Ms. Galerekwe Mase Manopole
Member of the Executive Council: Northern Cape Department of Social Development, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Ms Galerekwe Mase Manopole was born in Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province, where she has dedicated much of her life to public service, social justice, and community development. She currently serves as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Northern Cape.
Her appointment to this portfolio followed a cabinet reshuffle by the Premier in January 2026, reflecting confidence in her leadership and administrative capability. In this role, she champions social protection, empowerment of women and youth, and the advancement of persons with disabilities, while strengthening programmes aimed at poverty alleviation, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
Member of the Executive Council
Executive Leadership Experience
Prior to her current role, MEC Manopole served as the MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development from July 2020 until January 2026. During this tenure, she focused on sustainable agricultural growth, food security, rural development, land reform implementation, and environmental stewardship. Her leadership advanced equitable land access and strengthened support to emerging farmers and rural communities.
Before overseeing the agriculture portfolio, she briefly served as MEC for Health following the 2019 general elections. During her tenure in Health, she led key public health reforms and interventions that contributed to strengthening healthcare delivery systems in the province.
Her stewardship across Social Development, Agriculture, and Health underscores her versatility, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Northern Cape residents.
Parliamentary and Legislative Service
Ms Manopole served in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa from May 2014 to October 2017. As a Member of Parliament, she contributed to national oversight and legislative development through her service on several Select Committees, including:
• Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
• Public Service and Administration (DPSA)
• Women and Youth
• Security and Justice
• Petitions and Executive Undertakings
She also played an influential role in joint parliamentary structures, serving on the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, as Co-Chairperson of the Joint Ad-hoc Committee on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and as a member of the Joint Ad-hoc Committee addressing violence against foreign nationals.
In October 2017, she transitioned to the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, where she became an influential member of numerous Portfolio Committees, including:
• Finance and Economic Development
• Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
• Social Development and Health
• Agriculture and Nature Conservation
• Office of the Premier and Legislature
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA)
• Safety and Liaison, Transport and Public Works (as Chairperson
An Administrator of Note
Ms Manopole’s public service career began in the administration of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, where she served from 2002 to 2014. During this period, she gained extensive experience in governance, finance, supply chain management, and political support services.
This hands-on administrative foundation equipped her with deep institutional knowledge and strengthened her capacity for executive leadership.
Academic Qualifications
Her academic background reflects a sustained commitment to governance, public policy, and development. Her qualifications include:
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and African Studies
• Advanced Diploma in Public Administration
• Higher Certificate in Economic Development
• Certificate in Labour Law
• Certificate in Advanced Governance and Public Leadership
• N6 Management Assistance Certificate
Political Experience and Leadership
A lifelong advocate for social justice and transformation, MEC Manopole is a seasoned member of the African National Congress (ANC). She currently serves as a member of both the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the Provincial Working Committee (PWC) of the ANC in the Northern Cape.
She also serves as the Provincial Treasurer of the South African Communist Party (SACP), where she plays a key role in strengthening organisational governance and financial oversight.
Her extensive leadership within the trade union movement includes serving as:
• Provincial Chairperson of COSATU (2010–2014)
• Provincial Treasurer of NEHAWU (2008–2014)
• PEC and PWC Member of the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) (2007–2009)
Her political work is grounded in activism, servant leadership, accountability, and a resolute commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and socially just Northern Cape.
