Thembi Simelane

Simelane was born on 10 February 1973 in Bethal in the former Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga Province).{{Cite web |title=Minister Thembi Nkadimeng |url=https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/minister-thembi-nkadimeng/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Cooperative Affairs and Governance}} As a high school student during the final years of apartheid, she was active in the Congress of South African Students.

She attended the University of the North, where she was mentored by Joyce Mashamba.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-13 |title=A day in the life of the city's first citizen |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/139536/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-citys-first-citizen/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Polokwane Observer |language=en-US}} She completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1994, a diploma in higher education in 1995, and Honours in 1997. At Turfloop, she remained active in student politics, both as a member (and later deputy president) of the student representative council and as a member of the South African Students Congress (SASCO); she was SASCO's provincial secretary in the Northern Transvaal (present-day Limpopo) between 1994 and 1996.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-22 |title=Hon. Nkadimeng is Our Latest Woman in Leadership |url=https://publicsectorleaders.co.za/hon-nkadimeng-is-our-latest-woman-in-leadership/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Public Sector Leaders |language=en-ZA}}

In 1997, Simelane began her career in post-apartheid public administration, and over the next decade she held positions in four different government departments, notably as director of communications in the Office of the Limpopo Premier from 2002 to 2006. From 2009 to 2013, she moved to the private sector as a corporate affairs manager for Anglo American Platinum. After leaving Anglo, she became managing director of Golden Threads, a consultancy specialising in corporate social investment whose clients included Anglo, BKS, and the public Industrial Development Corporation.{{Cite web |date=2014-07-01 |title=Thembi Nkadimeng will take up mayoral seat |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/news-headlines/2014/07/02/thembi-nkadimeng-will-take-up-mayoral-seat/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Polokwane Observer |language=en-US}} Alongside her full-time career, she held leadership positions in local branches of the African National Congress (ANC) and its Women's League in Polokwane, Limpopo. In addition, she obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy in policy studies at Stellenbosch University in 2001 and completed the advanced management programme at the Wits Business School in 2009.

On 1 July 2014, as part of a broader reshuffle of Limpopo municipalities, the ANC announced that it would elect Nkadimeng as executive mayor of the Polokwane Local Municipality following the resignation of Freddy Greaver. She was re-elected to the mayoralty after the August 2016 local elections, defeating an opposition challenge by Frank Haas of the Democratic Alliance.{{Cite web |date=2016-08-25 |title=Thembi Nkadimeng re-elected as Polokwane Executive Mayor |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/news-headlines/2016/08/25/thembi-nkadimeng-re-elected-as-polokwane-executive-mayor/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Polokwane Observer |language=en-US}} The Sowetan said that she was a political ally of Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha.{{Cite news |date=25 October 2014 |title=Anti-zumas hitting back – Limpopo cartel wins poll |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014-10-25-anti-zumas-hitting-back-limpopo-cartel-wins-poll/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Sowetan}}

Nkadimeng's mayoral term was marred by political difficulties. She twice stood unsuccessfully for election as regional chairperson of the ANC's Peter Mokaba branch in Capricorn District, losing to Motalane Monakedi in October 2014 and to John Mpe in July 2018.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-22 |title=Monakedi victorious |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/news-headlines/2014/10/22/monakedi-victorious/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Polokwane Observer |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2018-07-12 |title=Demands for, expectations about city mayor getting chop |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/news-headlines/2018/07/12/demands-for-expectations-about-city-mayor-getting-chop/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Polokwane Observer |language=en-US}} On the latter occasion, she faced death threats during her campaign,{{Cite news |date=2 October 2017 |title=ANC mayor flees post after death threats |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sundayworld/news/2017-10-02-anc-mayor-flees-post-after-death-threats2/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Sowetan}} and her defeat led to a formal request by Mpe's leadership corps for Nkadimeng's removal from the mayoral office.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2018 |title=Limpopo mayors face the axe |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/limpopo-mayors-face-the-axe-20181014 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=City Press}} The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters also called for her removal in 2021 after the Auditor-General handed the Polokwane municipality a qualified audit opinion.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-08 |title=Calls for Polokwane Mayor’s removal deemed ‘baseless’ |url=https://www.capricornfm.co.za/calls-for-polokwane-mayors-removal-deemed-baseless/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Capricorn FM |language=en-US}}

In June 2019, Nkadimeng was elected to succeed Parks Tau as national president of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA); she had previously been the association's provincial chairperson in Limpopo.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2019 |title=Thembi Nkadimeng new president of Salga |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sundayworld/news/2019-06-17-thembi-nkadimeng-new-president-of-salga/ |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=Sowetan |language=en-ZA}}

