In the aftermath of the 2024 election, South Africa finds itself with an expanded cabinet and a diverse range of educational qualifications among its ministers. As the ANC lost its majority in parliament for the first time in the democratic era, a Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed, bringing together ten other parties. This alliance led to an increase in the cabinet's size to accommodate the new ministers from various political backgrounds.
Interestingly, the educational qualifications of these ministers vary significantly, with a mix of qualifications from Matric to PhD-level. South Africa's education system follows the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which provides a hierarchical structure for educational qualifications.
Out of the 29 ministers for whom we found qualifications, 26 have some form of higher education. However, three ministers—Agriculture's John Steenhuisen, Public Works and Infrastructure's Dean Macpherson, and Sports, Arts and Culture's Gayton Mckenzie—hold Matriculation Qualifications as their highest educational attainment.
On the other end of the spectrum, several ministers have achieved the highest academic distinction by obtaining PhDs. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, and Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald are among those who have earned this prestigious qualification.
It is worth noting that many ministers may possess multiple qualifications, showcasing their commitment to lifelong learning and expertise in diverse fields. For instance, Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane holds an impressive 11 postgraduate qualifications and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Business Administration at the University of London.
While educational qualifications provide a foundation of knowledge, it is important to recognize that a minister's skills and capabilities extend beyond formal education. Public or private sector experience can greatly contribute to their effectiveness in their roles. A minister's qualifications may also not always align directly with their portfolios. For example, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga holds a Master's Degree in Education, showcasing her expertise in a different field.
Unfortunately, the online search did not yield results for the qualifications of Ministers Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Sisisi Tolashe (ANC), Mzwanele Nyhontso (PAC), and Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi (IFP). As such, their educational backgrounds remain undisclosed.
The qualifications of South Africa’s new cabinet can be found below:
| Ministry Position | 7th Administration | Level of Education |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy President | Paul Mashatile (ANC) | PGDip in Economic Principles |
| Electricity and Energy | Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (ANC) | PhD in Public Affairs |
| Minister in the Presidency | Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (ANC) | MBA |
| Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities | Sindisiwe Chikunga (ANC) | Master’s in Nursing |
| Agriculture | John Steenhuisen (DA) | Matric |
| Basic Education | Siviwe Gwarube (DA) | Honours in Political Science and Government |
| Communications and Digital Technologies | Solly Malatsi (DA) | Honours in Politics |
| Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs | Velenkhosi Hlabisa (IFP) | Honours in History |
| Defence and Military Veterans | Angie Motshekga (ANC) | Masters in Education |
| Employment and Labour | Nomakhosazana Meth (ANC) | Honours in Public Administration |
| Forestry, Fisheries and Environment | Dr. Dion George (DA) | PhD in Business Leadership |
| Finance | Enoch Godongwana (ANC) | Masters in Financial Economics |
| Health | Dr. Aaron Motsoeledi (ANC) | PhD in Medicine |
| Science and Technology and Innovation | Blade Nzimande (SACP/ANC) | PhD in Sociology |
| Higher Education | Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane (ANC) | PhD in Public Administration |
| Home Affairs | Dr. Leon Schreiber (DA) | PhD in Political Science |
| Human Settlements | Mmamoloko Kubayi (ANC) | Master’s in Public and Development Management |
| International Relations and Cooperation | Ronald Lamola (ANC) | Masters in Corporate Law and Extractive Law |
| Justice and Constitutional Development | Thembi Nkadimeng (ANC) | Bachelor of Philosophy in Political Studies |
| Correctional Services | Dr. Pieter Groenewald (FF+) | PhD in Political Studies |
| Mineral and Petroleum Resources | Gwede Mantashe (ANC) | MBA |
| Police | Senzo Mchunu (ANC) | Degree in education and international relations |
| Public Works and Infrastructure | Dean Macpherson (DA) | Matric |
| Small Business Development | Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (ANC) | Degree in Business Administration and Management |
| Sports, Arts and Culture | Gayton Mackenzie (PA) | Matric |
| Tourism | Patricia de Lille (GOOD) | Diploma in Industrial Relations |
| Trade, Industry and Competition | Parks Tau (ANC) | Master’s in Public Policy & Management |
| Transport | Barbara Creecy (ANC) | Master’s in Public Policy and Management |
| Water and Sanitation | Pemmy Majodina (ANC) | Honorary Doctorate |
