Mdumiseni Ntuli is a prominent South African politician with deep roots in the African National Congress (ANC). From his early life in KwaZulu-Natal to his significant roles within the party, Ntuli has shaped both provincial and national politics. Below, we dive into 20 facts about Ntuli that will provide a comprehensive overview of his life and career.
1. Early Life and Birth
Mdumiseni Ntuli was born on 5 March 1979 in rural KwaXimba, outside of Cato Ridge in KwaZulu-Natal. This area has historically been a stronghold for the African National Congress (ANC), the political party that Ntuli has been closely associated with throughout his life.
2. Family Political Influence
Ntuli’s family has had significant involvement in ANC politics. His uncle, Bheki, and his brother, Thembo, are both prominent figures in the party, with Thembo having served as regional secretary of the ANC Youth League in eThekwini.
3. Educational Background
Ntuli is well-educated, holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He also earned a Master’s degree in Political Studies from the same institution.
4. Student Politics Leadership
During his time at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Ntuli was active in student politics, serving as President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the university’s Pietermaritzburg campus in 2004.
5. Work at Luthuli House
After moving to Johannesburg in 2008, Ntuli worked for a decade at the ANC’s national headquarters, Luthuli House, as an administrator and organizer.
6. Youth League Involvement
Ntuli’s political career is intertwined with the ANC Youth League. He was an active member and later sought leadership positions, running for Provincial Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth League in 2014.
7. Failed Bid for National Youth League Secretary-General
In 2014, Ntuli campaigned for the position of National Secretary of the Youth League, but the leadership elections were delayed. By the time the elections were held in 2015, Ntuli had aged out of the Youth League.
8. Rise to Provincial Executive
Ntuli became a member of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in 2015. In this role, he served as spokesperson of the PEC.
9. Provincial Legislature Member
In May 2016, Ntuli was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, filling a casual vacancy, after the departure of a previous member.
10. Legal Issues and Suspension of PEC
The PEC, which Ntuli was a part of, was suspended in late 2017 due to electoral irregularities. Ntuli became a member of a provincial task team appointed by the ANC’s National Executive Committee.
11. Provincial Secretary of ANC KZN
In July 2018, Ntuli was elected as Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal. He won the position in a fiercely contested election, beating Super Zuma by more than 200 votes among 1,700 delegates.
12. ANC Youth League Support
Ntuli received support from the ANC Youth League when he was nominated from the floor during the 2018 ANC provincial conference, underscoring his deep ties with the youth wing of the party.
13. 2022 Bid for ANC Secretary-General
In 2022, Ntuli launched a campaign to become the Secretary-General of the ANC. His campaign focused on reforms, including having the Secretary-General and Treasurer-General positions in the cabinet of the national government.
14. National Executive Committee Appointment
In December 2022, Ntuli was elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC for a five-year term, further solidifying his influence in the party’s national leadership.
15. 2024 National Election Candidate
Ahead of the 2024 South African general election, Ntuli was announced as a candidate for the ANC, ranked 32nd on the party’s national list.
16. Elected to National Assembly
Following the 2024 general election, Ntuli was sworn in as a member of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024, taking his seat in South Africa’s Parliament.
17. A History of Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Ntuli has been known for his leadership and administrative skills. His rise through the ranks of the ANC has made him a key figure in the party’s structures, both regionally and nationally.
18. Political Stance
Ntuli is generally regarded as a moderate figure within the ANC. He advocates for pragmatic policies and has focused on party unity and strengthening internal governance.
19. A Proponent of Reform
As an active reformist within the ANC, Ntuli’s proposed changes for the party include streamlining its administrative processes and making leadership positions more accountable to its members.
20. Commitment to Public Service
Despite the controversies that often surround politics, Ntuli remains committed to public service. He has emphasized the need for the ANC to remain a powerful force for change in South Africa’s democratic landscape.