Quick Facts about Sihle Zikalala
| Full Name | Sihle Zikalala |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Politician |
| Date of Birth | 6 August 1973 (age 51) |
| Place of Birth | Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Nationality | South African |
| Gender | Male |
| Wife | Nelly Zikalala |
| Education | University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
| Current Position | Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (since 3 July 2024), Member of the National Assembly, Provincial Chairperson of the African National Congress |
| Political Career | Former Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal |
Biography of Sihle Zikalala
Sihle Zikalala (born 6 August 1973) is a South African politician from KwaZulu-Natal, currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure since 3 July 2024. He has been a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa since 2023, representing the African National Congress (ANC). Prior to this, he held the position of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure from March 2023 to June 2024, and was the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal. He also served as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and as the 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal from 2019 until his resignation in 2022.
Early Life and Education
Sihle Zikalala was born in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal. He joined the African National Congress in 1990 and began his political career as a full-time organizer for the party. Zikalala pursued higher education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and a Bachelor of Administration Honours degree cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Commerce with the Graduate School of Business and Leadership.
Political Career
Zikalala’s political journey began in 1996 when he was elected as a councillor in the Ilembe District Municipality. He held various leadership roles within the ANC, including Secretary General of the African National Congress Youth League, Provincial Deputy Secretary, and Provincial Secretary.
In November 2015, he was sworn in as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, filling a vacancy. By June 2016, newly-elected Premier Willies Mchunu appointed him as MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs. In July 2018, he was re-elected unopposed as the Provincial Chairperson of the ANC.
Following the 2019 elections, Zikalala was selected as the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal Premier candidate. He was elected and officially assumed the role on 27 May 2019, serving as the 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal until his resignation in 2022. In 2024, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, a role he has held since 3 July.
Personal Life
Sihle Zikalala is married to Nelly Zikalala, the First Lady of KwaZulu-Natal, since April 2016. The couple has three children together. Zikalala’s contributions to South African politics reflect his commitment to public service and governance.