Buti Kgwaridi Manamela is a prominent South African politician currently serving as Minister of Higher Education and Training since July 2025. Previously, he served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for nearly a decade (2017–2024) and as Deputy Minister in the Presidency (2014–2017). A lifelong activist dedicated to youth empowerment and education reform, Manamela rose through student organizations to become one of South Africa’s most influential figures in tertiary education policy.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Buti Kgwaridi Manamela |
| Date of Birth | 10 July 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Modimolle (Phagameng), Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of Origin | Limpopo Province (Home Province: Modimolle, Waterberg region) |
| Partner/Wife | Harriet Manamela |
| Children | Two sons |
| Occupations | Politician, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Former Deputy Minister, Student Activist, Public Policy Administrator |
| Net Worth | R15 million – R25 million (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Buti Kgwaridi Manamela was born on 10 July 1979 in Modimolle (Phagameng), Limpopo Province, South Africa. He matriculated from Phagameng High School in 1997.
His political activism began in the mid-1990s when he joined COSAS and the ANC Youth League, serving as ANCYL branch secretary from 1994 to 1996.
For his tertiary education, he completed an N-Certificate in Electronics at Mamelodi College in 2001, a Post-Graduate Diploma in 2014, and a Master of Management in Public Policy from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017.
Career
Manamela’s political career began in the 1990s as a student activist. He served as National Secretary of the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) from 2003 to 2014, leading it for 11 years through three terms.
He has been a Member of Parliament since 2009 and served as Whip of the Labour Portfolio Committee until 2014. He was Deputy Minister in the Presidency (2014–2017), then Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (2017–2025).
In July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him Minister of Higher Education and Training after removing Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane over corruption allegations.
As Minister, Manamela has called for a coherent education-to-work pipeline and overseen R18.4 billion in Early Childhood Development funding, adding 300,000 children to early learning programmes. He actively promotes technical and vocational education over sole focus on university.
Manamela is a Central Committee Member of the SACP since 2012 and joined the ANC National Executive Committee in December 2022. He also served as spokesperson for former President Jacob Zuma and regularly contributes to “The Bottomline,” “Umsebenzi Online,” and “ANC Today.”
Personal Life
Buti Manamela is married to Harriet Manamela, and the couple has two sons together, whose names remain undisclosed. He maintains a relatively low private profile, and his wedding pictures have not been made public.
Manamela is described as outgoing with an exemplary personality. He is a member of the SACP Central Committee and serves ex officio on the Politburo. His family life remains private despite his prominent public role in South African politics.
Net Worth
Buti Manamela’s estimated net worth is approximately R15 million to R25 million (roughly $800,000 to $1.3 million USD), based on his nearly two decades in senior government positions.
