‘I have a mandate to lead through servitude’
THE new ANC chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal is ready to be of service to the people of the province.
Siboniso Duma grew up in Ward 19 of Mtwalume with three siblings.
“My mom was a domestic worker, and my father, who worked as a construction worker in Durban, died when I was young. Growing up without a father figure was difficult.
“My mom struggled to provide for us. She did her best until her last days,” said Duma.
He said losing his parents at a young age helped him become resilient.
“Despite the circumstances in which we grew up, we managed. We got support from the community we lived in. Back then, communities were able to contribute towards the kids who were poorer at the time, unlike now where everyone fends for themselves.”
Duma is now married with four children and credits his upbringing for enabling him to be a better father.
His political career began during his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal when he joined the ANC youth league.
He was also the ANC Youth League deputy president in 2008 and a member of the KZN Legislature since 2009.
Of his newly-elected position, Duma said he always wanted to be a leader.
“I have a mandate to lead, and I delight in servanthood. As politicians, we are not just in a career but rather on a path to serve the people.”
Regarding allegations of factionalism within the ANC in the province, Duma said everyone in the party shared a collective goal.
“At this point in time, the environment in KZN is not bad in terms of the understanding between comrades.
“Even during our elective conference, there was cordiality among the comrades. Even though we were contesting against each other during the elections, we still have a common goal of winning the 2024 elections. This is what drives us.
“It’s not just about us as members of the ANC, but it is about uniting to serve the broader needs of the people currently suffering in society. Comrades need to love and embrace other comrades who do not agree with their views.
“They need to understand that this is the calibre required, and it ought to permeate into all regions and branches of the party so that the ANC will be stronger going forward.”
Duma’s faction of the ANC is known as the Taliban. He said this was just a nickname.
“The name comes from the resilience of the Taliban in fighting against the United States all these years. In terms of groupings within the ANC, we were the underdogs.
“Only comrade (Sipho) Hlomuka (new provincial deputy secretary) was part of the officials, but we didn’t have much of a say. That’s where the name comes from.
“Some of us thought the name Taliban should not have been used because of the negative connotations associated with the Taliban, such as killing people and discrimination against women. It’s not a name that people should embrace. It only served as a nickname.”
Duma said alignment with the Freedom Charter of 1955 was one of the ways they hoped to ensure a win for the 2024 elections.
“The Freedom Charter is vitally important to us. Access to health and free education will be real implementations, and we aim to deliver on those principles.”
He said the particular focus would be paid to the clause of the Charter that referred to ownership of land.
“Majority of black people don’t own any means of production in this country. Because of this, people are bound to revolt against you as the ruling party.
“We must make sure we change that narrative as the ANC in the province.
“We will address inequality and unemployment.
“Every household should be able to fend for themselves, and land ownership plays a big role in ensuring that.”
Duma was elected as the provincial chairperson, defeating Sihle Zikalala by 265 votes.
He received 930 votes and Zikalala 665 votes during the elective conference recently.