Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni
Advocate Nolitha Vuyolwethu Ntebe has etched her name in history as the first woman appointed Integrity Commissioner for the City of Johannesburg. In this groundbreaking role, she is resolutely committed to championing ethical governance, empowering councillors, and cultivating a pervasive culture of integrity.
“I am not a lion, nor a toothless dog,” she asserts, clarifying that her objective is not to engender fear, but to ensure councillors steadfastly uphold their oath to serve Joburg’s residents with honesty and dedication.
Having assumed office less than six months ago, Advocate Ntebe has already implemented significant enhancements, notably transitioning the manual declaration process to a more efficient and user-friendly digital platform. Her inaugural year will focus on developing robust systems and empowering councillors through comprehensive induction programmes, targeted skills development, and personal growth initiatives.
“I aim to equip councillors to represent the City effectively and address the challenges they face,” she explained.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Ntebe’s formative journey was forged by resilience and an innate passion for justice. “I witnessed significant disparities between the upkeep of townships and urban areas, which fostered my love for justice and equity,” she recalls, reflecting on tumultuous study periods that included riots necessitating her transfer to a boarding school.
She holds a BA in Jurisprudence and a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree from the University of Fort Hare, complemented by a Management Advanced Programme qualification. Her extensive expertise spans strategic planning, urban policy development, corporate governance, and labour law, among other critical areas.
With over 30 years of experience traversing the transport sector, municipal affairs, and constitutional law, Advocate Ntebe brings a wealth of knowledge to her pivotal role. Prior to joining the City, she served as CEO of Lead Afrika [Afrika Leadership Development Institute] for nearly a decade. She is passionately dedicated to revitalising the Integrity Commissioner’s office, ensuring councillors embody ethical, accountable leadership.
Beyond her demanding professional duties, Advocate Ntebe is profoundly committed to youth and women empowerment initiatives. In her limited leisure, she finds rejuvenation in reading, travelling, and gardening, activities that continually inspire her dedication to promote positive change within her community.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
