Ngcebo Lwazi Nsele

Ngcebo Lwazi Nsele’s journey has taken him from the township streets of Esikhawini to the corridors of government. As a legal adviser for KwaZulu- Natal’s department of economic development  tourism and environmental affairs, Nsele, 29, plays a critical role in driving legislative reform, overseeing litigation, providing legal opinions and promoting policy development aligned with South Africa’s Vision 2030. His work is at the heart of building economic empowerment, fostering social justice and addressing inequality in KwaZulu-Natal. A key milestone in his career was leading the resolution of the Ntsikeni Community Trust — a decade-long interprovincial land and governance dispute — restoring land rights, dignity and economic potential to the community. Ngcebo is also responsible for helping destitute communities form trusts, a role he describes as “bringing life to communities and reimagining their purpose”. Beyond his legal work, Ngcebo contributes to grassroots development in his hometown, serving on the local ward committee and supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged children.

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Nelson Mandela University
• Postgraduate diploma in Labour Law in Practice, Nelson Mandela University
• Legislative drafting qualification, University of Cape Town
• Currently pursuing Master of Laws (LLM)

• Selected as one of 100 Emerging Leaders in the Public Service (ELIPS) and one of only four from the province representing provincial departments in 2024
• Recognised as one of the three most influential and hard-working young people within the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) by the Knowledge Management Unit, and invited to share experiences and insights with the full department
• Played a key role in a decade-long interprovincial project, the Ntsikeni Community Trust Deed, which clarified the territorial and demographic alignment of the Ntsikeni people, who were previously perceived to fall under the Eastern Cape

Growing up as a boy child, my father has always been an instrumental figure, mentor and role model. From the age of six, he nurtured and supported me as any parent would, teaching me the essential values of life. Bearing his surname gives me a sense of responsibility that lies with me. With the support of my grandfather, his father, my father was able to bring electricity to the village of Madlankala (on the outskirts of Esikhawini) where he grew up. He has always been a role model in the sense that he has strived to develop himself, provide for his parents and be a pillar of resilience. I have always looked up to him. Through my legal career and passion for justice, I have also drawn inspiration from Law of Contracts Professor Mark Tait, in how he always challenged and believed in me, and from Advocate Terry Motau, in how he was able to investigate and unearth corruption and wrongdoing in the VBS case. My personal mentor is Zwelethu Mole, a great brother who played a significant role in my life when I was down and out, instilling in me a sense of independence and fortitude to this day.