Knowledge Malusi Nkanyezi Gigaba is a Leader with Purpose

Like Martin Luther Jr, this son of the soil has a dream that soon Africans will be greatly accepted and allowed their place and never be demeaned because of who they are and where they come from. He is a strong advocate against xenophobia, and an active seeker of the inclusion and acceptance of all Africans everywhere.

Knowledge Malusi Nkanyezi Gigaba is the Minister of Public Enterprises in the government of South Africa, he was first elected to the National Assembly of South Africa in 1999 as part of the African National Congress, a position he resigned in 2001 but was re-elected in 2004.He was actively involved in a new visa system allowing easier legal flow of migration between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Gigaba had his primary education at Mathonsi Primary School in Manderi around 1983. He then proceeded to do his high school education at Vryheid State High School in 1988; while in school, his leadership skill was not un noticed, as the young lad was actively involved in several groups and organisations such as The South African Youth Congress, The Young Christian Students(YCS), The South African Student Congress(SASCO) and The Congress of South African Students(COSAS); his involvement in these organisations launched him into the ANC Youth league, where he was president three times in a row.

He bagged a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Durban- Westville (now part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal) with a bachelor in pedagogics (education) in 1991, and a master’s degree in social policy in 1994. This leader of great repute also has a mighty chest of awards like The Jose’ Antonio Echeverrias Medal, at the University of Havana’s, Aula Matta. The Cuban National University Students Federation awarded him the highest medal awarded to students and youth leaders in Cuba, in June 2002 and in 1997, the UDW Faculty of Education conferred on him a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding achievements and contribution to faculty and society.

Apart from serving as a Minister, Gigaba is a patron of the Tholuwazi Organisation of youth Leadership and Life- Skills Programme. He is also a Patron of the Oasis for Hope Hospice in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

This great man was born on August 30th 1971 at Eshowe in KwaZulu/Natal. He is a second born to Reverend Jabulani T.L. Gigaba, an Anglican Priest, and Mrs. Nomthandazo A. Gigaba, Nurse. He has three sisters and a brother and he is happily married to Nokthaba P. Nxumalo and together they have a daughter, Lerato Minenhle Qhakazile.

Leadership as I know it, is not a game of hit and run, it is a sacrifice done in determination, hard work, dedication and most importantly love. These qualities were the vehicle that drove Gigaba to the height of his political career. He sees every position of leadership as an opportunity to solve problems and impact lives. Since his appointment as Minister of Public Enterprises; he has become a leading figure in the South African government. He is responsible for the a significant aspect of the government’s massive infrastructure investment programme through the State Owned Companies that are led by him such as Transnet and Eskom.

A few things you never knew about Gigaba are that he loves soccer a lot; he also enjoys a good read and loves writing.