Sandile Ndlovu, a former naval officer, began his career in the South African Navy as a Combat Officer. After completing his studies from the Military Academy, he joined Defence Intelligence as a Counter Intelligence operative, responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of South African assets and personnel during projects/operations/exercises. In 2008 he left the SANDF to pursue a career in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), as a Regional and International Anti-Corruption Coordination official. While with DPSA he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Director Anti-Corruption Policy, responsible for drafting anti-corruption policy, frameworks and procedures for the Public Service. From 2010 to 2012 he held various posts at Director level in DPSA such as Director: Research and Speechwriting, Director: Head of Ministry Administration and Director: International Relations. In 2012 he left DPSA to join the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) as a Director responsible for International Relations, at Ministry level. In 2013 he became, as a Director for Performance Optimisation, responsible for improving the performance of the entire COGTA Ministry. His last assignment at COGTA was Director Municipal Infrastructure Grant Administration, responsible for the Limpopo Province. In this portfolio he was responsible for the role out of basic infrastructure for the entire Limpopo province. His last months were spent as Acting Chief Director, overseeing the role out of basic infrastructure to all nine provinces, with the projected costs of R15 billion. Academically he holds a BMIL Degree in Africa and Security Studies, from the Military Academy – under the auspices of Stellenbosch University, an Honours Degree in Africa Studies from UNISA and an MBA from GIBS – University of Pretoria.