By Mzukona Mantshontsho
HONOURABLE NOMVUYO MHLAKAZA-MANAMELA was on Thursday 11 July elected unopposed to the role of Deputy Speaker of the 7th administration of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
The election of Honourable Mhlakaza-Manamela followed the resignation of Honourable Refiloe Nt’sekhe (Democratic Alliance), who was elected as the Deputy Speaker during the 1st Sitting of the 7th Legislature. Honourable Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela previously served as the Deputy Speaker during the 6th Legislature, a position she served with distinction and integrity.
This Women’s Month in South Africa, I DEFINITELY see her as an inspiration to our young people, particularly the Girl Child to follow their hearts and start something to improve the lives of people in their communities in Gauteng, where they are, with what they HAVE.
It’s important to develop an understanding of the skills required in artistic expression projects, causes to empower our communities, in business and to change the mind-sets of residents, particularly the unemployed youth. It’s important to encourage the youth through examples to aspire and pursue their own paths, to further developing their own skills to earn a living, be better citizens and FUTURE Leaders!
I spoke to Deputy Speaker Honourable Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela about her personal, professional, and public service journey thus far.
Tell us about your early life (school, any further education or professional qualification to your role today
I went to Technikon Northern Gauteng before the merger with Technikon Pretoria and Technikon North-West to become Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). It was there that I started my political activism predominantly in the South African Students Congress (SASCO) where I became the Treasurer General in the National Executive Committee. I have a B-tech in Human Resource Management.
What does your role mean to you?
It is a great honour to be part of the Seventh Administration most importantly to be entrusted with the role of being the Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. In my acceptance speech I informed the House that as Members of the Seventh Administration, we inherited the Legislature as a credible institution and that standard must be maintained. The decorum of the House must be upheld therefore Members must respect the rules and the authority of the Presiding Officers. As one of the Presiding Officers, I cannot allow the Seventh Administration to collapse under my watch. The Privileges and Ethics portfolio has been delegated to me which is to assist to uphold the integrity of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, furthermore, share ideas with the municipalities within Gauteng on how to deal with ethical dilemmas.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
People– I became an activist and a Human Resources practitioner due to my love for the people. I am leader because of the people. As a leader, they keep me in check by being a sound board in terms of how I can be a better leader and whether I am making a difference in their lives as I have committed to do. They also have the power to remove me as leader therefore they are the cornerstone to successful leadership
What can we expect from you going forward since you started?
To promote efficient government and community involvement, as the newly elected Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, I will concentrate on a number of important issues. My responsibilities will include helping the creation, review, and adoption of legislation that addresses and responses to challenges that are facing people of Gauteng as well as guiding and moderating parliamentary debates to guarantee courteous and fruitful discussions.
By regularly delivering updates, I pledge to actively engage with Gauteng citizens to hear their issues and provide transparency in legislative efforts. In addition, I will address issues of governance, strengthen oversight role of the GPL and promote laws that take Gauteng forward. Collaboration with other government levels, stakeholders, and community members will be central to my efforts to ensure that our decisions reflect the diverse needs of Gauteng’s population and promote the province’s overall well-being.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women to take that first step and start community projects or small businesses?
For young people, particularly women, aiming to start community projects or small businesses in Gauteng, my advice is to begin with a clear vision and passion for what you want to achieve. Identify a cause or problem that excites you, set specific and achievable goals, and develop a detailed business plan to guide your efforts. Research your target market to ensure your idea meets a real need and leverage available resources, such as local government programs, grants, and mentorship opportunities. Build a strong support network by engaging with your community, seeking mentorship, and networking with other entrepreneurs and organizations. Embrace challenges with resilience and adaptability, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Foster inclusivity and empowerment by valuing diverse perspectives and leading by example, as your leadership can inspire others to follow suit. Starting a project or business may seem daunting, but with determination and the right support, you can make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to your community. Community Activism is important as it creates a platform and opportunities for leaders in communities for communities at large.
My role is to hold Gauteng Provincial Government to account so that it gives necessary support to citizens and in particular small and emerging businesses and community programs.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of communities, small businesses, what measures will this administration take to protect our communities, businesses if another pandemic were to hit?
The economic centre of South Africa, Gauteng, saw severe difficulties during the COVID-19 epidemic, including severe strain on its healthcare system, financial losses from lockdowns that affected companies and inhabitants, and disruptions to daily life. In the event that Gauteng were to experience another pandemic, efforts should be directed toward improving the state’s hospital system and modernizing emergency response protocols. It would be imperative to bolster community support by means of public health education, expanded mental health services, and focused small business financial aid. Building resilience would also benefit from assisting companies with their digital transformations, promoting regional economic diversification, and strengthening supply chains. To lessen the effects and guarantee a well-coordinated response, strong testing and contact tracking mechanisms, cooperative efforts integrating the public, corporate, and community sectors, and successful vaccination campaigns are crucial.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
I would like to be remembered for leaving a legacy of positive and transformative impact. My aim is to have built strong, transparent, and accountable institutions that effectively serve the people while championing inclusivity and equality. I hope to be remembered for empowering local communities through meaningful projects, encouraging greater civic engagement, and supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life. Additionally, I want to leave behind a legacy of sustainable development by promoting environmentally friendly practices and fostering economic growth, supporting small businesses, and creating job opportunities. Advancements in education and healthcare would also be a key part of my legacy, ensuring that future generations have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Lastly, I aspire to have mentored and inspired future leaders, particularly women and youth, to step into roles of public service and continue contributing positively to society. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the policies and initiatives I championed have a lasting, beneficial impact on communities long after my tenure.
How does your work DIRECTLY contribute to the community?
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s slogan is “Your view: Our vision” therefore my work directly contributes to the community by enhancing public participation through several key efforts. I facilitate open dialogue by organizing forums, town hall meetings, and public consultations, ensuring that community members have a platform to voice their concerns and engage in discussions about local issues. By prioritizing transparent communication, I keep the public informed about legislative processes and decisions. I actively seek and incorporate public input into policy development, ensuring that policies address the real needs of the community. Additionally, I support community initiatives by securing resources and fostering partnerships with local organizations. I empower citizens through educational programs that inform them about their rights and ways to participate in decision-making processes. Lastly, I oversee the implementation of policies and establish feedback mechanisms to ensure they align with community needs and to provide avenues for reporting issues. Through these efforts, I aim to create a more engaged, informed, and empowered community where public participation is actively integrated into the decision-making process.
What have been your highs and lows of your career?
Reflecting on my career, I have experienced both significant highs and challenging lows that have profoundly shaped my journey and perspective. Overall, the highs of my career have provided motivation and a sense of accomplishment, while the lows have offered valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Each experience has contributed to my development and resilience, shaping my approach to public service and leadership.
The biggest high that stands out is the honour and responsibility bestowed on me to carry on the vision of our forbearers in realising or being part of a democracy building our society.
When you not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow you online?
You will find me in the presence of people whether it is relaxing with my family or doing activism work through my political party. Although I currently have a personal social media profile, I’m available to answer any queries you may have regarding any subjects you find interesting. I engage on various social media platforms on diverse topics such as current affairs, music, restaurants etc, so you can interact and learn more about me whilst I also get to learn about the diverse and different constituencies or communities.
