MPUMALANGA SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WELCOMES SEASONED COMMUNICATOR BACK INTO THE FOLD

By Ngobe Comfort

• ⁠Mr Kanego Thete has been appointed as the new Head of Communication in the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, marking a return to the department he once served with distinction.
• With a solid background in youth development, public service, and communication, Mr Thete’s appointment is seen as a step toward revitalising the department’s efforts to keep communities informed and engaged.
• His return has been warmly received by departmental leadership, who trust his experience and commitment will strengthen the communication function and enhance the department’s visibility and impact.

MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development has officially welcomed Mr Kanego Thete as its new Head of Communication, in an effort to bolster public communication and promote greater transparency in service delivery.
Mr Thete is no newcomer to the department. He previously served as Manager in the Youth Directorate before joining the Office of the Premier as Office Manager to the Director-General. His career has spanned roles dedicated to empowering young people, including his work as Project Coordinator for the Youth Advisory Centre at Umsobomvu Youth Fund, and Centre Manager at the Bushbuckridge Youth Advisory Development Centre.
Passionate about the development of Mpumalanga’s people especially its youth, Mr Thete brings a values-driven approach to public communication. He is expected to play a key role in amplifying departmental messages, communicating programmes and services clearly to the public, and restoring trust in the work of government.
Chief Director of Corporate Services, Mr Sipho Ntuli, welcomed the appointment and praised Mr Thete’s professional track record and institutional insight.
“On behalf of Corporate Services and the entire department, we are pleased to welcome one of our own back home,” said Ntuli. “We are confident that his experience will help reposition the communication unit and build the public profile of our work.”
Speaking shortly after assuming his duties, Mr Thete expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to a department he holds close to his heart.
“It’s a privilege to be back,” he said. “My mission is to use communication not just as a tool for information sharing, but as a means to empower and uplift those who depend on our services.”
He also committed to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Mr Centie Ngubane, who recently retired. “I join a capable and dedicated team, and I pay tribute to Mr Ngubane for his leadership. I am committed to continuing the work he started, with new energy and fresh perspective.”
The Department of Social Development has assured Mr Thete of its full support and looks forward to the renewed dynamism he will bring to the communications portfolio.