Monkie David Phala is a South African educationist and a trade union leader with more than three decades of experience in education and labour relations. Mr Phala holds a university Diploma in education (Primary) from Hebron College of Education and an Advanced Certificate in Education in Leadership Management from the University of Johannesburg.
Mr Phala began his career as as an educator at Leruntse Lesedi High School and later served as a Deputy Principal and Principal at Madibogopan Primary School. Since 2016, he transferred to Deelpan village as Principal of Laba Primary School.
Alongside his work in education, Mr Phala has held several senior leadership positions within the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), including Branch Secretary, Branch Chairperson, Regional Secretary and National Negotiator. He currently serves as the Chief National Negotiator in both the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and Education Relations Council (ELRC)
In June 2025 he was elected as the Vice Chairperson for Labour at PSCBC and respectively appointed as an ESC Member in September 2025.