Municipal Oversight & Accountability Programme: Mbombela

Nothando Hlazane

I am 31 years old and hold a diploma of commercial law that helped me to be active in my society as I’m still searching for what I studied for. I played a huge role in the tender field until they retrenched my services for financial reasons on their side. I am keen to gain more knowledge and understanding about oversight and accountability of municipal processes.

Zanele Mabuza

Zanele Amanda Mabuza is a dynamic and accomplished individual with a passion for leadership, community development, and democracy. At 31, she has already made significant strides in her career, public service, and civic engagement. As the director of Izanenkosi Pty Ltd, she showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. In addition to her professional pursuits, Zanele serves as the Provincial Secretary at South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC & BE) in Mpumalanga, advocating for gender equality and empowerment in the industry. Her commitment to public service extends to her role as a member of the ANC Youth League in Ward 17, Ehlanzeni, where she works tirelessly to drive positive change and development in her community. Demonstrating her dedication to democratic processes, Zanele served as a voting station coordinator at Bergland Primary School during the 2024 national elections, ensuring the smooth execution of the electoral process and upholding the integrity of the democratic system. With a solid foundation in instrumentation trade theory, Zanele is currently expanding her skill set by pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business at Mancosa University. Through her various endeavours, Zanele embodies a unique blend of technical expertise, business savvy, community dedication, and civic responsibility, making her a true leader and change-maker in her field.

Thabo Malekane

As a recent LLB graduate, I bring a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and a strong foundation in the intricacies of the law. Throughout my academic journey, I have honed my analytical and critical thinking skills, allowing me to approach legal issues with a discerning and meticulous mindset. My coursework has equipped me with a solid grasp of various legal domains, including contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law, providing me with a well-rounded legal education. In addition to my academic achievements, I have actively sought practical experiences to complement my theoretical knowledge. Through internships and extracurricular activities, I have had the opportunity to apply legal concepts in real-world scenarios, enhancing my ability to navigate complex legal challenges. With a passion for justice and a commitment to upholding the rule of law, I am eager to embark on a legal career where I can contribute my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the legal field. My LLB education has not only equipped me with the requisite legal expertise but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility and dedication to the pursuit of justice. I am an ambitious, self-motivated, excellent interpersonal, communication skills and hard-working individual who is always eager to lend a helping hand and make sure that the business runs efficiently, professionally and safely.

Fortunate Mbatha

My name is Fortunate Mbatha, I am 27 years old and residing in Nhlazatshe. I am a goal-oriented, enthusiastic, and passionate young woman. I believe that success comes with a lot of patience and resilience. I am currently self-employed. I would like to be part of this programme to boost my knowledge since I’m a person who has a very keen interest in political affairs.

Mpumi Mbethe

My name is Mpumi Mbethe, I hold a BA degree in Journalism. I majored in Sociology and Communications. I have over 15 years of experience working in broadcasting, radio and television. I was introduced to oversight and governance issues at Childline Mpumalanga where I held the position of chairperson of the executive board. In my recent position as the series producer of the 2024 season of The Big Debate, I was inspired by young activists and others civil society groups involved in social justice and organizations focused on voter education. I would like to use my media knowledge and experience to create awareness and public platforms to engage ordinary citizens at grassroots level to participate and protect our democracy, not just during elections. It is not our civic duty to hold our elected and appointed leaders accountable, but it is also our responsibility to ensure good governance in our communities.

Stephen Mkhatshwa

I am Stephen Mkatshwa, a 23-year-old artist, filmmaker, and activist from Barberton. With a background in Human Resources (HR levels N4, N5, and N6), I have redirected my focus to creative work and community development. As a professional street dancer and artist, I express myself through music and film, using these platforms to inspire change. Through my film company, I produce documentaries aimed at uplifting my community and promoting development. My activism includes raising donations for local sports like tennis and promoting traditional dance groups such as Snothemba, which gained recognition at the SATMA Awards. I also volunteered on SABC 2’s Dijo Le Bophelo, focusing on teeth whitening and dental health. My goal is to continue using my creativity to advocate for social change and contribute to community growth.

Xolani Sydwel Mnisi

Xolani Sydwel Mnisi (28) has immense passion for economics, governance and diplomacy. He has an interest in politics, development and innovation. He hold a public management qualification from the National School of Government. He served as South African representative of the BRICS Youth Public Diplomacy as well as the BRICS-UNESCO Creative Cities. He is a former administrator to the chief director for just transition business in the premier’s office in Mpumalanga.

Asande Nkosi

I am currently a final year student in Public Finance at the Tshwane University of Technology. I’m also employed as a TUT tutor for the Public Finance Sector. I was selected as an academic secretary for CGASA. My goal is to gain enough exposure and experience to prepare me for my aspired career which requires me to be a well-equipped candidate, by attending workshops, networking events, and short courses.

Makhosonke Nyalunga

My name is Makhosonke Nyalunga. I was born in 1991. I am currently living in the City of Mbombela. I am currently self-employed in the supply and delivery industry. I come from a very disadvantaged community and my goal is to contribute to my community in future.

Sipho Thwala

Sipho Thwala is a dynamic leader in the music and cultural arts scene, with a background in youth empowerment and community service. As a Child and Youth Care volunteer at Thandanani Homebase Care, Sipho developed a passion for helping others from a young age. They later became a part of the prestigious Fortune Forty Incubator Programme as a farmer (2021-2023), further showcasing their versatility. Representing Mpumalanga in the South African Parliament as an ambassador in the Bokomoso Programme, Sipho made significant strides in advocating for youth and community development. Their dedication has earned them numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in Music at the BME Awards in Mpumalanga and the Best Youth Excellence Achievement Award in 2012. An accomplished artist manager at Musicinabox, Sipho has also collaborated with the Snothemba Cultural Group, which earned a nomination in the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA 2022). In 2023, Sipho’s creative talents in filmmaking were recognised when they won Best Filmmaker in Mpumalanga at the Mpumalanga Film Festival.

Victor Windvoël

My name is Victor Windvoël. I am 23 years old and a resident of Mbombela. I am currently searching for my next job, and hopefully I will find one that is adequate enough to allow me to continue to fund my studies until I complete my LLB. My greatest aspiration in life is to become an upstanding member of society, one that’s worthy to be dubbed a positive role model for future generations. I would just like to inspire honesty, integrity, morality, and fidelity to the younger generation because we don’t have many role models that can teach us those values anymore.