Municipal Oversight & Accountability Programme: Ekurhuleni

Ayanda Nyelula

I am 24-year-old inspired by politics and administration doing an Honours in Public Administration. My studies broadened my view and understanding of how public policies work and how resources actually need to be distributed efficiently and equally to all. Given my background and upbringing, I have a passion and enthusiasm for change in leadership in municipal politics and for a difference within the communities that were unjustly excluded for decades.

Mazwi Maphisa

I am a young enthusiastic individual with ethical leadership as a core value, and I am an aspiring entrepreneur in property development and logistics industries. I am a patriotic community and political activist serving as the regional secretary of the Youth Forum in Ekurhuleni, and as a researcher for the same organisation. I hold a degree in Economic and Financial Management Analysis. I served as a minerals economist intern at the Policy and Investment Promotion division of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). I am passionate about uplifting young, motivated people and bringing access to opportunities that might seem unreachable. I am committed to bringing realistic solutions to our everyday socio-economic challenges.

Mfundo Ngqabishe

My name is Mfundo Ngqabishe, and I serve as a Researcher in the Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation sub-division of the Youth Directorate in the Office of the Executive Mayor in Ekurhuleni. My work focuses on producing evidence-based research to strengthen governance and ensure policy decisions respond to the lived realities of our communities. Beyond my professional role, I have spent over a decade actively volunteering in community development initiatives—mobilising resources, coordinating local programmes, and helping young people access opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. I believe deeply in an activist government—one that works directly with communities and leads from the ground. Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Wits, and I am currently pursuing my master’s in public and development management at the School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. My advocacy is rooted in inclusive development—one that recognises the diverse needs and talents of young people. Whether through policy innovation, digital platforms, or grassroots mobilisation, I strive to build resilient, self-sufficient youth capable of transforming their communities. I see research not just as a tool for knowledge, but as a lever for justice, accountability, and progressive change.

Monde Ntebe

I possess traits of an influencer and pioneer in civil society and public service leadership. Having worked for government and participated in civil society movements I possess both the requisite knowledge and understand the power dynamics to ensure collaboration towards effective and corruption-free government. I have been instrumental in building effective and responsive public participatory structures at local level, collaborating with Defend Our Democracy and the Gauteng Together Working Group to build community action networks. I have also had the privilege to lead vigorous campaigns in local hospital boards to ensure transparent procurement processes and improvements in clinical efficiency indicators and service delivery outreaches in mental health and diseases of lifestyle. I have led monitoring programmes and developed toolkits for corridor (cluster of three to four streets) committees to develop criminogenic commodity mapping exercises, safety profiles and action plans in areas of road safety, crime prevention through environmental design, force multiplication operational plans and school safety initiatives.

Mthobisi Dube

I am Mthobisi Dube, a networking specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Dube Group, a company built to connect people, opportunities, and industries through strategic relationship-building. With a strong foundation in the automotive sector, I help dealerships grow through customer acquisition, marketing, lead generation, and sourcing the best vehicle deals for clients across South Africa. Beyond the automotive sector, The Dube Group extends into branding, digital marketing, and business consulting, working with a team of marketers, sales experts, and creatives to help businesses reach their full potential. I am currently pursuing a qualification in finance at a TVET college, combining practical experience and formal knowledge to guide sustainable growth. My journey includes sales roles at Tata RBT, telesales at Affinity Health, and training through Affinity Business School, where I earned a Class of Business certificate. I am also the founder of TDG Maintenance and Supplies, a school renovation business, and a proud community leader focused on youth development. Everything I do is rooted in impact, collaboration, and unlocking opportunities that create legacy.

Nompumelelo Nhlapo

I am Nompumelelo Nhlapo born and raised in Duduza in Ekurhuleni East. I have always served my community with pride from career expos in schools to joining organisations to empower my community and facilitating programmes. In 2016 I started to work for my community and joined Activate in 2017 learning how to be a leader and making a local government work. In 2018 I joined Community Media Trust and became a mentor for girls. In 2019 I got an award at Ekurhuleni Shining Stars and got to graduate with an N6 qualification in management. In 2021 I became a facilitator for behavioural change programmes for CMT and also got my licence, and in 2022 I got 2 Awards 1 from CMT for best stakeholder engagement and 1 from Duduza Heroes for serving the community. In 2023 I got 2 Awards from CMT 1 for target reached and 1 for stakeholder engagement I also got nominated in Africa Women Summit Awards, also got my facilitator accreditation certificate. In 2024 I got my assessor accreditation certificate and have been a civic champion for Activate. Since 2022 I have been hosting the civic education training in my community for the youth. I also started a programme to assist young people with employment applications.

