Tell Us About Yourself?

Norma Mbatha

I was born in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Vryheid but raised at KwaNongoma.  I relocated to Gauteng in January 1999 and, since then, have been a resident of Johannesburg. 

I see myself as a spiritually gifted African woman with a strong mission to work for the people, with the people, and by the people ! My spirituality reminds me at all times to be a humble servant of the people and to be grounded to a point where I cease to be aware of the status of those I meet, no matter what their station in life.

Professionally, I am the Executive Chairperson of two NGOs and an Executive of my own Businesses.

Much of my world view and my love for politics has stemmed from my father who was not only a politician, but also a businessman and a covert statesman.  Tragically my father, with whom I was very close, was assassinated when I was fifteen (15). At that time I ventured  into the political realm and ended up committing twenty years of my life researching his murder. I clearly inherited  a strong sense of independence from my dad and I had no problem leaving my home at the age of eighteen (18) to start my own life without the support of  parents or family. Ironically I carved out a life where strangers became my family and emotional support structure.

I would describe myself as a self-taught women who studied through a London Institution where I gained an Administration qualification, then working towards a National Diploma in Marketing through the University of South Africa, a qualification with Fulcrum in MS Project for Project Managers, and thereafter an incomplete BA in Psychology at Wits University. Recently I was admitted to the University of London to pursue a Degree in BSc International Relations.

Professionally I have worked over a period of eleven years with a number of big South African based corporate companies as an Executive Personal Assistant and I have also had fifteen years’ experience  running my own businesses which, combined, has given me twenty six years work experience in the corporate world including experience interfacing with government departments

Even from an early age I have proved myself to be a natural leader whether as a prefect at primary school, as the captain of whatever sport I played throughout my primary and high school life, or in terms of various leadership positions within teenage communal residences, or, for that matter being an Executive Chairperson for various NGOs.

Whilst I see myself as someone who leads from the front, and by example, I make a conscious effort to be a phone call away for all those who are close to me who are in need of counselling, advice or just warm words of encouragement.

Ward status.

I have been a resident of Ward 126 for more than five (5) years. This Ward, which contains three (3) voting districts, boasts a population of about twenty nine thousand (29 000) and is located on the border of Randburg and Roodepoort.

What was your first Encounter with the ANC that inspired your Activism?

I can honestly say that I can refer to several incidents. The first was probably when my granny warned my dad that his children will get him killed as they are ‘’NC’’, (meaning ANC) !!  I also vividly recall the release from jail of our late, and former, President Nelson Mandela that convinced my aunt to lock me in the house as protection from being arrested or, worse than that, getting killed. Likewise the death of Comrade Chris Hani that resulted in us being attacked at our boarding school as this institution was regarded as an ANC school in KZN and thereafter watching the funeral, in turns, to guard against the well known and only accepted Party then operating in KwaZulu Natal.

MDM structure you participated or Led?

For more than two decades, I have been a financial supporter of the ANC both from my own pocket and through fundraising from my business associates for the branches in areas where I resided, including Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni and Ward 126.

Challenges in the Ward?

My community urgently needs transformation where the financial benefits of the economy filters down to, and is shared by, all those who live within it.  It is evident that service delivery needs to be improved not only in terms of illegal taxi ranks, but regular grass cutting, identifying and fixing potholes and street lights, addressing the issues of Street Workers, traffic flow and congestion, Public Transport within internal routes, over-crowding of police stations, and parks that need better maintained grounds and amenities.

Solutions You Have and Will Propose in Council?

An inclusive economy for all race, gender, young and old.  Service Delivery for the identified challenges in the Ward, traceable records on business benefited by local small business entrepreneurs with more attention being paid to Professionals such as Domestic Workers, Security Officers, Gardeners, and Retail Shop Workers.

How Have you contributed in This Community?

My focus has been to assist at ground level helping people in directing and assisting them relating to work environment exploitation and food parcel supplies as and when required through my NGOs.

Successes of the ANC that inspires you to continue your activism?

The ANC has always espoused a culture of Free will and a democratic approach towards all South Africans, with a tolerance towards foreigners of all races and genders, always promoting social grants from which our people benefit from birth to old age, whilst maintaining an attitude that we can all learn from  mistakes made, whilst unlearning  the sufferings of apartheid. This culture embraces the gift of forgiving people, who never asked for forgiveness, the art and continuous skill to maneuverer under strong criticism, mostly from within, and from those who resist transformation and grace by embracing our painful history that has seen many who have lost their loved ones.

The ANC, for all its perceived failings, is still the only African party that can truly represent those at the grass roots of this magical and wonderful country and I strongly desire to make a difference and be part of this next exciting chapter.