Xolile Mkhabela on Ivota Lakho Eleyi Thulusi and Women’s Representation
Xolile Mkhabela, 2024 activator from Ward 20 in Umhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkhabela is a young person whose commitment to community development earned her the confidence of community leaders, who believe she is ready to run as a candidate in the upcoming local elections in November 2026.
Mkhabela realised at a tender age of 19 years that decisions made at ward level directly affect everyday lives, from access to water and roads to youth programs in communities. This is when she realized that she wanted to be at the table where those decisions are made and shape the future of her community.
Mkhabela’s journey to becoming a political candidate began with community work. She had volunteered in feeding schemes, helped register young people to vote, attended ward committee meetings, and listened to people’s problems with the desire to help. Her willingness to serve her community did not go unnoticed. This is why, at the age of only 25 years, leaders in her community encouraged her to put her name forward because they saw the work she was putting in. She then offered herself as a candidate to serve formally at the local level.
Being a young woman who is running for public office means responsibility and representation for Mkhabela. For a long time, the tables in office have been dominated by men, and she aims to join the few women who want to change this reality. Although she might not have had any positive female role models she looked up to serving in government, she aspires to be that woman to other young girls- an inspiration to them.
Running as a woman means young girls can see themselves in leadership. It also means she brings issues like safety, childcare, and health to the front of the agenda. Issues that are often neglected by government in rural areas.
Mkhabela acknowledges that women face different expectations and barriers in political spaces. This is because they are expected to be “soft” but also “tough” at the same time to handle demanding leadership environments. So they may face questions about family responsibilities, safety when attending night meetings, and sometimes their ideas are not taken seriously as their male counterparts. And for Mkhabela, this is the reason why they must be there- to change those expectations and make space for more women.
Some of the issues that the community of Umhlabuyalingana ward 20 faces:
- A huge rate of unemployment with a lack of jobs and skills opportunities available.
- Drug abuse- not enough recreation and support programs.
- Lack of information- many people don’t know about bursary and tender opportunities or even municipal programs.
Mkhabela aims to address these by
- Partnering with the municipality and SMME’s for youth internships and EPWP programs for ward 20.
- Push for functional sport fields and after-school programs
- Host monthly Youth Imbizo’s plus having WhatsApp groups to share bursary, job, and tender opportunities.
A Call For Young People To Participate
Mkhabela believes young people ought to take an active interest in the upcoming elections because this is where many services that affect their daily lives begin. Issues of youth unemployment, bursaries, sports, internet, and skills centers are all directly connected to the decisions taken at the local level. If young people do not participate, policies will be made “for us without us”.
One message to voters, especially young and first-time voters, is that “Inkululeko ayizimeli. I vota lakho liyithuluzi”. Your vote is not just a mark on paper; it is your voice for jobs, services, and a future you want.
“Don’t stay at home. Instead, vote for someone who will show up for you after the elections.”.-Mkhabela
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About the Author:
Londiwe Mnguni is an activated young person passionate about community development and social change, with a deep commitment to contributing meaningfully to initiatives that empower and uplift communities.
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