Mr Thembelani Thulas Nxesi is Minister of Public Works of the Republic of South Africa since 24 October 2011.

Mr Nxesi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hort Hare obtained in 1983; a Bachelor of Education degree from Witwatersrand University and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Mr Nxesi Taught at Ikusasa Senior Secondary School from 1985 to 1990. While at Ikusasa Senior Secondary School, he headed the Social Sciences department from 1985 to 1990.

He has also served as a Assistant Secretary General and Secretary General South African Teacher's Union (SADTU) from 1990 to 1994 and 1994 to 2010 respectively. He was expelled from school several times for involvement in political activities.

He has also served as a President of Education International and Secretary of National Education Union of South Africa (NEUSA). Prior to his appointment as a minister of Public Works of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Nxesi was a Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform of the Republic of South Africa November 1 2010 to 24 October 2011.