Zwelihle Maseko (18), an ActionSA PR councillor candidate, says he wants to create opportunities for young people and drive change in his community. Photo by Raymond Morare.
YOUNGEST councillor candidate wants to meet Mashaba.
The grade 12 pupil at Belfast Academy in Mpumalanga said he wants to meet ActionSA president Herman Mashaba so that he can clearly share his vision with him and the goals and objectives of the party.
Zwelihle Maseko (18) from Emakhazeni ward 8 in Belfast, Mpumalanga, who is contesting as an ActionSA proportional councillor, said he can’t wait to meet Mashaba.
“I want to be a councillor because I’ve seen the struggles of the youth in ward 8, my ward, my area. The youth here is neglected, which is why most young people end up doing drugs.
“Other young people are talented, but there are no opportunities for employment. Those are the other challenges I aim to fix. I believe politics will give me the platform to do so,” he said.
Zwelihle, who turned 18 on 13 March 2026, said it will be his first time voting, and he’ll vote for ActionSA.
“I chose ActionSA because I feel it aligns with my vision of Emakhazeni Local Municipality. The party believes in young people. Unlike other political parties, the party didn’t see my age but saw my potential. I’ve been involved in service delivery like organising protests at the local mine demanding employment opportunities for young people,” he said.
He said that from the age of 14, he discovered the other side of his life, becoming involved in politics. He said he officially joined ActionSA on 29 May 2026 but has been following the party since January 2026.
“I chose the party because it aligns with my vision for the community. I’m passionate about serving the community. I balance school and politics,” he said.
Zwelihle said he doesn’t believe in competition but in serving and making a difference in the community.
“My classmates have told me that politics is my thing. My biggest wish is to bring opportunities like agriculture and entrepreneurship, and I believe the businesses can thrive in the area.”
He said that Emakhazeni has a huge opportunity to grow, especially economically. His plea to the government is that it must empower young people with resources to start small businesses.
“I have potential, although I don’t have much knowledge about politics. I’m only starting out. I’m still young with fewer responsibilities, but my responsibility will be my community. Community is my life,” he said.
Zwelihle’s biggest ambition is to become the minister of basic education one day. However, the young man candidate said that if he dies in the service of his community, he’ll die with a smile on his face.
He said that he doesn’t have a girlfriend and broke up with his ex in 2025 and is not available as his mission is to serve his community and studies. Zwelihle said that he wants to become a commercial lawyer as well.
His promise to the people is that he doesn’t mind going down to the ground with people and knowing the community’s challenges. The young councillor candidate said that people respect him as a young, ambitious man. However, the community cherishes his responsibility and respect.
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Zwelihle said that he also writes poetry and philosophy. He said that he enjoys eating sheep tripe with pap. Zwelihle said his role model is his dad, Emakhazeni Local Municipality Mayoral candidate Daniel Foyoyo Maseko (50).
His mum, Sibongile Mnisi (37) said: “I consider politics as an opportunity for the community to be led by such a great leader. He’s known in the community and is a well-behaved boy.”
His dad Daniel said: “Politics is dangerous but is the only platform in South Africa where decisions are taken.”
He said that his son reminds him of young people who fought apartheid on June 16.
Nozibele Ndwandwa, a resident in Emakhazeni, said: “We allow him to lead us, but we don’t want him to forget us.”
Bongumusa Nkosi (18), a matric pupil at Belfast Academy, said that it’s a great thing to see his friend contesting for elections.
“He has always had signs of political interests. He doesn’t disappoint and is courageous. Most of us are behind his decision he took,” he said.
He said that Zwelihle is a great pupil and takes his schoolwork seriously.
Responding to Zwelihle’s video on Twitter, ActionSA leader Mashaba, said: “Hi Zwelihle, your video has deeply touched me. I’m going to do everything possible to meet you one of these days. You are a true inspiration to the youth of our country.”