Mayor calls for educated leaders
IN what looks like a direct response to the MEC for Cogta, Nomusa DubeNcube’s concern about the level of education of KZN councillors, uMfolozi Municipal Mayor, Cllr Smangaliso Mgenge has added another feather in his academic cap.
Mgenge was among the thousands of students who graduated during the annual University of Zululand Graduation Ceremony held last week, at KwaDlangezwa.
He received his Bachelors degree in Public Administration.
When presenting her budget speech last week, MEC Dube-Ncube said more than 200 councillors did not have matric and this was impacting negatively on their work.
‘I share the MEC’s sentiments in this regard,’ said Mgenge.
This political giant is no stranger to academic life. He is a teacher by profession.
Before becoming active in politics, he enrolled at the now defunct Esikhawini College of Education, where he completed his Secondary Teachers Diploma, majoring in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Mgenge is now continuing his education with an Honours degree in Public Administration, which he aims to complete in December this year.
‘I have always understood that education is the most powerful tool that we can use to unlock community development. For me, having community leaders who are armed educationally makes a great deal of sense.
‘The reality is that one cannot rely on politics for life, but having a qualification will guarantee you that when one door closes, another opens.
‘How I so wish other community leaders can follow suit, especially councillors, whose future depends on the five-year term.
‘This message must also go out to our youth, particularly those who are active in politics, to make education fashionable,’ he said.