Jacob Zuma Ally Nomkelemane Langa to Contest Nkandla Ward 3 for MK Party
NKANDLA | A familiar voice that has echoed through political rallies, court appearances and public gatherings in support of former President Jacob Zuma is now preparing for a new role on the frontline of South African politics.
Nomkelemane Langa, the celebrated praise singer, Maskandi musician and former Ugubhu Lwami presenter on 1KZN TV, has officially been selected to contest Ward 3 in the Nkandla Local Municipality under the banner of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.
For years, Langa has been one of Zuma’s most visible supporters, standing firmly beside the former president during some of the most turbulent chapters of his political and legal battles. Now, he hopes to translate that loyalty into electoral support in a ward that has remained under the control of a single political party since the dawn of democracy.
The 48 year old was reportedly elected unanimously by party structures, a development he described as both humbling and deeply emotional.
Speaking after his nomination, Langa said he was overwhelmed by the trust placed in him by residents, particularly those from the Lushaba and Khabela communities.
According to Langa, politics has always been woven into the fabric of his life.
He traces his political roots to his uncle, Sam Siwela, an ANC activist who was pursued by apartheid security forces in Katlehong and surrounding parts of Johannesburg during the 1960s. Those experiences, he said, shaped the environment in which he grew up.
Langa recalled how his family home in Nkandla became a refuge for schoolchildren fleeing political violence in Johannesburg. Discussions about liberation icons such as Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela were commonplace in his household.
However, he said his relationship with politics changed dramatically in recent years.
“Because the ANC lost its integrity, where right was called wrong and wrong was called right, and after witnessing the persecution of Baba, how he was cornered, demonised in public and eventually jailed, I decided to step away from politics, remain silent and wait for Baba to speak out,” Langa said.
“Now that he has spoken and shown us the foundation by telling us to build our own home, Umkhonto weSizwe, I gladly jumped at the opportunity.”
His comments underline the continued influence Zuma commands among sections of the electorate in KwaZulu Natal, particularly in and around his home region of Nkandla.
Langa said he considers it a privilege to play a role in what he described as protecting and advancing Zuma’s political vision.
“What inspires me most is seeing Baba, despite his advanced age and having achieved everything, still sacrificing time with his grandchildren to fight afresh for our political liberation,” he said.
Born in eThala under Chief Mchunu in the KwaVimbimbobo area of Nkandla, Langa is the son of Zeblon Tshelubani Mhlekwa and Reginah Sesana Langa, née Siwela. He is the youngest of six children.
He attended Chwezi Primary School and Mpucuzeko Primary School before completing his secondary education at Nkandla High School and Mnqandi High School, where he obtained his matric qualification.
Beyond politics, Langa has built a profile as a cultural figure in KwaZulu Natal. In addition to his work as a praise singer, he is a Maskandi musician and a published poetry author.
As campaigning intensifies ahead of the November polls, Langa has called on residents to rally behind his candidacy and give the MK Party an opportunity to break long-standing political patterns in the ward.
His candidacy adds another high-profile name to the MK Party’s growing list of local election contenders, while further highlighting the enduring political significance of Nkandla, the hometown that remains closely linked to Zuma’s legacy.
With election day drawing closer, all eyes will be on whether the popular cultural figure can transform his public profile and unwavering support for Zuma into votes at the ballot box.
