DSD BIDS FAREWELL TO VETERAN COMMUNICATOR MR CENTIE NGUBANE AS HE RETIRES AFTER 45 YEARS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

By Comfort Ngobe

• DSD Mpumalanga Head of Communication at the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, Mr Centie Ngubane, is set to retire after 45 years in public service.
• “Mr Ngubane’s robust engagements and insightful contributions at national communicators’ gatherings will be sorely missed by his colleagues,” Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services, Ms Lumka Oliphant said.
• ⁠ ⁠Mr Ngubane said parting with colleagues felt like losing a whole part of his being as Indeed, the DSD has a special heart.

After serving the public service with dedication for an impressive 45 years, Mr Centie Ngubane, the Head of Communication at the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, is set to retire on 31 May 2025. His retirement was formally announced during the three-day National Communications Forum, held from 5 to 7 May 2025 at the East London Convention Centre.

Paying tribute to Mr Ngubane’s remarkable journey, Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services, Ms Lumka Oliphant, wished him all the best as he retires. She urged him not to be lost to the communication fraternity and reminded him to enjoy this well-earned new chapter of rest and relaxation.

Describing Mr Ngubane as a stalwart in the field, Ms Oliphant praised his consistent presence at communicators’ forums and key departmental events. “Mr Ngubane’s robust engagements and insightful contributions at national communicators’ gatherings will be sorely missed by his colleagues,” she said.

Warm wishes also poured in from across the country, reflecting the deep respect and affection Mr Ngubane has garnered over the years. On the National Communicators Forum WhatsApp group, Mr Motsamai Motlhaolwa, Head of Communication at Gauteng’s Department of Social Development, wrote: “As you prepare to embark on this new chapter, I want to express my heartfelt wishes for you. Your retirement marks the end of an era, but I am excited for your adventures ahead! Enjoy every moment of your well-deserved break. You will be deeply missed.”

Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsone, DSD’s Director for Media Relations and Corporate Communication, added a personal touch, saying: “Oh Malome Centi, may your new journey be one of peace and happiness. Enjoy the farm and your family — it is your time to rest now. We will always cherish your kindness and your hard work. Merry new beginning!”

Echoing these sentiments, Eastern Cape Head of Communication, Mr Mzukisi Solani, described Mr Ngubane’s retirement as a great loss for the communicators’ community. However, he wished him well, encouraging him to spend quality time with his loved ones after years of selfless service that often kept him away from home.

Reflecting on his long and fulfilling career, Mr Ngubane expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “As I go on retirement, I would like to thank the Department of Social Development for having granted me the opportunity to serve the people of this province. Let me particularly thank the Communication family for exposing me to where the people are. Indeed, I learnt that Social Development is a department with a special heart. It really feels like I am parting with a whole part of me. I will miss this great and warm family. May God bless you all.”

He also paid tribute to those who shaped his professional journey: “I want to thank everyone that I have worked with in communication at provincial and national level, and pay tribute to the Chief Director Communication in the Office of the Premier, Mr George Mthethwa, and his team. I must also single out Ms Ningi Mlangeni, the former Head of Department, Social Development, for teaching me all the roles in the public service.”

The Department of Social Development in Mpumalanga has announced that a special farewell function will be organised in Mr Ngubane’s honour, with details to be communicated in due course.

As the DSD family prepares to say goodbye to one of its most respected voices, Mr Centie Ngubane leaves a legacy of commitment, camaraderie, and excellence in public service communication.