Ms Nompendulo Thobile Mkhatshwa
National AssemblyChairperson of Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology
Party: African National Congress on the National List
Member of the following committees
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and InnovationParliament Membership History
Member of Parliament since 2019
Political Leadership Background
2013 – Deputy Secretary | South African Students Congress | Wits University
2014 – Chairperson | South African Students Congress | Wits University
2015 – Deputy Chairperson | African National Congress Youth League | Wits University
2015/2016 – President | Students Representative Council | Wits University
2015 – One of the Leaders of the Wits Fees Must Fall Protests
2019 – Youth Representative | Presidential Gender Review Committee on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality
2019 – Non -Executive Director | Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance Board of Directors
Education
2015 – Bachelor of Science (majoring in Geography) | Wits University
Currently – Post Graduate Certificate in Education | University of South Africa
Interests
Issues affecting women, youth, education, the environment and the African continent.
Arts and Culture (music, theatre, dance, art work, crafts etc.)
Travel – ‘ukuhamba ukufunda'
Being with family and loved ones over food, drink and board games
Political Ideas / Achievements Goals & Ambitions for the country
Political Ideas:
We cannot operate in silos and then expect to build a cohesive society where all those who form part of it feel included and represented. Citizens must show up, collaborate and cooperate to build a South Africa that resonates with all its people. I wish to South Africans become protectors and supporters of this democracy that was fought for, with blood shed by our foremothers. I am inspired by the likes of Thomas Sankara who speak to citizens being active agents of the development of their society as opposed to being external spectators.
My role as a young, black woman who is a member of the Parliament of South Africa is to ensure that the laws that govern this country reflect the needs of its people and that the laws bear fruit for its people.
I wish to see a South Africa, an Africa where the young are educated and skilled; where women are emancipated and safe and where all the people enjoy in the wealth of their country.
Achievements:
Young Woman Political Activist | Albertina Sisulu Special Award | Women Excellence Awards 2018 | Gauteng Government
Transformational Leadership | Premier's Special Awards | Premier's Service Excellence Awards 2019 | Gauteng Government
I am inspired by the resilience and strength of Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela Mandela
I am inspired by the pride of Steve Bantu Biko
Discomforted by the disparities that our societies continue to face, I am inspired by the masses of South Africa and the masses beyond our borders, to continue advocating for the betterment of the livelihoods of our people.