Noxolo Mfocwa

I am Noxolo Mfocwa, a social justice and digital campaigns strategist based in Johannesburg. My activism began at the University Currently Known as Rhodes, where I was active in movements like #FeesMustFall and #RUReferenceList—challenging rape culture and institutional violence, which led to my exclusion. Since then, I have worked across civic tech, digital strategy, and feminist organising. I was a campaigner fellow at amandla.mobi, an independent, community advocacy organisation that seeks to build a more just and people powered Mzansi. I later joined Oxfam South Africa as an inequality campaigns coordinator. I have led initiatives on gender rights, economic justice, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and environmental action. In 2022, a public petition helped me secure a role as campaigns strategist at Change.org South Africa, where I supported change makers and ran campaigns to drive policy reform. I also worked as a communications and advocacy lead at the Nguvu Collective, amplifying survivor-led responses to gender-based violence across Africa. In addition, I co-lead advocacy with Fossil Free South Africa, campaigning for divestment from fossil fuels and just energy transitions. I have contributed to the Fossil Ad Ban campaign and Clean Creatives SA, challenging corporate greenwashing and calling on the creative sector to cut ties with polluters. Beyond campaign leadership, I’m a regular columnist on pressing social issues, and my work has appeared in Daily Maverick, Business Day, TimesLIVE, and City Press, ranging from advocating child mental health rights and menstrual justice in prisons, to pressing for sex worker decriminalisation and critiquing systemic injustices.

Quin Mdluli

I am a media practises graduate, grassroots communicator, and community organiser based in Ekangala, Tshwane Region 7. My work focuses on using storytelling, digital tools, and civic education to mobilise communities around issues of service delivery, justice, and political accountability. In 2023, I was selected as a community campaign fellow at amandla.mobi, where I led a petition calling for the repair of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant. This campaign combined community mobilisation with legislative knowledge to demand action from local authorities — showing me that meaningful advocacy happens when community voices are supported by the legal frameworks that exist to protect them. In addition to advocacy work, I founded #EkayBookClub — a literacy and dialogue platform that engages youth and caregivers through reading, storytelling, and civic reflection. The club runs book drives, community reading circles, and a volunteer “Read to Kids” initiative across local preschools. Through this work, I’ve learned that political education can take many shapes — and that ordinary people, especially in townships, deserve accessible tools to challenge injustice. I am deeply interested in learning more about municipal systems, legal frameworks, and how to meaningfully hold public officials accountable. I value practical knowledge — not just theory — and I am committed to applying these tools in my own community. I believe in active citizenship rooted in integrity, clarity, and impact. This programme speaks directly to the kind of civic leadership I strive for.

Shonisani Gugu Siliga

Shonisani Gugu Siliga is a dynamic junior strategy specialist contributing to strategic planning, performance reporting, and evaluation of organisational performance. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance, both from the University of Johannesburg, her academic foundation is rooted in ethical leadership, public policy, and institutional accountability. As a junior strategist in the public sector, her responsibilities include working closely with executive leadership and intergovernmental stakeholders, giving her practical insight into national planning frameworks and the intricacies of strategic oversight within the public sector. Beyond her formal role, Gugu is a committed mental health advocate and community organiser. She leads NutriMental Harmony, a youth-led initiative promoting mental health awareness, addressing period poverty and empowering high school learners in underserved communities. Rooted in values of integrity, equity, and service. Gugu brings a strong sense of civic responsibility to all she does. Her goal is to contribute toward a transparent, responsive, and people centred public administration in South Africa.

Sivuyiso Mbutho

Ayanda Sivuyiso Mbutho is a highly motivated and results-oriented enthusiast, who completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with specialisation in marketing at the University of the Free State in 2023. I am passionate about learning more and expanding my knowledge towards the betterment of my skills and experience. I am interested in driving positive change in the community, my immediate community, plus the broader community. This training would greatly assist me in gaining more understanding of how municipalities work and the importance of youth involvement in oversight. Being involved in an initiative that would expose me to community engagement and learning skills that I can use beyond the training would be greatly beneficial for me.

