Durban -
He is known for being vocal about political community issues. In council meetings he often challenges dubious the decisions taken by the eThekwini municipality.
The DA caucus leader of the eThekwini municipality, Zwakele Mncwango (36), who also serves as the provincial leader, is both a politician and an academic.
On Friday he graduated with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Accompanied by his family, when Mncwango walked up to the stage to accept his qualification.
“I studied from 2013 to 2015, it was hectic, but what really came to mind is that I had a vision and for me to fulfil this vision, I had to make sure I had perseverance. I studied full-time, attending classes. It was challenging but sometimes we make excuses and end up not following our career goals. For me studying is a need and going out with friends is a want. I prioritised my studies,” said Mncwango.
Mncwango took up MBA studies when he was already employed as an engineer and his political career was growing, but he said it was not enough.
His thesis focused on corporate governance in the eThekwini Municipality. Before taking on the MBA, he had done studies on good governance and transparency, in the US, and strategic planning and political leadership, in Germany.
“I felt that an MBA is broad, it gives you a different perspective about life from accounting, statistics, management, strategy, economics and all these things. I felt it lacking in South African politics. I asked myself what I could do to contribute,” he said.
“What also pushed me to do an MBA is seeing how people are elected to positions, like public representatives, officials and MPs - there’s no criteria used. You find people who lack capabilities to make decision.
To make decisions you need to be well informed hence education becomes important.”
Mncwango was born in Edlabe, Kwa-Nongoma.
Sunday Tribune