Times Of Swaziland: FORM V PUPIL NOMINATED FOR  MP WINS PRIMARY ELECTIONS

FORM V PUPIL NOMINATED FOR  MP WINS PRIMARY ELECTIONS
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 BY KHULEKANI NENE on 28/08/2018 08:32:00


SITEKI – A Form V pupil who is juggling politics and school has shocked many
by winning the Primary Elections under Tsambokhulu Royal Kraal.
Sifiso Somiso Mahlalela (26), who attends school at Nkalashane High at
Lomahasha, stunned three candidates to record a landslide victory in the Primary
Elections. He amassed a total of 217 votes while his closest competitor could
only manage 83 votes.
In an interview, Mahlalela revealed that despite being a pupil, he was not new
to politics.
“I also participated in the previous elections in 2013 and I was beaten in the
final round by Phineas Magagula, the former Minister of Education and
Training,” he said.
Losing in the second round during the previous elections motivated Mahlalela to
prepare for the 2018 elections, and he is hoping to triumph this time around.
“I was position three last time and that motivated me,” he said.
Mahlalela does not quite remember how he got involved in politics but he said
that he was motivated to contest the elections by the desire to contribute to
the development of his community.
He mentioned that he was an active community member who was involved in many
community activities.
“I’m currently the secretary of the local football league and I am also
involved in other community projects. As such, people of the community believe
in my abilities,” he added.
When asked how he was going to cope since the Form V final examinations are now
around the corner, Mahlalela said he would find a way to balance the two.
“The elections are on September 21, around the time when the examination will
commence. I’ll manage. Even if I win the elections, I’ll concentrate on the
examination and then focus on Parliament business once I’m done,” he stated.
He further said that at first, his parents did not support his political
ambitions but they were now very supportive.
“They felt I was too young for politics but now they are behind me,” said
Mahlalela.
Mahlalela will now face Zanele Mashaba from Lomahasha Umphakatsi, who shocked
many by beating favourites and veteran politicians Meninjeni Mahlalela and
Phineas Magagula. He would also come up against Ndumiso Masimula from Shewula
Umphakatsi, who also recorded a landslide victory, amassing 2 200 votes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Training was unavailable to comment on
the pupil’s election victory.
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry, Dr Sibongile Mtshali, said she was in
a meeting when called yesterday evening.