Sihle Zikalala is a prominent South African politician with a long and influential career, particularly within the African National Congress (ANC). Born on August 6, 1973, in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, he has held various positions at both provincial and national levels. As of 2023, he is a Member of the National Assembly, and his political journey has shaped the landscape of South African governance. Here are 20 facts that highlight the remarkable life and career of this influential leader.
1. Early Life and Education
- Sihle Zikalala was born in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, on August 6, 1973. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and later earned a Master’s in Commerce from the Graduate School of Business and Leadership in 2019.
2. Political Beginnings
- Zikalala became involved in politics in 1990 when he joined the African National Congress (ANC). His early role was as an organizer for the party in Ndwedwe from 1993 to 1994.
3. Leadership in the ANC Youth League
- He quickly rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League, becoming its Provincial Secretary in 2000 and later its Secretary-General in 2004.
4. Councillor in Ilembe District
- Between 1996 and 2000, Zikalala served as a councillor in the Ilembe District Municipality, further establishing his political footprint.
5. ANC Provincial Leadership
- In 2015, Zikalala became the ANC Provincial Chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal after defeating the incumbent Senzo Mchunu.
6. MEC for Economic Development
- In 2016, he was appointed as the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, a role that lasted until 2019.
7. 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal
- Zikalala was selected as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal following the May 2019 elections, succeeding Willies Mchunu.
8. Handling the 2021 Unrest
- Amid the July 2021 civil unrest in South Africa, Zikalala faced significant challenges in KwaZulu-Natal, which included violence and looting that impacted his political career.
9. Flood Disaster Response
- In April 2022, devastating floods hit KwaZulu-Natal, killing over 300 people. Zikalala played a pivotal role in requesting the declaration of a state of emergency in the province to access emergency funding.
10. Resignation as Premier
- In August 2022, Zikalala resigned as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal following a defeat in the ANC provincial chairmanship race to Siboniso Duma.
11. MEC for Cooperative Governance
- Just days after resigning from his premiership role, he was appointed as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.
12. National Executive Committee Member
- Zikalala was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in December 2022, solidifying his influence within the party at the national level.
13. Transition to the National Assembly
- In early 2023, Zikalala was appointed to the National Assembly, representing the ANC from KwaZulu-Natal, a transition that marked the next phase of his political career.
14. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
- In March 2023, he was appointed as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in a cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
15. Strong ANC Ties
- Zikalala has remained loyal to the ANC throughout his career, holding multiple positions within the party, including as Provincial Secretary and Provincial Chairperson.
16. Criticism of Jacob Zuma’s Imprisonment
- Zikalala was outspoken in 2021 about the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma, suggesting that President Ramaphosa should consider a Presidential Pardon for Zuma.
17. Focus on Youth Leadership
- As Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Zikalala emphasized the importance of youth in leadership, appointing young individuals to key positions in his executive council.
18. Involvement in Economic Development
- Zikalala’s role as MEC for Economic Development involved significant work in the economic growth and tourism sectors in KwaZulu-Natal, where he advocated for sustainable development.
19. Support for Local Employment
- Zikalala has been vocal about prioritizing the employment of South African truck drivers over foreign nationals to address economic tensions in the freight and trucking industries.
20. Personal Life
- Zikalala is married to Nelly Zikalala, with whom he has three children. His family plays a significant role in his personal and political life.