On 5 August 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Nkadimeng's appointment as Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-06 |title=Meet the new Cabinet |url=https://www.sanews.gov.za/features-south-africa/meet-new-cabinet |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=South African Government News Agency |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=7 August 2021 |title=Cabinet reshuffle: Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng 'the best Limpopo has produced' |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/cabinet-reshuffle-thembisile-simelane-nkadimeng-the-best-limpopo-has-produced-20210807 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=News24}} Sworn in on 10 August,{{Cite web |date=2021-08-10 |title=Thandi Modise, Thembi Nkadimeng to be sworn-in |url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/thandi-modise-thembi-nkadimeng-to-be-sworn-in/ |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=SABC News |language=en-US}} she resigned both as Polokwane mayor and as SALGA president;{{Cite web |date=11 August 2021 |title=Polokwane mayor Thembi Nkadimeng departs for a higher post |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/polokwane-mayor-thembi-nkadimeng-departs-for-a-higher-post-23df9532-2a6a-42c4-a0a0-4e5268318b4e |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=Pretoria News |language=en}} John Mpe replaced her as mayor.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=John Mpe sworn in as Polokwane mayor |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/john-mpe-sworn-in-as-polokwane-mayor-62210b1b-53b7-43d7-8c88-697fbfd7d810 |access-date=2021-09-05 |website=Pretoria News |language=en}} The following year, in December 2022, the ANC's 55th National Conference elected Nkadimeng to a five-year term on the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). She received 1,681 votes across the 4,029 ballots cast, making her the 15th-most popular member of the 80-member committee.{{Cite web |date=21 December 2022 |title=ANC NEC election results |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/anc-nec-election-results-2022 |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Politicsweb |language=en}} She was also elected to the party's National Working Committee,{{Cite web |date=2023-01-29 |title=Ramaphosa consolidates control over ANC with clean sweep in national working committee |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-01-29-ramaphosa-consolidates-control-over-anc-with-clean-sweep-in-national-working-committee-2/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} appointed as the chairperson of the NEC's subcommittee on legislature and governance,{{Cite web |date=26 February 2023 |title=Members of deployment committee and other committees appointed – ANC NEC |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/members-of-deployment-committee-and-other-committe |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=PoliticsWeb |language=en}} and appointed to an NEC task team that was mandated with developing the party's approach to coalition government.{{Cite web |last=Mahlati |first=Zintle |date=23 February 2023 |title=ANC tasks Makhura, Nkadimeng, Mokonyane with solving party's coalition conundrum |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/political-parties/anc-tasks-makhura-nkadimeng-mokonyane-with-solving-partys-coalition-conundrum-20230223 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}

In the aftermath of the 55th National Conference, Nkadimeng succeeded Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in a cabinet reshuffle on 6 March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Tandwa |first=Lizeka |date=2023-03-06 |title=Ramaphosa names his electricity minister, Paul Mashatile becomes new deputy president |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-03-06-ramaphosa-names-his-electricity-minister-paul-mashatile-becomes-new-deputy-president/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} One of two ministers appointed to the cabinet from outside the National Assembly, she was reportedly hand-picked for the promotion by Ramaphosa.{{Cite web |last=Tandwa |first=Lizeka |date=2023-03-06 |title=Who Patel and Godogwana could make way for, as cabinet reshuffle speculation continues |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-03-06-who-patel-and-godogwana-could-make-way-for-as-cabinet-reshuffle-speculation-continues/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Parks Tau and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe were appointed as her deputies.{{Cite web |date=6 March 2023 |title=President Cyril Ramaphosa: New members of National Executive |url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-cabinet-reshuffle-6-mar-2023-0000 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=South African Government}}

