Get to Know Mr Luyolo Mphithi of the Democratic Alliance

What is your political background?

I began my political journey in student politics at Wits University where I served as the DASO Leader. Shortly after I became a staff member for the Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga where I worked as a Researcher at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature and contributed my skills in Research and Communication to the Caucus. After a year, I was elected as a PR Councillor for the City of Johannesburg where I served the community of Meadowlands in Soweto. This signified the core of my passion, working with my community and related stakeholders to drive their issues in Council. Having spent some time as a public representative, it was important for me to understand how government works. This led me to take up a position in the City of Johannesburg as the Director of Political Administration which gave me a wealth of knowledge. After this valuable time in government, I was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2019.

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

I joined the DA in university.

What does your job as an MP entail?

As an MP my first priority is my constituency which is in Soweto, Rockville, where I work with the community and local stakeholder structures to raise their concerns in Parliament to the various members of the executive. I do this by using written questions, statements and speeches to ensure that their voices find expression. The real work of Parliament happens in Committees, and as a member of the Human Settlements Committee, I ensure that I use this space to raise housing issues. I am also a huge proponent of oversight where I go to see for myself the problems communities have across our country. This enables me to go back to parliament with facts and on-the-ground knowledge. As MPs we also deal with law making through legislation, which is an important part of our work.

What impact do you hope to have?

I hope to find solutions to the many issues that are raised with me by communities across South Africa in order to make a real difference that matters.

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

South Africans have not given any party a majority, which indicates that they want us to work across political lines to achieve a prosperous South Africa. This means each party has a responsibility to ensure that it puts South Africa first.

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

Parliament remains an instiution that is still very far from the people. It is important that we focus on ensuring that the public know their MPs and understand politics, whether they are interested in it or not, they remain impacted by it always.

Which Constituency Office/area have you been assigned to?

My constituency area is Soweto Rockville – Soweto South.

What will you and your party be focusing on during your term? (will you introduce legislation, will your oversight focus on any specific area etc…)

We will be introducing the amendment to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act; to ensure that we act against land invasions taking place across our country.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about a government and public sector that works to improve the lives of all South Africans.

What is your message to South Africa?

As long as there a good upstanding people in our country, we will succeed.

For more information on this MP,visit his profile here