Thandeka Gqada is a distinguished South African politician and businesswoman whose career has made significant contributions to the country’s political landscape. From her early life to her rise in politics and business, Gqada’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to public service. This article delves into her biography, political career, and estimated net worth.
Early Life and Education
Thandeka Gqada was born and raised in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. She pursued her higher education at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she completed a Management Development Programme, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Human Resources Management Programme. These academic achievements laid the foundation for her future endeavors in both the public and private sectors.
Professional Background
Before venturing into politics, Gqada gained valuable experience in the corporate sector. She worked for UNISA for nine years, followed by positions at Old Mutual and the Nedbank group. Her roles in these institutions provided her with a solid understanding of business operations and management, skills she would later apply in her political career.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Gqada’s interest in politics was piqued in 2010 after meeting Masizole Mnqasela, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, at the opening of a Nedbank branch. Inspired by Mnqasela’s speech, Gqada decided to join the DA. She was elected as a DA proportional representation (PR) councillor in the City of Cape Town during the 2011 municipal elections. Her appointment as the Executive Mayoral Committee Member for the Community Services Portfolio marked the beginning of her active involvement in local governance.
Advancing in the DA
In February 2013, Gqada was reassigned to the human settlements portfolio within the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee. Her performance and dedication led to her selection as a DA parliamentary candidate in the 2014 national elections. She was elected to the National Assembly and served as the DA’s Shadow Deputy Minister for Human Settlements from 2014 to 2017. In January 2017, she was appointed as the Shadow Deputy Minister of Energy, a position she held until 2019.
Return to Local Politics
After her tenure in the National Assembly, Gqada returned to local politics. She was high on the DA’s PR candidate list for the City of Cape Town in the 2021 municipal elections, ensuring her re-election to the council. Since November 2021, she has served as a councillor for the DA in the City of Cape Town.
Business Ventures
In addition to her political career, Gqada has ventured into business. She has been involved in various entrepreneurial activities, leveraging her skills and experience to contribute to the economic development of her community. Her business endeavors reflect her commitment to job creation and economic empowerment.
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Thandeka Gqada’s estimated net worth is approximately $600,000. This estimation considers her earnings from her political career, business ventures, and other professional engagements. It’s important to note that public servants’ earnings are typically modest and primarily derived from their salaries and allowances associated with their governmental positions.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thandeka Gqada |
| Date of Birth | Information not publicly available |
| Birthplace | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Political Party | Democratic Alliance (DA) |
| Positions Held | Councillor, Executive Mayoral Committee Member, Shadow Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Shadow Deputy Minister of Energy |
| Term in Legislature | May 2014 – May 2019 |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $600,000 |
| Education | Management Development Programme, MBA, Human Resources Management Programme (University of South Africa) |
| Professional Background | UNISA, Old Mutual, Nedbank Group |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Thandeka Gqada’s current profession?
Thandeka Gqada is currently serving as a councillor for the Democratic Alliance in the City of Cape Town.
2. Which political party does Thandeka Gqada belong to?
Thandeka Gqada is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA).
3. What positions has Thandeka Gqada held in the National Assembly?
Thandeka Gqada served as the Shadow Deputy Minister of Human Settlements from 2014 to 2017 and as the Shadow Deputy Minister of Energy from 2017 to 2019.
4. What is Thandeka Gqada’s educational background?
Thandeka Gqada completed a Management Development Programme, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Human Resources Management Programme through the University of South Africa.
5. What is Thandeka Gqada’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Thandeka Gqada’s estimated net worth is approximately $600,000.
6. Has Thandeka Gqada been involved in any business ventures?
Yes, Thandeka Gqada has been involved in various entrepreneurial activities, leveraging her skills and experience to contribute to the economic development of her community.
7. What was Thandeka Gqada’s role in the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee?
Thandeka Gqada served as the Executive Mayoral Committee Member for the Community Services Portfolio and later in the human settlements portfolio.
8. When did Thandeka Gqada return to local politics?
Thandeka Gqada returned to local politics in November 2021, serving as a councillor for the Democratic Alliance in the City of Cape Town.
9. What inspired Thandeka Gqada to join politics?
Thandeka Gqada was inspired to join politics after meeting Masizole Mnqasela, a Democratic Alliance Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, in 2010.
10. What is Thandeka Gqada’s contribution to public service?
Thandeka Gqada has made significant contributions to public service through her roles in local and national government, focusing on human settlements and energy sectors.
Conclusion
Thandeka Gqada’s career reflects a blend of political acumen, business insight, and a commitment to public service. From her early life in the Eastern Cape to her rise in the Democratic Alliance and her entrepreneurial ventures, Gqada has demonstrated resilience and dedication. Her estimated net worth of $600,000 underscores her success in both her political and business endeavors. As she continues to serve her community, Gqada’s journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring public servants and entrepreneurs.