Buli Sonqishe
Ward 32 Clr Bongani Nkomo was elected deputy provincial chairperson for Gauteng at the DA Congress that was held recently.
Nkomo has been a councillor since 2014 for Ward 32 which incorporates Greenstone and Modderfontein.
He joined the DA as a volunteer in 2011 and assisted in the build-up to the local government elections.
From there he was appointed constituency operations manager and assisted councillors and branches with ground campaigns, specifically in the areas of Alexandra, Sandton and Houghton. “The opportunity then came for me to stand as councillor through a by-election in 2014, and I have been a councillor since then,” said Nkomo.
He is originally from Delmas, Mpumalanga and his education began at Linksfield Primary School and then Sandringham High School.
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He later graduated from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with a BA in Public Management and Governance.
“It was during my time at UJ that my interest in politics began. At an early age I always wanted to be a lawyer, and this was informed by my desire to be the voice of others, especially the voiceless. I slowly came to the realisation that politics was an opportunity to be the voice of many,” said Nkomo.
Nkomo not only holds a BA in Public Management and Governance but also a Diploma in Human Resources and Training.
He is also a graduate of the DA Young Leaders Programme 2017 and a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) graduate.
When asked what his new appointment means to him, Nkomo said his new position is significant to him personally and to young people in general.
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“It is an indication that the party is creating a platform for young people and that we have confidence in young people and their contribution to the decision-making process. Having been developed first as an activist and then a staff member, I am very passionate about the capacitation of our hard working activists, staff members and public representatives.
“I have therefore committed my efforts and energy to developing a rigorous and high-impact training programme, which would inform the party’s leadership academy which is soon to be implemented. Amongst other responsibilities, in collaboration with the newly elected provincial leader and chairperson, I form part of the decision making body which will develop the strategy to take us into the 2019 elections,” said Nkomo.
He said his new appointment will not interfere with his duties as ward councillor as he will continue with his duties as per usual.
“I am honoured and excited for being appointed deputy chairperson for Gauteng. Support at the congress was overwhelming. My fellow candidates all fought strong and robust campaigns. As a result of the confidence placed in me, I am motivated to do more and hopefully I can inspire fellow young leaders,” he said.
Nkomo said he believes members of the DA have a lot to offer.
They simply need to be heard – the youth included.
“If the leadership academy is going to be a success, it will need to address relevant and real issues. I plan to visit the various regions during my consultation process. I believe that as the DA, it is very important that we capacitate our activists in such a way that they are confident enough to articulate not only the message of the DA, but also their issues, ideas and aspirations,” he said.
“To those who voted for me, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the confidence they have shown in me personally and young people as a whole. I have committed to being their voice, support structure and leader, while remaining humble, transparent and energetic,” said Nkomo.
