Deputy President Paul Mashatile, born on 21 October 1961 in Geraldsville, Pretoria, has been a prominent figure in South African politics and governance for decades. His activism began in high school through the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), and he later co-founded the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYCO), serving as its first President. He rose to national prominence as General Secretary of the United Democratic Front (UDF) from 1989 until its dissolution in 1990. Due to his anti-apartheid activities, Mashatile was detained under the State of Emergency and spent over four years in prison, where he continued his academic pursuits. In 1992, he became General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Gauteng and led political education for the ANC in the PWV region. His leadership within the ANC included roles as Gauteng Chairperson, Provincial Secretary, and Deputy Chairperson. Mashatile’s governance experience spans key roles such as Leader of the House in the Gauteng Legislature, MEC for Safety and Security, Housing, and Finance, Premier of Gauteng, and Minister of Arts and Culture. He also chaired Parliament’s Appropriation Committee. In 2017, he was elected ANC Treasurer-General and served in acting capacities as Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. On 7 March 2023, he was sworn in as Deputy President of South Africa, entrusted with responsibilities including land reform, service delivery, HIV/AIDS response, peace missions, and skills development. He chairs Cabinet Committees on Governance and Justice. Mashatile was previously married to the late Manzi Mashatile and, in 2023, married Humile Bogatsu. He is a father to six children: Palesa, Tinyiko, Thabiso, Ayanda, Zodwa, and Goapele. (Thepresidency.gov.za, 2024)

Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, appointed Minister in the Presidency on 6 March 2023, oversees key portfolios including State Security, Government Communications, Statistics South Africa, and other responsibilities as delegated by the President. Her extensive career spans both public service and private enterprise, beginning as a lecturer at UNISA and advancing through groundbreaking roles such as South Africa’s first female and youngest Premier Spokesperson, youngest Municipal Manager, and Chief Operations Officer at the State IT Agency. She previously served as Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Small Business Development, and Acting Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation. Holding an MBA from the University of Bradford and multiple degrees from the University of Johannesburg, she has championed digital inclusion, spearheading initiatives like the IMT Spectrum release, Broadcast Digital Migration, DigiTech platform, and over 36,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots. Her leadership also saw the corporatisation of Postbank and the Post Office of Tomorrow. As Minister of Small Business Development, she launched the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), enabling SMMEs to access funding and retail markets, and coordinated pandemic-era support for small businesses. Ntshavheni played a pivotal role in government communications during the COVID-19 crisis and July 2021 riots. A committed advocate for entrepreneurship and ICT-driven development, she serves in the National Assembly, ANC’s NEC and NWC, and is a member of the Prayer Women’s League of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa. (Thepresidency.gov.za, 2024)

Ms Nonceba Mhlauli was appointed Deputy Minister in The Presidency of South Africa on 30 June 2024, following the country’s 7th National and Provincial Elections. Her career reflects deep experience in government communications and policy, having served as Spokesperson for the Ministry in The Presidency (2019–2023) and as a Communications Specialist in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Prior to that, she was Head of Communications and Spokesperson for the ANC Caucus in Parliament, and held research roles with the ANC Caucus in the Western Cape Legislature and the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union. Mhlauli also contributed to governance in the education sector, serving on the Council of South Cape TVET College and the TVET Council of Governors. She was a Provincial Executive Committee Member of the Progressive Professionals Forum in the Western Cape and remains active in ANC leadership as a member of both the NEC and NWC. Academically, she holds a Master’s in African Language Studies and Politics from Rhodes University and is pursuing a PhD in Communications. Her political journey began in youth activism, including leadership roles in the ANCYL and SASCO.  (Thepresidency.gov.za, 2024)

Itiseng Kenneth Morolong, born on 17 February 1982 in Ipelegeng Township, North West Province, is a seasoned public servant and political leader currently serving as Deputy Minister in The Presidency, a role he assumed on 6 March 2023. His journey in politics began at the age of nine through the ANC Young Pioneers, where he served as President from 1991 to 1994. He later became active in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), rising to Provincial Chairperson in North West and leading efforts to integrate black learners into formerly segregated public schools. Morolong’s leadership trajectory spans various ANC structures, including the ANCYL and ANC Provincial Executive Committee, where he served as Provincial Spokesperson. His commitment to youth development was evident in his tenure as Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (2013–2016) and as a board member until his election to Parliament in 2019. In Parliament, he contributed to fiscal oversight through the Standing Committee on Finance and Appropriations. A strong advocate for transformative public administration, he is currently pursuing a BA in Public Administration through MANCOSA, reinforcing his dedication to ethical governance and inclusive development.  (Thepresidency.gov.za, 2024)