Sifiso Lwazi Mabele
Mr. Sifiso Lwazi Mabele is a distinguished education leader whose career is marked by rapid growth, principled leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity and professionalisation of the teaching profession. He currently serves as Principal of Siyaphambili Primary School and Vice President of the National Teachers’ Union.
Mr. Mabele’s journey began in 2006 at Umbango/ Mzimela Secondary School, where he joined NATU and developed a deep passion for educator rights and unionism. His leadership trajectory started in earnest in 2008 when he was elected School Building Representative at Mzimela Secondary School. In 2014, he was elected Deputy Chairperson and later Chairperson of the Wasbank Branch, where he transformed the branch from a passive membership structure into a dynamic centre of active leadership development.
In 2016, his dedication was recognised with a promotion to Principal of Siyaphambili Primary School. Believing that “a healthy mind is the only one that can produce better results,” Mr. Mabele championed wellness within the union. Having served as Branch and Regional Sports Organiser since 2009, he was appointed National Sports Organiser in 2015 under President S.L. Ngcobo. In this role, he successfully unified all NATU regions across South Africa, establishing sports and physical well-being as key pillars of organisational strength.
In 2018, he was elected Deputy Secretary and subsequently Regional Chairperson of the Northern Natal Region. His national influence grew significantly in 2025 when he was elected to the Central Executive Board (CEB) as Vice President responsible for Conditions of Service.
In his current role, Mr. Mabele is a resolute defender of educator rights and a strategic force in professionalising union leadership. He oversees the NATU Legal Section, ensuring robust protection of members’ rights. As a National Negotiator at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), he represents educators at the highest levels of bargaining. He also serves as a member of the Human Resources Portfolio at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), where he helps shape policies governing the profession. Additionally, he manages and coordinates NATU chambers across all provinces to ensure a unified and effective response to labour issues.
As Vice President, he supervises five regions: Northern Natal, Ehlanzeni, Ilembe, Pietermaritzburg, and Western Cape.
At the heart of Mr. Mabele’s leadership philosophy is capacity building. Through targeted programmes, he is committed to equipping current and emerging leaders with the skills and expertise needed to elevate the union. He continues to foster a winning culture in which every educator has a voice and every leader is empowered to succeed.
