Naledi Chirwa
Naledi Nokukhanya Chirwa (born 22 July 1993) is a South African feminist, legislator and former student activist serving as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). She was previously involved with the FeesMustFall student protests that occurred at the University of Pretoria in 2015 and 2016. After having taken office as an MP on 22 May 2019, she became one of the youngest MPs of the 27th Parliament.
Naledi Chirwa | |
|---|---|
| MP | |
| Member of the National Assembly of South Africa | |
| Assumed office 22 May 2019 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Naledi Nokukhanya Chirwa 22 July 1993 Vosloorus, East Rand, Transvaal Province, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Political party | Economic Freedom Fighters (2015–present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of Pretoria |
| Occupation | Member of Parliament |
| Profession | Politician |
Biography
Chirwa was born on 22 July 1993 in Vosloorus, East Rand, in the former Transvaal Province.[1] She grew up in Mamelodi, Pretoria. At the age of 15, she served as a deputy president of the Tshwane North College FET (now known as the Tshwane North College TVET).[1]
She later enrolled at the University of Pretoria for a drama degree. She joined the EFF in 2015 and became a member of the party's Student Command. In August 2016, during former president Jacob Zuma's speech at the IEC election centre following the 2016 municipal elections, Chirwa and three other student activists held up signs reading "remember Khwezi", "I am 1 in 3" and "10 yrz later", in reference to Zuma's rape trial during the mid-2000s.[2]
Also in 2016, Chirwa was involved in student protests relating to the FeesMustFall movement. She was later arrested and suspended on campus as part of her bail conditions.[3]
In 2019, she was elected to the National Assembly and became the youngest EFF MP. Chirwa serves alongside other student activists such as Peter Keetse, Nompendulo Mkhatshwa and Vuyani Pambo. All of whom were elected in 2019.[4]
Chirwa has one child.[1]
References
- Zwane, Nokuthula (4 June 2019). "Naledi Chirwa: Voice of the voiceless". Sunday World. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
- Makhubu, Ntando (8 Aug 2016). "Woman in Zuma #Khwezi protest speaks out". IOL. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
- Madibogo, Julia (19 October 2016). "Who is Naledi Chirwa - Drama student‚ Zuma tormentor‚ EFF student leader and fees must fall campaigner". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
- Bhengu, Cebelihle (22 May 2019). "Power to the new generation: three young MPs you need to know". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 13 April 2020.