Upon her appointment, Nkadimeng said that one of her top priorities as minister would be the stability of municipalities, especially those governed by coalitions.{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Qaanitah |date=9 March 2023 |title=First priority for new Cogta minister: Bring stability to SA's chaotic coalition-led municipalities |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/government/first-priority-for-new-cogta-minister-bring-stability-to-sas-chaotic-coalition-led-municipalities-20230309 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} In this vein she Gazetted as regulation a code of conduct for local councillors and introduced into Parliament the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2023.{{Cite web |date=31 August 2023 |title=Cogta minister Nkadimeng clamps down on misbehaving councillors |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-08-31-cogta-minister-nkadimeng-clamps-down-on-misbehaving-councillors/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Sowetan}}{{Cite news |date=22 May 2024 |title=Bill aims to rein in local government instability |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2024-05-22-stringent-cogta-bill-seeks-to-strengthen-local-government/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Business Day}} Adriaan Basson of News24 commended her "sober and mature approach to coalition governments".{{Cite web |last=Basson |first=Adriaan |date=29 May 2023 |title=Coalition nation: Shifting sands as ANC-EFF pact moves to Nelson Mandela Bay |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/opinions/columnists/adriaanbasson/adriaan-basson-coalition-nation-shifting-sands-as-anc-eff-pact-moves-to-nmb-20230528 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} She also introduced the Intergovernmental Monitoring, Support, and Interventions Bill, 2023, which included measures for national government intervention in dysfunctional municipalities,{{Cite news |date=15 November 2023 |title=Cogta minister Thembi Nkadimeng outlines intervention plans for dysfunctional metros |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-11-15-cogta-minister-nkadimeng-outlines-intervention-plans-for-dysfunctional-metros/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Sunday Times}} and introduced regulations for institutionalising the District Development Model.{{Cite news |last=Felix |first=Jason |date=4 September 2023 |title=National government wants more powers in municipalities plans to fix things, opposition says it is unlawful |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/parliament/national-government-wants-more-powers-in-municipalities-plans-to-fix-things-opposition-says-it-is-unlawful-20230904 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=News24}} Meanwhile, her ministry authorised states of disaster in multiple provinces after extreme weather events,{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Jenni |date=22 January 2024 |title='We were warned about seven years ago': Cogta minister says govt had time to prepare for floods |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/we-were-warned-about-seven-years-ago-cogta-minister-says-govt-had-time-to-prepare-for-floods-20240122 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Nxumalo |first=Sakhiseni |date=12 June 2024 |title=National disaster declared for KZN, Eastern Cape, Free State in wake of severe weather |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/national-disaster-declared-for-kzn-eastern-cape-free-state-in-wake-of-severe-weather-20240612 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} and Nkadimeng was involved in negotiations with the South African Municipal Workers' Union over a strike in Matjhabeng.{{Cite web |last=Ngubeni |first=Nonkululeko |date=7 March 2024 |title=Will talks end strike? |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/vista/will-talks-end-strike-20240307-3 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}

In the May 2024 general election, Nkadimeng was elected to a seat in the National Assembly, the lower house of the South African Parliament.{{Cite web |title=Thembi Phumelele Simelane |url=http://www.pa.org.za/person/thembisile-nkadimeng/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=People's Assembly |language=en}} On 30 June, President Ramaphosa announced her appointment to his third cabinet as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development,{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Emsie |date=2024-06-30 |title=Good to govern: After a month of waiting, Ramaphosa finally appoints his unity cabinet |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2024-07-01-good-to-govern-after-a-month-of-waiting-ramaphosa-finally-appoints-his-unity-cabinet/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} with Andries Nel (a fellow ANC MP) as her deputy.{{Cite news |date=30 June 2024 |title=Ramaphosa announces new cabinet – these are all the new ministers and deputies |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/778082/ramaphosa-announces-new-cabinet-these-are-all-the-new-ministers-and-their-deputies/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=BusinessTech}} They were sworn as minister and deputy minister on 3 July 2024.{{cite news |title=Historic day for SA as government of national unity ministers take oath of office |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office |publisher=Daily Maverick |date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703142348/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-03-historic-day-for-sa-as-government-of-national-unity-ministers-take-oath-of-office/ |archive-date=2024-07-03 |url-status=live |access-date=7 July 2024}} This followed the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) through a grand coalition, after the ANC lost its absolute majority in the election.

The ministry previously had authority also for the Department of Correctional Services, which was established as a freestanding ministry within the GNU to accommodate members of coalition parties as ministers.

In 2016, Simelane as Mayor of Polokwane received a {{ZAR|575 600}} "loan" from a now arrested VBS fixer for a coffee shop; the loan was the only loan made out by the VBS fixer in 2016. In 2024, the Hawks raided the Polokwane Municipality offices to secure evidence of corruption related to the municipality's R349 million investment with VBS Mutual Bank in 2016 and 2017. The loan was thought to be connected to money laundering in the municipality's dealings with VBS Bank.{{Cite web |title=VBS: Hawks raid Polokwane Municipality, seize evidence linked to Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's coffee shop 'loan' |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-09-06-simelanes-coffee-shop-fixers-sole-loan-in-2016-was-paid-with-corrupt-vbs-kickback-cash/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Daily Maverick |date=6 September 2024 |language=en}} On 7 October 2024, Simelane said that she had told President Ramaphosa about the loan that she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions before he appointed her into his cabinet.{{cite web | url=https://sundayworld.co.za/news/simelane-told-ramaphosa-of-loan-before-cabinet-posting/ | title=Simelane told Ramaphosa of loan before cabinet posting | date=7 October 2024 }}

