Former Minister

Personal

• Date of Birth: 29 July 1957
• Marital Status: Married
• Other: Painting and art, listening to music and reading.

Positions last held in government

• Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry of the Republic of South Africa (22 May 2006 - 10 May 2009).

Academic Qualifications

• Kwa-Gijima Primary School, Lamontville.
• Montebello Combined School.
• Secondary Education: St. Mary's Entshongweni, Durban.
• Matriculated from Ohlange High School, Inanda, Durban.
• B Proc Degree from University of Fort Hare (1981).
• LLB Degree from University of Fort Hare (1983).
• DIP in Management from Rhodes University (1992).

Career/Positions/Memberships/Other Activities

• Minister of Minerals and Energy of the Republic of South Africa (22 June 2005 - 22 May 2006).
• Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa (17 June 1999 - 21 June 2005).
• Served articles of clerkship with Simelane and Co Attorneys, and with Magqabia and Co (1983 - 1985).
• Admitted as an Attorney in December 1985.
• Established a firm of Attorneys, Ngwane and Ngwane in Durban in Partnership (1986).
• Professional Assistant with Attorneys Qabaka and Co (1986 - 1988).
• Started to practice for own account as Ngwane and Ngwane Attorneys (1988).
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court (1995).
• Joined East London Youth Congress (1984).
• Executive member of the 1st Mdantsane Residents Association (1985).
• Joined the African National Congress (ANC) and over the years held the following positions at Branch level: Secretary, Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer etc. both in Mdantsane and East London.
• Former National Deputy President of National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL).
• Member of Parliament (1994 - 1999).
• Member of the following Committee: Justice and Constitutional Development Committee, Constitutional Affairs Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee on the quality of the life and status of women and Member of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.