Burns-ncamashe replaces Tozama Mantashe as MP
Former Eastern Cape House of Traditional leaders deputy chair Prince Zolile Burns-ncamashe has joined the National Assembly.
Burns-ncamashe, Amarharhabe kingdom’s royal spokesperson, was sworn in as an ANC MP on Thursday to replace Tozama Mantashe, minerals & energy minister Gwede Mantashe’s sister, who died from Covid-19 related complications earlier this year.
Other Eastern Cape traditional leaders serving as ANC MPS include deputy correctional services minister, former Contralesa national president and Amahegebe nation head Phathekile Holomisa, his cousin and UDM leader Prince Bantu Holomisa, and former president Nelson Mandela’s eldest grandson and Mvezo traditional council head Mandla Mandela.
International award-winning cultural activist and Mandela’s imbongi yesizwe (praise-poet) Zolani Mkiva is also Contralesa secretary-general and an ANC MP.
Contralesa provincial secretary Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo congratulated Burns-ncamashe, the grandson of Zilimbola of Amagwali.
“Contralesa does not take for granted the recognition made by the governing party of one of our members, Prince Ncamashe.”
He said Burns-ncamashe, a founding member of the national house of traditional leaders, was known for his willingness to serve the people of SA.
“His experience in serving the institution of royal leadership for more than 20 years says it all. He performed outstandingly and shone in all tasks he was given,” Dudumayo said.
Apart from a stint as Contralesa’s national organiser, Burns-ncamashe was ECHTL deputy chair from 2002 to 2017.
Dudumayo praised him for fighting discriminatory laws outside parliament, saying he believed the new parliamentarian would continue to champion that role alongside his new one.
“He is a man of honesty and integrity, a strict disciplinarian and an inspirational leader.”
Dudumayo also praised the ANC for having tapped into the institution of traditional leadership countrywide and finding capable people who could serve SA with distinction.
Burns-ncamashe described his latest appointment as humbling.
“I have mixed feelings as we have just laid to rest a close friend and comrade in Tozama Mantashe, yet I have to replace her in carrying out her revolutionary work in the advancement of socioeconomic transformation of our country and its people.”
He promised to serve the people of SA with loyalty, honesty and diligence.