Gift Bhekumuzi Buthelezi

Gift Buthelezi was appointed to his current position in September 2010. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and a BA degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His other qualifications include an advanced diploma and an advanced certificate in negotiation through the Harvard University School of Law. Mr Buthelezi joined the Department of Communications as a chief director for intergovernmental relations, stakeholder relations and special programmes in 2005. He has also acted as a deputy director-general for ICT policy development. Prior to joining government Mr Buthelezi worked at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its social development cluster, and as a programme specialist and advisor in the UNDP’s HIV/AIDS and poverty programmes.

Other roles include serving on the executive committee of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and as a representative of the Provincial Media and Press Management Committee for SABC radio stations in Durban. Mr Buthelezi is the founder and former chairperson of the Industrial Development Corporation.