Tsepo Thavhiwa

I am the founder of The Nation’s Shield, a reputable security company. I am dedicated to providing top-notch security services to individuals and organisations. Our team is committed to protecting people and property with professionalism and expertise. We have collaborated with the EMPD on initiatives such as the march against child abuse and exploitation, demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility. Our security training programmes equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the security industry, and we have helped numerous organisations and trainees to secure jobs in the field. We have also worked with local ECD centres such as Ratanang Day Care Centre and have provided security services to various clients. At The Nation’s Shield, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner in safeguarding our communities. With ourexpertise and passion for security, we strive to be the nation’s shield against threats and vulnerabilities. I am Mthobisi Dube, a networking specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Dube Group—a company built to connect people, opportunities, and industries through strategic relationship-building.

Venny Dlamini

Venny Dlamini is a dynamic young woman from Msinga, a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She currently serves as a Global Peace Chain Ambassador and is a recognized GRIT Changemaker. Driven by her personal experiences with gender-based violence, Venny has dedicated her life to raising awareness, educating communities, and empowering victims through knowledge and advocacy. In recognition of her leadership and impact, Venny was honoured in 2018 with an award presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit. In 2017, she was named one of the “100 Future Young Mandelas,” and in 2024, she was celebrated as one of the Sunday Times Heroine Women. Venny pursued her LL.B. degree at Nelson Mandela University, where she received a merit award for academic excellence. She is also an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a published author. Through her work and voice, Venny continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience, championing the rights and dignity of women and girls across Africa and beyond.

Yasmeen Khan

I’m a finance officer with the Gauteng Department of Education, serving in the Ekurhuleni North District. For the past four years, I’ve managed the financial operations of a public school—overseeing budgets, school fees, fundraising, and compliance. I believe finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people, trust, and making sure every cent creates opportunities for our learners. I’m certified in bookkeeping and accounting through the University of Cape Town and am currently furthering my studies to deepen my impact in the public sector. My commitment to service started early—during high school, I volunteered through Interact, where I discovered the value of community engagement and the power of small actions to create lasting change. Outside of work, I serve as a School Governing Body representative and a Rise Against Hunger ambassador. These roles allow me to stay connected to the broader needs of our schools and communities. I’ve learned that transformation begins with integrity and purpose. Whether I’m balancing budgets or championing learner support, I’m here to ensure public service works for the people it’s meant to uplift—honestly, transparently, and with heart.

Zandile Mahlangu

Zandile Sarah Mahlangu is a youth leader and aspiring educator currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase at IIE Varsity College. She holds a 120-hour TEFL certificate and has experience tutoring Foundation Phase learners in phonics, reading, and curriculum support. With a strong background in community work, retail, and customer service, Zandile brings discipline, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to social justice to every space she occupies. Zandile plays an active leadership role in the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC), where she serves as a branch representative. Through this role, she has been deeply involved in youth mobilisation, civic education, and community outreach. Her experience has taught her the importance of ethical leadership, grassroots engagement, and advocating for quality service delivery in education and other public sectors. She is passionate about education as a tool for empowerment and sees municipal oversight as a critical mechanism for accountability and transformation in South Africa. Zandile believes that young people must play an active role in shaping their communities and ensuring that government structures are responsive, transparent, and equitable. Through the ASRI Municipal Government Oversight & Accountability Training Programme, she hopes to strengthen her knowledge of governance, municipal functions, and policy advocacy. Her goal is to use these skills to positively impact her community by promoting accountability, improving public education services, and advancing social equity from the ground up.

Zipho Tokwana

I am a multifaceted and diligent professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management and Governance, an Honours degree in the same field from the University of Johannesburg; I also hold a Certificate in Business Administration. My professional journey spans roles in public service and private sector consulting, emphasising SETA project administration and educationa l support. In my current role at Empowerment Solutions Group, I leverage my robust skills in project management, strategic client relationship building, and market research to effectively spearhead and manage development projects. My background includes assisting educational institutions where I developed key collaborative and operational skills. I excel in fast-paced environments, demonstrating a consistent commitment to quality and integrity, and I am adept at handling diverse stakeholder interactions with a focus on achieving concrete outcomes and fostering community development.