SIPHESIHLE Mkhwanazi is a rose among thorns.
She is the first female councillor to ever be elected as speaker of the King Cetshwayo District.
Mkhwanazi doesn’t only break the gender record in this position, but the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor is also the youngest speaker to ever occupy this position in the district. The 34-year-old was elected into the position after Councillor Ivan Naidoo's retirement as a councillor.
Mkhwanazi said she is excited and scared at the same time because the role given to her is huge.
“As scared as I am, I take this as a challenge to grow and learn. It is a big role, but I believe that learning from those who came before me will help me a lot,” she said.
She said what excites her the most is to be the first female to hold this position which will teach others that the time to claim their place is now.
“There are roles that have been viewed as roles for men and this shows that we can do anything as women. It also gives a good example to young people that when you are passionate about something, nothing can stop you from learning it,” she said.
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Mkhwanazi’s political journey started when she was still in tertiary where she was part of the Student Representative Council (SRC).
Then after completing her engineering course, she went back home where her political journey began.
“I was elected as a branch treasury and from there I never looked back. And in 2021 I was elected as a councillor until this day,” said Mkhwanazi.
She said her focus will be mainly on the young people of this district.
“I am aware of the high unemployment rate and I believe that if young people are given the support they need, they will be able to make something with their life. At the district there is a R20 million budget to help young people who want to start their businesses and those who are already in business,” she said.
She said she also wishes to revive the agricultural sector and encourage young people to get in as it has potential. District Mayor Thami Ntuli congratulated Mkhwanazi on her new adventure and wished her well.
