Hailing from eNhlwathi kwaHlabisa in Mkhanyakude District, MEC for Arts Culture Sport and Recreation Hlengiwe Mavimbela is a qualified teacher by profession. In 2006, she resigned from teaching to become a PR Councilor in Ward 6 in eNhlwathi and since the she has server in the structures of the African National Congress as the Regional Secretary for the ANC Youth League, Regional Deputy Secretary and Secretary of the Women’s League. She currently serves in the Provincial Executive Committee and Provincial Working Committee of the ANC in KwaZulu Natal.