Minister's Office
Meet the political leadership driving South Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda.
Prof. Bonginkosi Emmanuel "Blade" Nzimande
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Contact Details
Prof. Nzimande was appointed as Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology on 30 May 2019. He was Minister of Transport from 27 February 2018 to 25 May 2019. Prof. Bonginkosi Emmanuel "Blade" Nzimande was the Minister of Higher Education and Training in the Republic of South Africa from 26 May 2014 until 17 October 2017.
He is a general secretary of the South African Communist Party; chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education; deputy chair of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party; and chairperson of the Financial Sector Campaign Coalition.
Academic Qualifications
Prof. Nzimande holds a Doctorate in Philosophy specialising in Sociology from the University of Natal.
Career, Positions, Memberships & Other Activities
- Lectured at the University of Zululand in 1985
- Lecturer in Industrial Psychology at the University of Natal in 1987
- Council member at the University of South Africa
- Member of the National Deployment Committee of the ANC
- Chairperson of the board of trustees at the Centre for Educational Policy Development
- Council member at the University of Transkei
- Council member at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Chairperson of the African National Congress Parliamentary Study Group on Education
"Technologies are extensions of social relations and can only be properly understood in the context of such relations. For technology to serve democratic and equalising ends, we must consciously and deliberately direct and steer these instruments to drive social justice, equal and inclusive outcomes."
- Prof. Blade Nzimande, NSI Transformation Summit 2025
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Dr Nomalungelo Gina
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Contact Details
PLO/Media Liaison Officer
Mr Kwazikwenkosi Mthethwa
Cell: 078 264 6165
Kwazikwenkosi.Mthethwa@dsti.gov.zaDr Nomalungelo Gina (nee Khuluse) is an outstanding leader, a committed public servant, and a passionate champion of education and economic transformation. As a black woman with a partial disability, she has defied the odds to achieve remarkable success, serving as an inspiration to many.
Early Life & Education
She grew up in the rural village of Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal and matriculated in 1988 from Inanda Seminary School, where she first became active in student politics. Driven by a passion for education, she completed a teaching degree in 1992 at the University of Zululand. In 2015, she completed a postgraduate diploma in management from the University of Witwatersrand. In 2023, she earned a Master's degree in Public Management from the University of Venda and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration. In May 2025, the University of Zululand conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration upon her.
Professional Career
Dr Gina started her professional career as a teacher, serving diligently under the District of King Cetshwayo in KwaZulu-Natal. Before entering full-time politics, she dedicated 15 years to the education sector, where she was actively involved in the South African Democratic Teachers Union. She held several leadership roles, including:
- Site steward
- KZN North Coast Regional Education Convener
- Provincial Executive Committee member
- Deputy Provincial Chairperson
Parliamentary Career
In 2009, she was nominated for deployment to Parliament. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies:
- Served on the Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee
- Acted as Whip of the Basic Education Portfolio Committee
- Convened the Social Cluster Committee
- Chaired the Basic Education Portfolio Committee
Ministerial Appointments
Recognising her leadership and dedication, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Dr Gina as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition in 2019. Her contributions in this role strengthened economic policies, promoted industrial growth, and facilitated job creation. In 2024, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, where she continues to champion scientific research, technological advancement, and innovation-driven development.
Political & Community Leadership
Beyond government, Dr Gina remains an influential figure in political structures:
- Member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal
- Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the South African Communist Party
- Former member of the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC
- Former member of the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC Women's League
"Dr Gina's unwavering commitment to education, public service, and societal progress continues to inspire and transform lives. Her remarkable leadership and dedication serve as a beacon of hope for young people, particularly women from disadvantaged backgrounds, as she works toward building a better and more inclusive South Africa."
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