​MEC Galerekwe Mase Manopole 

Member of the Executive Council: Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development/ Acting MEC for Health

Ms Galerekwe Mase Manopole was born in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, where she has dedicated much of her life to public service and social justice. She is currently serving as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform, and Rural Development in the Northern Cape, a position she has held since July 2020. To date, her leadership in this portfolio reflects her unwavering commitment to sustainable development, food security, and the equitable management of the province's land and natural resources.

Prior to her current role, MEC Manopole served as the MEC for Health in the Northern Cape following the 2019 general elections. During her tenure in the Health portfolio, she spearheaded transformative public health reforms and interventions that had a lasting impact on the province's healthcare system.

Her stewardship in both portfolios underscores her versatility and dedication to public service.

Parliamentary and Legislative Service

Before her appointment to the Executive Council, 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 key 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, such as the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, and served as Co-Chairperson of the Joint Ad-hoc Committee on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). She was instrumental in the Joint Ad-hoc Committee that addressed violence against foreign nationals..

Following her parliamentary term, she transitioned to the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in October 2017, 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 acquired extensive experience in governance, finance, supply chain management, and political support services. This hands-on experience provided her with a strong foundation in governance and institutional operations, laying the groundwork for her subsequent political career.

Academic Qualifications

Her academic background is rooted in governance, public policy, and development highlighting her commitment to continuous learning. 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

A lifelong advocate for social justice, Ms. Manopole’s political career is closely linked to her commitment to transformation and equality. She is a seasoned member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has been elected to serve in the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the newly elected ANC Northern Cape Executive leadership for the 10th Administration. Additionally, she serves in the Provincial Working Committee (PWC) of both the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP).

 

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 work is grounded in the values of activism, servant leadership, and a resolute commitment to building a more inclusive and just society.