Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nomakhosazana Meth |
| Date of Birth | 1 July 1966 (age 58 years) |
| Place of Birth | Ntabankulu, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Current Role | Minister of Employment and Labour (since July 2024) |
| Previous Roles | Member of the National Assembly, ANC representative in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Speaker and Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Speaker of Mbizana Local Municipality |
| Education | Certificates in Local Government Law (University of Fort Hare, University of Zululand), Junior Degree in Executive Leadership and Municipal Development (University of Pretoria), Pursuing Honours Degree in Public Administration (University of Fort Hare) |
Early Life and Education
Nomakhosazana Meth was born on 1 July 1966 in Ntabankulu, South Africa. She pursued her education with a focus on local government and leadership. Meth obtained certificates in local government law from both the University of Fort Hare and the University of Zululand. She furthered her studies with a junior degree in executive leadership and municipal development from the University of Pretoria. Currently, Meth is studying towards an honours degree in public administration at Fort Hare University.
Political Career
Nomakhosazana Meth has been a dedicated member of the African National Congress (ANC) with a significant career in local and provincial governance. She served as the speaker of the Mbizana Local Municipality from 2006 to 2008. Following the 2011 municipal election, Meth was elected as the speaker of the OR Tambo District Municipality, later becoming its mayor after the 2016 municipal election. She also held leadership roles within the ANCWL in the OR Tambo region from 2008 to 2014.
In the 2019 general election, Meth was elected to the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and was appointed as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform by Premier Oscar Mabuyane. She later served as the MEC for Health after a reshuffle in March 2021, further showcasing her commitment to public service and governance.
Meth’s political journey culminated in her election to the National Assembly of South Africa in the 2024 general election. She currently serves as the Minister of Employment and Labour, where she continues to contribute to national policies on labour relations and employment issues.
Personal Life
Nomakhosazana Meth has faced personal tragedy; on January 5, 2019, she experienced the loss of her two sons in a car accident in Mthatha, a deeply tragic event that has undoubtedly shaped her personal and professional outlook.
Conclusion
Nomakhosazana Meth is a seasoned politician with a deep-rooted commitment to public service and community development. Her leadership roles in local and provincial government, combined with her current position as Minister of Employment and Labour, underscore her dedication to improving the lives of South Africans through policy and governance. Meth’s journey reflects resilience in the face of personal adversity, highlighting her strength as both a leader and a compassionate advocate for her constituents.