[2] She became involved in politics at a young age, joining ACTSTOP, a civic organisation, in the 1980s where she held multiple leadership positions.
She was part of the formation of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and was a senior leader in the structure.
[4][6] In May 2019, Nkabinde-Khawe was named MEC for Social Development by Premier David Makhura.
[11] The Gauteng ANC said that her death "will leave void in social development sector".
[11][12] She is survived by her husband, Jacob Khawe, a senior ANC politician in the province, and their six children.