Duma takes over as ANC chairman in KwaZulu-Natal

Sboniso Duma has been elected as the new chairman of the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal.

Duma was born and bred in Mthwalume, Nkambini area ward 19 under Umzumbe municipality.

He has taken over from the Sihle Zikalala, whose term finished last Friday in the party’s ninth provincial conference, held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.

Before the conference started it seemed that many members of the party had already decided that they wanted Zikalala out.

After that the numbers did not lie when results were announced as Duma had won by a convincing margin.

Duma had 930 votes to Zikalala’s 665 votes.

“The results are an expression from the people, so it is not about winning or losing in the ANC,” said Duma.

When he was asked what change will he bring, not only in his party but for KZN as a whole, he mentioned that Ugu is one of the areas that they want to focus on.

“We want to go back to basis and build strong branch structures. I know Ugu has been facing water challenges for years and that is one of the things that should change and be taken seriously,” he said.

“We want better service delivery, where our ward councillors must be aligned with province and national in terms of goals and service delivery.”

He said that they also want to bring back hope to the people and will do that by being involved with church leaders and traditional houses.

When asked if he will be taking the Premier’s position anytime soon, he said ‘we must wait’.

“We are yet to see, let’s wait for the KZN cabinet to change, until then people must wait. It has never happened that when one is elected as the chairperson they then instantly become premier.”

Duma attended Mnafu Junior Primary, Mandlendoda Senior Primary and finally matriculated at Luthuli high.

He says that he is happily married with four children.

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