Biography
Dr Naledi Mbude is a Cape Town-born scholar and author. She is the current head of the Eastern Cape Department of Education. She is also an activist, campaigning for the right of all vulnerable children.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Ntombizanele Naledi Mbude |
| Title: | Dr. |
| Born: | Cape Town |
| Education: | Education |
| Alma mater: | University of Cape Town |
| Occupation: | Scholar, author |
| Position: | Head of Department at the Eastern Cape Department of Education |
Early Life
Naledi Mbude was born in the port city of Cape Town in South Africa. Her parents hail from Zingquthu village located in the Eastern Cape Province.
Education
Mbude holds a Diploma in Education and a Higher Diploma in Education. She is a Bachelor’s degree holder in Education and also a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Town.
The teacher holds a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Rhodes University.
Career
Mbude is the current Head of Department at the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
She held many notable positions during her term in office within the education sector. She was a Project Manager, CES, Director, Chief Director, and DDG in Education.
Naledi played a notable role as a catalyst for educational transformation in South Africa.
Her work is visible in the Eastern Cape Province. In 2010, the academic juggernaut began the Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education in the Eastern Cape.
Naledi established the Language Policy Unit within the Eastern Cape Department of Education. This development is the first and the only of its kind in South Africa.
She has published many articles on transforming Basic Education in the country. Some of her books and publications include Lumka, sendifikile.
In 2000, she published a novel for teenagers – Watch out here I come – to create awareness of HIV. The book was a recipient of the Sunday Times best book for the youth review.
Two years later, she published another novel, Tell Someone, in 2002. It was available in all eleven official languages. Naledi received an invitation to present at national and international conferences on;
- Language and Education
- Language and Power
- Language Policy and Planning
- Language and disadvantage.
Suspension
In April 2022, Premier Mr Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane placed Dr Naledi Mbude on precautionary suspension.
An investigation on critical matters impacting teaching and learning in the Eastern Cape was pending.
On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, Mr Lubabalo told the Premier that the precautionary suspension with full pay is effective immediately.
The Mayor instructed Mbude to leave behind all government equipment and documents in her possession and barred her from entering any departmental buildings.