Former Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) CEO and ex-ANC Youth League leader Lehlogonolo Masoga has hit back at opposition parties after they slammed his recent appointment as administrator of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA).
Masoga accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of exploiting his ANC ties to undermine his appointment. “The DA is weaponising my association with the ANC in an attempt to discredit my appointment and reverse the minister’s decision,” he said.
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Masoga’s Appointment Sparks Backlash
On 19 August 2025, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela placed three Setas – SSETA, Ceta, and LGSETA – under administration, citing governance and performance failures. Masoga, along with Oupa Nkoane and Zukile Mvalo, was appointed as administrator.
But the move quickly drew criticism from both the DA and the EFF, who accused Manamela of deploying “tainted ANC cadres” into strategic posts.
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The DA’s Karabo Khakhau wrote to the minister, alleging that the appointees were linked to fraud, corruption, and maladministration.
Forensic Report Clouds Appointment
Masoga’s critics have pointed to a 2024 forensic report into the MMSEZ that flagged him for allegedly backdating a R4.4 million communications contract to justify irregular payments to service provider Mahuma Group.
According to the report, Masoga and a senior employee allegedly backdated the contract by six months – from June to January – despite no signed service level agreement being in place.
At the time, investigators recommended disciplinary action against him.
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He maintains that the renewed spotlight on the forensic report is politically motivated. He insists that his appointment to SSETA should be viewed in the context of restoring stability to the troubled institution, not through the lens of party politics.
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