The Department of Social Development has appointed Advocate Gugulethu Thimane as its acting director-general, bringing decades of public sector experience to one of the government’s key service delivery departments.
Thimane has been seconded from the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, where she serves as deputy director-general for Public Sector Monitoring and Capacity Development.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the department continues to strengthen its role in delivering essential services to vulnerable communities across the country.
With over 25 years of experience in the public sector, Thimane has worked across national, provincial and local government.
She holds qualifications in economics, social work, law, and management, equipping her with a multidisciplinary approach aligned with the department’s people-centred mandate.
Her previous roles include serving as head of department for Corporate Services and Interim Municipal Manager at Lesedi Local Municipality.
She has also worked as a legal advisor to the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and began her career as a developmental social worker under the Mandela Reconstruction and Development Programme at the Alberton Town Council.
Thimane has also contributed to governance structures as a board member of the Ports Regulator South Africa and the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority. Her professional interests focus on socio-economic development, governance and human rights.
Welcoming her appointment, Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, said the department is confident in her ability to lead during this period.
“We are pleased to welcome Adv Thimane to the Department of Social Development at this important time in our work. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of governance and development will strengthen our efforts to deliver responsive and people-centred services,” she said.
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