Mbalenhle Cleopatra Frazer, commonly known as Mbali Frazer, is a South African politician and former educator who was KwaZulu-Natal's Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education from August 2022 until June 2024. She has served in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature as an African National Congress MPL since 2014. Frazer was elected deputy provincial chairperson of the African National Congress Women's League in August 2023.
Mbali Frazer | |
|---|---|
| KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education | |
| In office 11 August 2022 – 14 June 2024 | |
| Premier | Nomusa Dube-Ncube |
| Preceded by | Kwazi Mshengu |
| Succeeded by | Sipho Hlomuka |
| Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature | |
| Assumed office 21 May 2014 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mbalenhle Cleopatra Frazer |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Profession | Educator, politician |
Career in the ANC
editFrazer is a former teacher and trade unionist. In 2014, Frazer was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on the ticket of the African National Congress. Frazer supported Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's unsuccessful ANC presidential campaign in 2017.[1] She was re-elected to the provincial legislature in 2019 and then elected as the chairperson of the public works committee. When Dlamini-Zuma came under scrutiny during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Frazer came to her defence.[1]
At the provincial African National Congress Women's League elective conference held from 4 to 7 August 2023, Frazer successfully contested the position of deputy provincial chairperson. She defeated Phumzile Mbatha-Cele for the position, winning with 649 votes to Mbatha-Cele's 545.[2]
Provincial government
editFollowing the resignation of Sihle Zikalala as the premier of KwaZulu-Natal on 5 August 2022, Frazer, ANC MPL Amanda Mapena and Finance MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube were shortlisted by the provincial ANC as possible candidates to succeed Zikalala.[1] The premier's position ultimately went to Dube-Ncube.[3] Following Dube-Ncube's election and inauguration, she named her executive council on 11 August 2022. Frazer was appointed as the MEC for Education, succeeding Kwazi Mshengu.[4][5][6] Trade unions welcomed her appointment.[7]
Frazer was re-elected to her seat in the provincial legislature in the 2024 provincial election, however, she was not reappointed to the Executive Council.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b c Motha, Sandile (2022-08-07). "The women in the wings". Sunday World. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ Xulu, Khethukuthula (2023-08-07). "Nonhlanhla Khoza wins KZN ANCWL top position". Witness. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
- ^ Khumalo, Juniour. "Dube-Ncube's appointment as premier shows 'significant shift' for women leaders, says ANCYL". News24. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ "KZN Premier appoints four new MECs, Zikalala takes over Co-operative Governance portfolio". SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. 2022-08-11. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ "Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube: Introduction of the new members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ "KZN premier appoints new cabinet | eNCA". www.enca.com. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ Zondi, Nomonde. "Teacher unions welcome Mbali Frazer as new KZN Education MEC". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ "Provincial Legislatures" (PDF). Electoral Commission of South Africa. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
External links
edit- Mbalenhle Cleopatra Frazer at People's Assembly