement continue to draw large salaries and bonuses, while the essential mission of developing skills and improving employability is undermined. The Setas cost business taxpayers R21-billion a year, but do not deliver value for money,” he said.

Outa said it will write to Manamela requesting an urgent meeting to share the substantial evidence and insights the organisation has gathered over the years on alleged systemic corruption within the Setas.

“We remain committed to assisting the ministry in cleaning up this vital sector – but that process cannot succeed without political will and genuine leadership,” said Duvenage.