Njabulo Bheka Nzuza, a dynamic South African politician, has carved a notable path in the country’s political landscape. From his early days in KwaZulu-Natal to his current position as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nzuza’s career is a testament to his dedication and leadership. Here are 15 key facts you should know about him:
1. Born in KwaZulu-Natal
Njabulo Nzuza was born on 20 February 1982 in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, a region known for its cultural heritage and political significance in South Africa.
2. Educational Background
Nzuza holds a BCom degree in Economics from the University of Zululand. Additionally, he has a certificate in corporate funding strategies from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which underscores his expertise in finance and economics.
3. Early Career in Economic Development
Before entering politics, Nzuza worked as the Senior Manager for Economic Development at the uThungulu District Municipality (now the King Cetshwayo District Municipality). This experience helped shape his understanding of local governance and economic issues.
4. Political Beginnings in the ANC Youth League
Nzuza’s political journey began in 2001 when he was elected as the Deputy Regional Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Musa Dladla Region. His early leadership in the youth league set the stage for a long career in the African National Congress (ANC).
5. Active in Student Leadership
From 2002 to 2004, Nzuza was a member of the Student Representative Council at the University of Zululand. In 2004, he was elected as the provincial secretary of the South African Students Congress (SASCO), which further fueled his political ambitions.
6. Leadership in the ANC Youth League
Nzuza’s political career within the ANC Youth League continued to rise. He served as the Regional Secretary of the Musa Dladla Region from 2013 to 2015, before being elected as Secretary-General of the ANC Youth League in 2015.
7. National Executive Committee of the ANC
In 2015, Nzuza was appointed to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), becoming a key player in the party’s national decision-making processes.
8. Provincial Leadership in KwaZulu-Natal
In 2018, Nzuza was elected to the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, further solidifying his leadership role within the ANC at the provincial level.
9. Elected to the South African Parliament
In the 2019 national and provincial elections, Nzuza was elected as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly of South Africa. His entry into the national legislature marked a significant step in his political career.
10. Appointed Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
On 29 May 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Nzuza as the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, a key position within the national government. He has played an important role in overseeing immigration, civil registration, and other vital functions of the department.
11. Advocate for Public Service
As Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nzuza has focused on improving public services, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring that government services are accessible to all South Africans.
12. Survived a Hijacking Incident
On 28 May 2020, Nzuza was involved in a harrowing incident where he was hijacked by two gunmen in Midrand. The hijackers forced him to withdraw money from various ATMs before releasing him in Mamelodi West. His car, two cellphones, and wallet were stolen during the ordeal.
13. COVID-19 Positive Diagnosis
On 30 December 2020, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that Nzuza had tested positive for COVID-19. Like many public figures, Nzuza was directly impacted by the global pandemic, which continues to affect South Africa and the world.
14. A Member of the ANC’s Rising Generation
Nzuza is widely regarded as part of the new generation of ANC leaders who are stepping up to tackle the challenges facing South Africa. His involvement in both student politics and the ANC Youth League has positioned him as a leader who understands the concerns of South Africa’s youth.
15. Dedication to Economic Development
Given his background in economics, Nzuza is passionate about fostering economic development, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. His expertise in economic development has guided many of his policy decisions in his role as Deputy Minister.
