Nhlanhla Dimba, born in Durban (Malvern, Queensburgh), has dedicated his life to education and skills development, carving out a distinguished career rooted in teaching, leadership, and strategic influence within South Africa’s education and training sectors. With a solid academic foundation, he studied at Amanzimtoti Training College (Adams College), the University of Zululand, the University of Durban-Westville, and the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal). He holds a Master’s degree in Education, specializing in Adult Education and Research, along with several diplomas.

Dimba began his career as a teacher, where he spent years shaping young minds at Inhlakanipho High School and Nqabakazulu High School in KwaMashu. His passion for education led him to lecture for a decade at Ntuzuma College of Education, also in KwaMashu. His work in the classroom laid the foundation for his later contributions to education policy and skills development.

Nhlanhla has played an instrumental role in various strategic initiatives within the KwaZulu Natal Department of Basic Education. Notably, he was a crucial figure in the Culture of Learning and Teaching Campaign (COLTS) and vital in supporting matric intervention programs. His influence extended into technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through his leadership in a TVET/W&RSETA joint initiative with eThekwini Municipality, which trained 1,000 informal traders on basic business skills.

Dimba's expertise was recognized at the KwaZulu Natal Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), where he served as Chief Education Specialist. In this role, he was responsible for critical areas such as curriculum development, human resource management and development, quality management systems, inter-governmental relations, and partnerships.

Throughout his career, Nhlanhla has demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster collaboration. For five years, he served as the Deputy Chairperson of the KZN Inter-SETA Cluster Forum, a platform that facilitated partnerships between SETAs and DHET components to devise common skills training projects across KwaZulu-Natal. As the Chairperson of the KZN W&R Advisory Committee (ADCOM), he completed NQF level 2 and 3 qualifications, bridging the gap between TVET training and employer expectations.

His expertise in education and training extends beyond the classroom and administration. Nhlanhla is a respected W&R Occupational Qualifications Advisory Committee (OQAC) member, previously known as QMB. This committee and DHET introduced the first registered W&R NC(V) choice subject, marking a significant achievement as the first SETA to formally include such a subject within the NC(V) programmes. He also serves as the National Chairperson of the TVCET Working Group, a subcommittee of OQAC. He is an active Retail Chair Governance Body member for the DUT Leadership Chair.

Currently, Nhlanhla Dimba holds the position of Accounting Officer at Mthashana TVET College, where he oversees multiple campuses in Vryheid, KwaNongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, and beyond. His leadership at the college continues to influence the development of skills and education in the region, with plans for a new skills center to be built by CETA.

Nhlanhla Dimba's career is marked by a deep commitment to education, a passion for skills development, and an unwavering dedication to fostering partnerships that enhance learning opportunities for students and workers alike. His legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to the advancement of education in South Africa.