After Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, his predecessor, was removed due to controversy surrounding SETA board appointments, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela was sworn in as South Africa’s new Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology on July 21, 2025.
Manamela, a seasoned politician with a wealth of government and youth activism experience, was born in Limpopo on July 10, 1979. He joined the African National Congress (ANC) National Assembly in 2009 and has held a number of deputy ministerial positions, such as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (2017–2025) and Deputy Minister in the Presidency (2014–2017).
His academic background includes studies in Digital Electronics at the Tshwane North Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, formerly Mamelodi College, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Development Management from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University). He has a solid basis for managing the higher education and innovation sectors thanks to this combination of technical and policy education.
Manamela has made significant political contributions. He has long been a member of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and was the national secretary of the Young Communist League of South Africa from 2003 to 2014. In addition, he served as president of the South African College Student Association (now SAVETSA) and deputy president of the South African Students’ Congress, among other leadership positions in student organisations. His dedication to policy planning, education, and youth development is evident in his career.
After serving as Deputy Minister for almost eight years, Manamela was reportedly chosen as a minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa because of his extensive experience in the higher education portfolio. He was appointed after Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane was fired due to problems with the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointment procedure. Manamela is a reliable person to guide the Department of Higher Education through its difficulties because of his extensive experience in education and his positions in the ANC and SACP leadership bodies.
In summary, Buti Manamela’s qualifications, deep background in education policy, youth activism, and political experience underpin his selection as Minister of Higher Education. His leadership is anticipated to bring stability and renewed focus on critical education and innovation sectors in South Africa.