On 16 April 2025, the DA laid criminal charges against Simelane, for defrauding Eskom of {{ZAR|700 000}}. {{cite web | url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/da-lays-corruption-charges-against-human-settlements-minister-thembi-simelane-for-defrauding-eskom-r700000-467fa2eb-62e8-447c-885e-86603f64898e | title=DA lays corruption charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane for defrauding Eskom R700,000 }}

Nkadimeng was married to politician Chipyane Clifton Nkadimeng until 2019, when they divorced.{{Cite web |last=Matlala |first=Alex Japho |date=2023-10-17 |title='I am in fear of my life': Limpopo politician involved in fatal July accident |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/i-am-in-fear-of-my-life-limpopo-politician-involved-in-fatal-july-accident/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Citizen |language=en}} The Sunday World reported that she became engaged to Matome Ralebipi, the chairperson of the Limpopo Roads Agency, in February 2024.{{Cite web |last=Madibogo |first=Julia |date=2024-03-10 |title=Wedding bells as ANC’s Nkadimeng finds love |url=https://sundayworld.co.za/celebrity-news/wedding-bells-as-ancs-nkadimeng-finds-love/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Sunday World |language=en-ZA}} She has four children and also raised her brother's son.

Her elder sister, Nokuthula Simelane, was an anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe operative who went missing during Nkadimeng's childhood in 1983, aged 23.{{Cite news |date=16 February 2016 |title=A 33-year wait for justice |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/a-33-year-wait-for-justice-20160213 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=News24}} It emerged during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that Simelane had been arrested in Johannesburg and taken to Vlakplaas, where she was tortured extensively by members of the Security Branch. Assisted by the Southern African Litigation Centre, Nkadimeng and her family led a sustained campaign of activism on behalf of Simelane and other victims of apartheid-era crimes, seeking an inquest and related criminal prosecutions.{{Cite web |date=2015-05-21 |title=Mayor demands inquest into sister’s 1983 death |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2015-05-21-mayor-demands-inquest-into-sisters-1983-death/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2017-08-18 |title=How Timol’s family fought to be heard |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-08-18-00-how-timols-family-fought-to-be-heard/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2019-01-18 |title=Justice for Cradock Four delayed |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2019-01-18-00-justice-for-cradock-four-delayed/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Nkadimeng has been quoted as saying that her sister's case was "indicative of the almost total disregard by the South African government for the recommendations made by the TRC".{{Cite news |last=Dube |first=Mpho |date=20 June 2019 |title=Family wants truth after 36 years |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-06-20-family-wants-truth-after-36-years/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Sowetan}} In 2016, the National Prosecuting Authority announced that it would prosecute four men linked to Simelane's kidnapping,{{Cite news |date=12 February 2016 |title=I want to know the truth, says sister of MK operative missing for 33 years |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/i-want-to-know-the-truth-says-sister-of-mk-operative-missing-for-33-years-20160212 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=News24}} and her family filed an application for presumption of death in 2018.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-07 |title=Family loses hope MK fighter is alive |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2018-12-07-00-family-lose-hope-mk-fighter-is-alive/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} A murder trial was underway in 2024.{{Cite news |date=10 April 2024 |title=Justice still far for anti-apartheid activist Nokuthula Simelane |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/justice-on-the-horizon-for-nokuthula-simelane-20240410 |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=City Press}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/cooperative-governance-and-traditional-affairs-local-government Thembi Nkadimeng, Ms] at Government of South Africa
• {{People's Assembly (South Africa)|id=thembisile-nkadimeng|name=Thembi Phumelele Simelane}}

{{SouthAfricaJusticeMinisters}}

{{Ramaphosa second cabinet|state=collapsed}}

{{Ramaphosa third cabinet}}

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Category:Living people

Category:1973 births

Category:21st-century South African women politicians

Category:African National Congress politicians

Category:Female justice ministers

Category:Justice ministers of South Africa

Category:Mayors of places in South Africa

Category:People from Bethal

Category:University of Limpopo alumni

Category:Stellenbosch University alumni

Category:Women government ministers of South Africa

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2024–2029