Thabo’s career started as an automotive industry fitter and turner in the in the early 80s where he began training company employees in various programmes. In 1989 he assumed new responsibility as an artisan lecturer/instructor and later acted as head of division for 16 engineering (metal, civil, motor and electrical) trades. Exposure to senior management experience started in 1997 as a Principal of a Technical College, as well as a manager for cluster of colleges for various portfolios such as Student Support Services, Human Resources, Linkages to Industry and Learnerships. He joined the National Department of Education as the deputy Director in the FET-Policy Planning and curriculum development before moving over to the Department of Labour as the Executive Manager for the National Skills Authority (NSA). In 2009 he joined the Department of Higher Education and Training in the same portfolio as the Executive Officer. He manages the work of the NSA which includes advising the Minister on strategic and policy matters including National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and the monitoring of performance and governance of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). He ensures skills development footprints in all provinces through the establishment and support to Provincial Skills Development Forums (PSDF).

He holds a doctoral degree in educational management and various qualifications ranging from engineering, education, management, human resources, business management, business administration as well as a post-graduate Diploma in M&E.

He led and participated in labour movement in late 80s to early nineties and represented lecturers from the former Bophuthatswana Homeland during the change-over period to the new SA. He actively participates in his community, church and sits on various councils including the Quality Council for Occupations and Trades (QCTO), NCP HRDC, NW HRDC, SASCE, the Public Service Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) and few other councils.