Buti Manamela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buti Manamela
|
|
|---|---|
Manamela in July 2017
|
|
| Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology | |
| Assumed office 29 May 2019 |
|
| President | Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Minister | Blade Nzimande |
| Preceded by | Himself (for Higher Education) Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi (for Science and Technology) |
| Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training | |
| In office 17 October 2017 – 7 May 2019 |
|
| President | Jacob Zuma Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Minister | Hlengiwe Mkhize Naledi Pandor |
| Preceded by | Mduduzi Manana |
| Succeeded by | Himself (for Higher Education, Science and Technology) |
| Deputy Minister in the Presidency | |
| In office 26 May 2014 – 17 October 2017 |
|
| President | Jacob Zuma |
| Minister | Jeff Radebe |
| Preceded by | Obed Bapela |
| Member of the National Assembly | |
| Assumed office 6 May 2009 |
|
| National Secretary of the Young Communist League of South Africa | |
| In office December 2003 – December 2014 |
|
| Chairperson | David Masondo Yershen Pillay |
| Preceded by | League re-established |
| Succeeded by | Mluleki Dlelanga |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Buti Kgwaridi Manamela
10 July 1979 Phagameng, Transvaal South Africa |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Other political affiliations |
South African Communist Party |
| Spouse | Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela |
| Alma mater | Witwatersrand University |
Buti Kgwaridi Manamela (born 10 July 1979) is a South African politician. He currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology. This means he helps lead the government department that deals with universities, colleges, and scientific research.
Before this, he was the Deputy Minister in the Presidency from 2014 to 2017. He has also been a member of the National Assembly since 2009. The National Assembly is like South Africa's parliament, where laws are made. Manamela is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party. He became well-known as a youth leader, especially as the national secretary of the Young Communist League (YCL) from 2003 to 2014.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Buti Manamela was born on 10 July 1979 in a town called Phagameng. This town is in Limpopo Province, South Africa. He went to Phagameng High School. There, he was the president of the student council, which is a group of students who represent their classmates.
In 1993, when he was a teenager, he joined two important youth groups: the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the ANC Youth League. After finishing high school in 1997, Manamela studied electronic engineering at Mamelodi College. He was also the president of the student council there. Later, in 2017, he earned a Master's degree in public policy from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Young Communist League Leadership
In December 2003, the South African Communist Party (SACP) started its Young Communist League (YCL) again. Buti Manamela was chosen as its first national secretary. He held this important position for more than ten years, until the end of 2014.
During his time as YCL leader, the group strongly supported Jacob Zuma. Zuma later became the President of South Africa. Manamela also became a member of the SACP's Central Committee in 2012. This is a key leadership group within the party.
Serving in the National Assembly
In the 2009 general election, Buti Manamela was elected to the National Assembly. This meant he became a Member of Parliament (MP). From 2011, he worked as a whip for the ANC in a committee that dealt with labour issues. A whip makes sure that party members vote as a group.
During his first term, he was recognized as one of the Mail & Guardian's "200 Young South Africans" in 2009 and 2010. This award highlights young people doing great things in the country. In 2014, he was also elected to a leadership committee for the ANC in Limpopo province.
Deputy Minister Roles
Deputy Minister in the Presidency (2014–2017)
After the 2014 general election, Manamela was re-elected to the National Assembly. President Jacob Zuma then appointed him as the Deputy Minister in the Presidency. In this role, he helped with government planning, checking on projects, and youth development.
Manamela decided not to run for another term as YCL general secretary in December 2014. He wanted to allow new young leaders to take over. However, he continued to serve on the SACP Central Committee.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education (2017–Present)
On 17 October 2017, President Zuma changed some of his cabinet members. Manamela was then appointed as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. He kept this role when Cyril Ramaphosa became president.
After the 2019 general election, the ministry was expanded. It became the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Manamela continued as Deputy Minister, working with Minister Blade Nzimande. In December 2022, Manamela was also elected to the ANC's National Executive Committee. This is a very important leadership body within the ANC.
Personal Life
Buti Manamela is married to Vuyo Mhlakaza, who is also a politician. They have two children together. In 2018, he ran the Comrades Marathon, which is a very long and famous running race in South Africa.
