Ms Nomakhosazana Meth was appointed as Minister of Employment and Labour from 3 July 2024.
She is a distinguished South African politician and a member of the National Assembly and Cabinet. She is a member of the National Executive Council of the African National Congress (ANC) and has served as Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the OR Tambo Region.
Ms Meth’s humble upbringing was instrumental in her journey in life. Her rich educational background is testament to the fact that education was the cornerstone that gave her solid grounding and a zeal to accomplish.
Ms Meth’s holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare (UFH). She also holds a Certificate in Education and Empowerment Programme from the National School of Government; Certificate in South African Government Law from the University of Zululand; Certificate in Executive Municipal Leadership Development Programme from the University of Pretoria, and a Certificate and an Advanced Certificate in Local Government Law and Administration from the UFH.
Ms Meth has a distinguished political career spanning many years, with significant milestones as testament to her contributions at various local, provincial and national levels of government. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, proven track record and solid background in public administration at different spheres of government, and a passion for social justice.
She served as the Chairperson of the Mbizana Local Labour Forum and subsequently, the Council Speaker for the Mbizana Local Municipality. She also served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee and the Council Speaker of the OR Tambo District Municipality.
Between 2011 and 2016, she was the Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in the Eastern Cape, and a member of the Performance Assessment Panel of the Public Service Commission. From 2016 to 2019, Ms Meth was a member of the National Executive Committee of the SALGA. She was a member and subsequently, Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council from 2019 until 2021. She was the transformational Executive Mayor of the OR Tambo District Municipality, a position she occupied until her exit to provincial government.
In 2021, Ms Meth became a member of the Provincial Legislature of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. She was appointed as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. She also served as the Eastern Cape MEC for Health. Her determination to change the lives of ordinary citizens saw her bringing change by establishing partnerships in the health sector.
In 2024, she joined national government as a Member of Parliament (MP) of the National Assembly. Ms Meth’s political journey is testament to her commitment to public service and determination to make a difference in the lives of the people of South Africa.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
