WATCH: Norkem single mother re-elected in top DA position
She has big hopes for her community, as well as the entire South Africa.
Refiloe Nt’sekhe (41) is a woman in a man’s world.
“I believe, as women, we must take our place. We have a right to be here,” the Norkem Park resident of 18 years tells Express over a cup of tea. By here, of course, she means politics.
This fierce single mother of three and MPL in the Gauteng Legislature was re-elected at the DA’s recent Federal Congress in Tshwane. Nt’sekhe was the only woman re-elected to the federal executive committee. She has been part of the DA for 23 years.
The titles on her business card are endless: DA national spokesperson, deputy federal chairperson, Gauteng social development shadow MEC and constituency head for Kempton Park and Tembisa. But what exactly does she do?
At this, she laughs.
“Every day is different. I work in the provincial legislature, which is like provincial parliament. As shadow MEC for social development, I hold the MEC accountable for how they spend public funds in Gauteng.”
The latter is especially dear to her heart, as she believes social development is the heart of government.
“I like to be the voice of the community. I’ve always believed that what I’m saying in the community and whatever I do in politics, people must be able to say ‘she is asking exactly what I would’ve liked to ask the government. She’s holding the government accountable’.”
Between sharing why she loves her job, Nt’sekhe nibbles on the breakfast she ordered, mentioning earlier that she hasn’t had time to eat yet. Every now and then she checks the time. “Sorry, I’m expecting a call from a local radio station,” she explains.
Despite her busy schedule, she takes time to answer questions thoroughly, and thanks the waiter by her name when she brings milk for her tea.
On top of her political responsibilities, Nt’sekhe runs a marketing consultancy company for small businesses. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy and quality development through UCT.
“I sometimes get up at 3am to study.” So, how on earth does she manage it all?
“If I give you a plate of food you’re going to eat it, right? You’re going to strategise how to get around the food, so do I. It’s a lot of time management. I use a diary to keep me on track between parent evenings, swimming lessons, meetings and interviews.”
Nt’sekhe is the epitome of responsibility and has been since a young age.
“I was pretty much raised by my dad, a farmer, because my mother went to Cuba to be a doctor when I was six.” Her mother returned in 1992 but was not allowed back in South Africa, as government believed she practised military medicine.
“She lived in Lesotho and was able to return home in 1994 when I was in matric.”
Perhaps a role model herself, Nt’sekhe doesn’t have role models but takes characteristics from people she looks up to.
“Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, for example, was feisty. She fought for people who couldn’t fight for themselves.”
Like Madikizela-Mandela, Nt’sekhe is ready to fight and work hard for the dream that she has, not only for Kempton Park and Tembisa, but for South Africa.
“My dream for this county is hope and prosperity. We have the best country in the world. In the right hands and governed well, this country can prosper.”
