Mr Buti Manamela

Mr Buti Kgwaridi Manamela has been the Minister of Higher Education and Training since July 2025 having served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology since October 2017. He was formerly the Deputy Minister in the Presidency from 2014 to 2017, and he has represented the African National Congress (ANC) in the National Assembly since May 2009.

He served as Deputy President of the South African Students Congress (SASCO), President of the South African College Student Association (now SAVETSA), Local Organiser for SACCAWU and was elected National Secretary of the Young Communist League of South Africa in 2003 until 2014. He serves as a member of the South African Communist Party Central Committee and in the African National Congress National Executive Committee.

He holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Development Management from Wits University, and studied Digital Electronics at the Tshwane North TVET College (former Mamelodi College).