Thulani Kunene is a highly experienced professional with a remarkably diverse background in managerial and leadership roles within the public and private sectors.

His career began with Soweto Community Radio in 1994, followed by positions as a training facilitator for the Gauteng Students Forum in 1997 and as a merchandiser for Field Marketing Group from 1997 until he was elected a councillor at Emfuleni in the 2000 local government elections.

He subsequently served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee and Chief Whip of Emfuleni from 2000 to 2009. He was then appointed Director at Sedibeng District Municipality and later resigned to pursue his business interests.

He was recruited back into the public service in 2012 as Director of Stakeholder Management at the Gauteng Department of Health. The ANC tasked him to be the Gauteng Provincial Elections Coordinator for the ANC Gauteng Province from 2015 to 2024.

Thulani Kunene’s educational journey is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. He holds a Matric certificate and has pursued various qualifications, including Sound Engineering certificate from SABC, Municipal Management from the University of Pretoria, Project Management from Regenesys, a Marketing Management Diploma from IMM, a Postgraduate Diploma from Milpark, and a Communication Science degree from UNISA.

He has held numerous roles such as ANCYL Branch Organizer, Branch Treasurer, and Political Education Head. He has also served as an ANCYL Regional Executive Member, ANC Branch Deputy Secretary, Secretary, and Treasurer. He coordinated the ANC Sedibeng Elections and served as Regional Deputy Secretary. He was first elected ANC Regional Chairperson in 2018 and again in 2022. In the Young Communist League, he was the Gauteng Provincial Chairperson. His service in the SACP includes Sedibeng District Coordinator and District Secretary roles. Thulani Kunene is also a dedicated lay preacher at Palm Springs Church of Christ.

He was elected as a member of Gauteng Legislature in 2024 Provincial elections and was elected as the Deputy Chair of Chairs in July.