FORM V PUPIL NOMINATED FOR MP WINS PRIMARY ELECTIONS

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.

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