In a major change to South Africa’s cabinet, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a reshuffle that sees Dr Nobuhle Nkabane removed as Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Taking her place is a familiar face in the portfolio: Buti Manamela, who has now officially stepped up from his role as deputy to become the new minister.
The announcement was made on Monday evening, marking yet another shift in the country’s ongoing effort to boost its education system. Meanwhile, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube was appointed to fill Manamela’s previous position as Deputy Minister.
Buti Manamela’s Journey from Student Activist to Cabinet Minister
Buti Manamela’s political career didn’t begin in the halls of Parliament—it started on the front lines of student activism.
Born on July 10, 1979, in Phagameng, Limpopo, he became active in student leadership during his high school years.
By the mid-1990s, he had joined COSAS and the ANC Youth League, setting the tone for a life steeped in youth politics and social activism.
After matriculating from Phagameng High School, he pursued studies in Digital Electronics at Mamelodi College, now part of Tshwane North TVET College.
His student leadership streak continued in higher education, where he eventually served as provincial chairperson and national deputy president of SASCO.
Building Credentials in Policy and Development
Manamela didn’t just rely on activism—he also put in the academic work.
In 2017, he completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Development Management from the University of the Witwatersrand, further cementing his credibility in the public service space.
His education and experience became the bedrock of his policy-driven approach to governance, particularly when it comes to youth development and higher education reform.
Key Roles in Government and Parliament
Manamela was elected to the National Assembly in 2009 and quickly made his mark.
He served on influential parliamentary committees such as Labour, Economic Development, and Communications.
In 2014, under former President Jacob Zuma, he was appointed Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
Then in 2017, he was moved to Higher Education and Training—later renamed Higher Education, Science and Innovation—where he served until 2024.
Since July 2024, he resumed his role as Deputy Minister in the newly restructured department before this week’s promotion to Minister.
Influence Within the ANC and SACP
Manamela’s influence stretches beyond Parliament.
He’s been a consistent voice in alliance politics, particularly through the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA), where he served as National Secretary from 2003 to 2014.
He remains a senior figure in the South African Communist Party (SACP), serving on its Central Committee and Politburo.
Within the ANC, he has steadily climbed the ranks, most recently being elected to the party’s National Executive Committee in December 2022.
His Vision for Higher Education in South Africa
One of Manamela’s biggest priorities has been rethinking South Africa’s education pipeline.
He’s a passionate advocate for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, encouraging young people to consider apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and other practical routes to employment—not just university degrees.
He’s also been a vocal supporter of bursary programmes like NSFAS and Funza Lushaka, urging students to take advantage of funding options and educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities.
Encouraging Civic Duty and Community Impact
Beyond the policy work, Manamela has consistently urged graduates and teachers to give back to society, especially in areas with limited resources.
He believes bridging the education gap requires a strong sense of civic responsibility—even when it isn’t required by law.
What Lies Ahead?
With years of experience in the very ministry he now leads, Buti Manamela steps into the spotlight with a deep understanding of the challenges facing South Africa’s education system.
Whether his leadership will bring lasting reform remains to be seen—but for now, he’s being welcomed as a steady hand at the helm.