Mr Bonakele Amos Majuba is a distinguished educator and political leader whose journey in education began after completing his secondary education at Mehlomakhulu Senior Secondary School. In 1991, he earned a Senior Teachers Diploma from the Transvaal College of Education.
Mr Majuba took his first steps into the professional world as a teacher at St. Joseph Comprehensive School, where he devoted nearly a decade of his life, from 1991 to 2000, to the education of African children.
His dedication to teaching and his natural leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. In 2001, he was elected the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) Regional Secretary for the Western Regional Office (KwaMhlanga). He played a pivotal part in advocating for teachers' rights and enhancing the educational landscape in the region.
His unwavering dedication to the role of Regional Secretary led to his elevation to Deputy Provincial Secretary of SADTU in 2006. Between 2007 and 2008, Mr. Majuba stepped into the role of Acting Provincial Secretary of SADTU, where he took on significant responsibilities, which included:
- The issuance of notices for meetings of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), ensuring essential communication within the union.
- Recording accurate minutes of meetings and executing various administrative duties as mandated by the Union.
- Collaborating closely with the Treasurer to ensure that the Union’s finances were managed diligently in accordance with established financial policies.
In 2008, Mr. Majuba's leadership was further recognised when he was elected Deputy President of SADTU. This prominent position in the trade union came with critical responsibilities, including enforcing the constitution and policies of the Union, representing SADTU in various political forums, and undertaking additional duties as designated to the office of the Deputy President.
Mr. Majuba’s influence in the political sphere expanded when he was elected Chairperson for the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) Ephraim Mogale District in 2004.
Two years later, he became the Provincial Secretary of the SACP in Mpumalanga (2006 to 2022), taking on a range of important responsibilities that included:
- Maintaining records, including minutes of all PEC and Provincial Working Committee (PWC) meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability within the party.
- Ensuring that PEC members were well-informed about the ongoing work of the PWC between meetings, promoting cohesiveness and unity within the party, amongst others.
In 2022, Mr Majuba was elected the Provincial Chairperson of the SACP in Mpumalanga, a position that required him to preside over all PEC and PWC meetings in accordance with the party's Constitution and other adopted rules.
Picture of the MEC: Bonakele Amos Majuba
His unwavering commitment to education and the working class did not go unnoticed. In 2009, the African National Congress deployed him to serve in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, where he took on the role of Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party from 2010 to 2014. During this time, he actively participated in nine portfolio committees, including as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, and Transport in 2012. His dedication to transparent and accountable governance was evidenced through his involvement in various committees, including the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Portfolio Committee on Education. From 2018 to 2019, Mr. Majuba served as the Deputy Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
On 29 May 2019, he was appointed MEC for Education, a position allowing him to shape the province's educational policies and initiatives.
On 18 June 2024, Premier Mandla Ndlovu recognised his extensive experience and expertise by appointing him MEC for Finance, where he continues serving the people of Mpumalanga.
A lifelong learner, Mr. Majuba pursued further studies at Wits University and Regenesys, underscoring his commitment to acquiring knowledge and staying updated on contemporary management and governance practices.