Get to Know Andisiwe Kumbaca

What is your political background? How did you come to join your political party and become an MP?

I am an ANC youth league National Working Committee and National Executive Committee Member. I am also a former ANCYL Dr WB Rubusana Regional Executive Member, a former Branch Secretary of the Ward 107 in the Dullar Omar region in the Western Cape and former Regional Chairperson of the South African Youth Council in the Buffalo City Metro.

I became a member of the ANC over a decade ago as a student in university.

I was on the ANC's provincial and national list (Eastern Cape) for the 2024 National General Elections, which resulted from branch nominations and internal ANC processes. I underwent an interview and a vetting process.

What does your job as an MP entail? What impact do you hope to have?

I am currently serving on the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. I hope to achieve impactful oversight that will see South Africa maximise and reach her true potential.

What are your thoughts on the Government of National Unity (GNU) for the Seventh Parliament?

The ANC-led GNU, as per the statement of intent is constituted in the interest of all South Africans, and it is about ensuring a new development agenda that will ensure a better life for all South Africans. How, you probably ask me? Through rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, job creation, transformation and industrialisation. However, strengthening the effectiveness of parliament is on the cards. It’s about creating a just and equitable society and ensuring a better life for South Africans.

What can be done to get citizens more interested/ involved in Parliament?

Parliament must be visible. It must literally be on the ground. The participatory mechanisms to ensure public participation must not be centred on compliance, but rather ensuring that we have responsive legislators, who frequently communicate with their constituents through monthly community meetings, social media engagements and monthly community outreach programmes which will lead to strengthened accountability. Civic education must also be bolstered to ensure that citizens know the systems in place to send petitions and air their views regarding national issues and ensure that their voices shape and find expression in national decisions.

Which Constituency Office/area have you been assigned to? Can you give examples of Constituency work you engaged in or plan to do?

My Constituency office is in Peddie, in the Amathole region of the Eastern Cape. The address is 1277 Market street, Office no 20 & 21. My responsibility is to ensure that Parliament knows the people on the ground and that the people know Parliament, so their needs and realities can be seen, felt, and heard with actions following.

What are you passionate about? This applies both in the political/ professional arena and personally.

I am passionate about my purpose, which is rooted in community activism and development. Professionally I have a keen interest in International Relations and the how regional and global dynamics impact and shape our realities. I am also passionate about people. Personally, I enjoy long- distance running and exploring new places.

What is your message to South Africa?

Do not lose hope fellow South Africans, but rather see the current developments as a form to renew your hope for the future of South Africa. Let’s stay grounded in our values. We stand at a critical juncture in our nation’s journey and we only have ourselves and ourselves alone to re-shape the trajectory of our nation. The challenges we face, such as economic inequality, unemployment, crime and poverty, can only be overcome through collective effort and a renewed commitment to integrity, transparency, and inclusion. Also, to my fellow legislators, we need to be willing as public representatives to climb together and walk towards the pinnacles we hope to reach for the people of South Africa. Our success as a nation lies on us, and the re-instilling of the confidence of the people of South Africa lies on us.

To learn more about this Member, visit her profile