Ms. Siviwe Gwarube took office as Minister of Basic Education on 3 July 2024, following a distinguished career in South African politics.

She has been a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance (DA) since May 2019 and currently holds the position of Chief Whip, where she focuses on strengthening Parliament's role in serving the public. Her work includes enhancing the effectiveness of DA parliamentarians as legislators and representatives.

Previously, she was the Shadow Minister of Health, playing a crucial role in the National Health Insurance legislative process and the country's response to COVID-19. During this time, she also served as National Spokesperson and Deputy Chief Whip for the party.

Gwarube has consistently advocated for transparency and stronger executive oversight in Parliament. She has pushed for rule amendments to combat corruption and improve government accountability.

Holding degrees in Politics, Law, and Philosophy from Rhodes University and the University of the Western Cape, she began her career as the spokesperson for DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko before joining the Western Cape Provincial Government. She later served in various spokesperson roles and as Head of Ministry in the provincial Department of Health.

Before her election to Parliament in 2019, she was the Executive Director of Communications for the DA, honing her expertise in governance and public communication (Www.gov.za, 2024).

Dr. Mhaule, reappointed as Deputy Minister of Basic Education on 30 June 2024, has an extensive background in education, governance, and public administration. Holding a Doctorate in Public Administration from Fort Hare University, along with degrees from Pretoria, Potchefstroom, and UNISA, she began her career as an educator in 1980, serving for two decades before transitioning into leadership roles. She was Speaker of Council at Mbombela Local Municipality in 2000, later becoming Executive Mayor in 2003, and then Senior Manager in Mpumalanga’s Transport Department in 2006. 

In 2009, she was appointed MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, where she led reforms until 2018, when she was selected as Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. In May 2019, she took office as 

Deputy Minister of Basic Education, reinforcing her commitment to educational advancement, before being reappointed in June 2024 to continue shaping the sector’s development (Education.gov.za, 2024).