Born in Diepkloof, Soweto, and exposed to unpleasant conditions which were intended to break her spirit, Honourable Chairperson of Committees (Chair of Chairs) Sizakele Emelda Nkosi-Malobane nonetheless grew to become a highly respected leader. Her first dose of indoctrination, which defined her quest for both intellectual growth and total liberation, was was at Madibane High School where she was introduced to the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) by the late David Diutlwileng. Driven by an irrepressible urge to succeed, she proceeded to educate herself and subsequently completed numerous courses of study.
As a sensitised young person, she refused to be intimidated and suppressed by the then goliaths of the Apartheid government. She became an operative in the progressive forces. Her activity in the political sphere made her an obvious target which led to her head-on encounter with oppressive law enforcement which saw her land in jail alongside Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Jessie Duarte to name a few. She refused, however, to be muzzeled by the system and, even as a young mother she never deserted her impassioned fight for freedom, a passion that still burns in her to this day, now driving her to fight for the emancipation of women.
Such is the life of Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, a steadfast and loyal member of the ANC, who has 25 years’ experience in government including serving as a Member of the Mayoral Committee for various portfolios in the City of Johannesburg. She has been a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature since 2009, when she served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committees on Community Safety and Education. She served as a Member of the Executive Council for the Community SAfety portfolio from 2014 to 2019.
On matters of State and Governance, Nkosi-Malobane argues that bureaucracy should be viewed as a means to ensure prompt delivery of quality service to our masters, the people of Gauteng. “Cutlural change is premised on values of quality service, responsiveness and a sense of urgency has to be instilled if we want a credible department.” She further stresses a need for politicians to “embrace a culture that encourages civil servants to always ask themselves what can be done to improve service delivery.”
Nkosi-Malobane also believes that transparency is key to good governance and corruption has no place in government. “I despise corruption and I am of the view that corrupt officials should be treated like any other criminal,” she said.
Her vision is to restore the image of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, rooting out violent community protests, strengthening community engagements with the Legislature, putting an end to violence against women and children, as well as rooting out the scourge of substance abuse which so often contributions to social crimes.
In spite of her demanding work schedule, she still finds time to spend with her family and friends, as well as to engage with citizens from all walks of life. When asked about her favourite pastime, Nkosi-Malobane said “I am a huge music follower. I listen to various genres such as jazz, kwaito and R&B.”
