Thabani Buthelezi has been appointed as the Acting CEO of the National Development Agency (NDA), marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career in social development and evaluation.
With extensive experience in labor economics and social protection, Buthelezi is committed to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
His previous roles, including Chief Director of Monitoring and Evaluation and Acting Deputy Director-General at the National Department of Social Development, have equipped him with the expertise to lead the NDA effectively and address South Africa’s social and economic challenges.
Meet Thabani Buthelezi, a renowned expert in social development and evaluation who has authored numerous publications on labour economics, social protection, and programme evaluation. Recently appointed as the Acting CEO of the National Development Agency (NDA), this marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role.
For Thabani Buthelezi, it is not just about occupying a position or achieving success; it is about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. As a dedicated professional in the social development sector, he finds fulfilment in witnessing the impact of his work. “Making a difference and realising the impact fulfils me,” he says, reflecting on his motivations. His extensive research contributions demonstrate a commitment to understanding the social and economic challenges facing South Africa and informing evidence-based policy decisions.
With a Master’s degree in Population and Development Studies, Mr Buthelezi has served as Chief Director: Monitoring and Evaluation since April 2013 and has recently been Acting Deputy Director-General of the Strategy and Organisational Transformation branch at the National Department of Social Development. He has been instrumental in developing strategic plans for the social development sector and has established an efficient monitoring and evaluation system to ensure the effective implementation of social development programmes and policies.
His expertise extends to leading evaluation studies, including the impact of the Child Support Grant and the economic crisis on children in impoverished families. Mr Buthelezi has also played a key role in developing the National Evaluation Policy Framework and in the development and institutionalisation of a surveillance system to track and monitor maternal orphans in South Africa using vital registration data from the Department of Home Affairs. He is currently leading a major initiative to link various administrative datasets towards the development of a national integrated social protection system.
Before joining the Department of Social Development (DSD) in 2006, Mr Buthelezi worked as a researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Development Studies. His experience in youth and community development initiatives has equipped him with valuable insights to advance the NDA’s mission.
As a strategic leader, social scientist researcher, and policy development specialist, Mr Buthelezi’s expertise in quantitative and qualitative research skills, advanced research methodologies, and evaluation study design will undoubtedly benefit the NDA. In addition to his new role, Mr Buthelezi serves as a Commissioner for the South African National Commission for UNESCO (2021-2024), showcasing his commitment to education and social development.
As Mr Buthelezi embarks on this new chapter, he brings a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly propel the NDA towards achieving its goals and making a meaningful impact in social development. He is acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead: “I am humbled by the confidence and trust placed in me, yet I am very much aware of the challenges ahead.”
To the DSD family, he signs off with this heartfelt message: “I appreciate the opportunity I had here to grow in my career and to be a part of the DSD team and the rest of the DSD/SASSA/NDA portfolio. I’ll never forget the experiences I had working here! It gives me joy that we still remain in the same portfolio and that our paths will cross regularly.”
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” – Charles Dickens
Main Image: DSDNews
