Lieutenant General Themba Michael Nkabinde, MMS, MMB, formally served in the Armed forces of Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK) from the 1977 to 1994 Undergoing training in military disciplines both in Africa and Europe; Completing a threeyear officers course from the then Soviet Union in 1989, he was deployed at the Military Headquarters in Lusaka as an Operations Staff Officer.

Participated in the Operations Sub-Committee of Joint Military Command Council (JMCC) and National Peacekeeping Force to monitor the first RSA democratic elections, thereafter appointed Chief of Staff of NPKF integrated into the new South African National defence Force (SANDF) in 1994. Successfully completed all SANDF courses was appointed as Senior Staff Officer Africa under Director Operations; Director Joint Doctrine and Deputy Chief Director Army Force Structure and finally as the General Officer Commanding SA Army Infantry Formation.

Gen Nkabinde has completed a practical and Advance Project Management Diploma with UNISA, a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) through the University of South Africa.