Ms Nompendulo Thobile Mkhatshwa

National Assembly
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Party: African National Congress on the National List

Member of the following committees

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Parliament 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.