Themba Maseko

Former Government Spokesperson, Whistleblower, Public Affairs Expert

Meet Themba Maseko

Themba Maseko is Head of the Wits School of Governance. He holds BA LLB (University of the Witwatersrand) and a Master of Business Administration degree (De Montfort University).

Previously Professor Maseko had a long career in the public service, which included roles as the CEO of the Government Communication and Information Service and Government Spokesperson and Director-General in the Department of Public Service and Administration. He also served in the National Department of Public Works, and was the first Superintendent-General in the Gauteng Department of Education and a Member of Parliament in 1994.

His role in the private sector included short stints as Managing Director of the Damelin Education Group, independent management consultant, and Communications Director at the Business Leadership South Africa.

Professor Maseko left the public service after 17 years when he became one of the public servants who spoke out against the capture of the South African state and became a witness at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, also known as the Zondo Commission. Professor Maseko has written of his decision to speak out in the book, For my Country.

He serves on the Boards of Corruption Watch and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.

State capture whistleblower Themba Maseko appointed to key post at Wits governance school

Themba Maseko: ‘South Africa now had a parallel system of government’

Former president Jacob Zuma not only called Themba Maseko to push him to help the Guptas land government’s R600-million advertising spend, he also helped Ajay Gupta make good on his promise to “sort” Maseko out after he resisted.