Siviwe Gwarube is the Minister of Basic Education in the Government of National Unity.

She is currently the youngest Cabinet Minister in South Africa’s history and has been a member of Parliament in South Africa, representing the Democratic Alliance (DA) since May 2019.

Former Chief whip of the Official Opposition (the DA) with a particular focus on maximising the functioning and impact of Parliament to better serve South Africans. This is done in tandem with capacitating members of Parliament in the DA caucus to be effective legislators and public representatives.

Prior to this role, she served as the DA’s shadow minister of Health, distinguishing herself during the National Health Insurance legislative process and the country’s battle with the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period, she was also the party’s national spokesperson and deputy chief whip.

During her time in Parliament, Siviwe has continuously championed greater accountability and executive oversight in Parliament. She has introduced various amendments to the rules of the South African National Assembly to strengthen its hand against corruption and better service delivery.

Most recently, Siviwe tabled legislation in Parliament that would seek to stabilise coalition governments at a local, provincial and national governments. The legislation is currently proceeding through the law-making processes.

Gwarube is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Cape Town. She holds an undergraduate degree in Politics, Law and Philosophy graduate from Rhodes University and an honours degree from the University of the Western Cape.

Siviwe began her career as the spokesperson for the DA’s then Parliamentary Leader, Lindiwe Mazibuko, She went on to occupy various spokesperson roles over the years and then that of the head of Ministry in the Provincial Department of Health.

Prior to being elected to public office in 2019, Siviwe worked as, the executive director of Communications for the DA.