Hellen Manakedi Ntlatleng

She progressed through all levels of leadership—from Branch to Province, where she served as Provincial President—and currently holds the position of National President.

She retired after 43 years in the public education sector, including 26 years in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and 39 years in senior management and leadership roles. Her career includes serving as Rector of the Mamelodi Technical College in Pretoria, Deputy Director, and later CEO and Principal of a major TVET College with more than 24,000 students and over 500 staff members across seven campuses in Gauteng. She concluded her career as Chief Director for TVET and Community Colleges in the Gauteng and Free State provinces, where she was part of the Minister’s Management Team responsible for strategic planning and monitoring & evaluation within the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

She has served on numerous Boards, Councils, and Accounting Authorities, including:

• Education, Training and Development Practices SETA (ETDP SETA) – Accounting Authority member
• University of Limpopo – Council member (HR and Finance Committees)
• South African College Principals Organisation (SACPO) – President
• Higher Health (formerly HEAIDS) – Deputy Chair and member
• Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) of South Africa – Executive Committee member
• Advisory Boards including Fountains of Life

Career Highlights

• Finalist for Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government
• Hosted numerous international dignitaries, including:
  German Deputy Minister of Education; Swiss Minister of Education; Prime Minister of Denmark; Cameroon Director-General for Higher Education; Mauritanian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
• Led international partnerships, including MoUs with colleges and industries in China
• Developed a cohort of women leaders through the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA) and the GIBS International Leadership Programme
• Represented South Africa at International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) conferences in Zambia, Malawi, Russia, Fiji, New Zealand, Turkey, and Namibia
• Hosted the first IVETA Conference in South Africa, bringing together representatives from 46 countries
• Promoted staff and student development through exchange and training programmes in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Finland, Namibia, China, and Belgium

Community Service

Her commitment to community upliftment includes teaching and examination administration at the Mamelodi Adult Centre and founding the Mamelodi Enrichment Centre, a finishing school in Pretoria. She continues to support vulnerable children in safe houses and in her hometown community.

Passion and Mission

She is deeply committed to advancing women and girls, empowering communities, and improving the lives of vulnerable children. Her work continues to reflect her lifelong dedication to leadership, education, and the promotion of women’s rights and opportunities.