Introduction
Colleen Makhubele is a prominent South African politician and businesswoman who has made waves in the last few years. In 2023, she founded the South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA) political party and currently serves as its president. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look at Colleen Makhubele’s biography, tracing her early life, education, political career and leadership of SARA.
Early Life and Upbringing
Colleen Makhubele was born in Giyani, Limpopo province in South Africa. She comes from a middle-class family, with her mother being a retired nurse and her father a teacher. Tragically, Colleen lost her father in a car accident when she was just 16 years old. Despite this difficulty, she persevered in her studies. Makhubele is the third of four siblings and was raised with strong family values of hard work and service.
Education and Early Career
After completing her high school education in Limpopo, Makhubele pursued an honors degree in Information Technology from the Multimedia University in Malaysia. She graduated with honors and also obtained a diploma in Project Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA), certifying her as a PRINCE2 practitioner. Armed with her tech and management qualifications, Makhubele began her career in the private sector, working for IT companies in South Africa.
Entry into Politics with COPE
Makhubele’s entry into formal politics began in 2008 when she joined the short-lived Congress of the People (COPE) political party, which had split from the African National Congress (ANC). Within COPE, she rose to serve as the party’s Deputy Provincial Chairperson in Gauteng. However, COPE struggled to gain traction and suffered internal conflicts, prompting Makhubele to move on after a few years. Nevertheless, this period gave her valuable on-the-ground political organizing experience.
Career in Johannesburg Local Government
In 2011, Makhubele was elected as a councilor to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) ticket. Over the next decade, she held numerous leadership roles in the City, including Chief Whip of the Opposition and Speaker of Council. As Speaker, Makhubele oversaw the functioning of Johannesburg’s municipal council and ensured transparency and accountability. Her competent performance in local governance positions enhanced her national profile.
Founding the South African Rainbow Alliance
Frustrated with the lack of transformation and inclusive policies of established parties, Makhubele decided to launch her own political vehicle – the South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA) – in 2023. She envisioned SARA as a progressive, centrist party advocating for diversity, women’s empowerment, youth opportunities and small business growth. Under Makhubele’s charismatic leadership, SARA has grown rapidly in some areas and plans to contest national elections.
Leadership Style and Policy Priorities
As SARA’s president, Makhubele leads from the front with a consultative, consensus-building style. She focuses on empowering women, bridging racial divides and addressing high youth unemployment. Makhubele advocates free higher education and skills training to develop entrepreneurs. On local issues, she emphasizes service delivery, infrastructure projects and addressing residents’ basic needs. Nationally, her policies aim to revive the economy through agriculture, green energy and technology.
Recognition and Impact
Makhubele’s leadership abilities and vision for an inclusive South Africa have been acclaimed nationally and globally. In 2020, she was selected for the prestigious Vital Voices Global Mentorship Program to nurture emerging women leaders. Her organizational skills were also put to use as chair of the 2016 local government elections for the DA in Johannesburg. Further, Makhubele continues promoting women through initiatives like her Colleen Makhubele Foundation. Under her direction, SARA activists have mobilized new supporters across Gauteng, Cape Town and other areas.
Family Life and Other Roles
While details of her private life are scarce due to her busy schedule, it is known that Makhubele is married and has two children – a daughter and son. She juggles her responsibilities as a mother and wife with the demands of leading SARA. Additionally, Makhubele serves on the boards of several non-profits focused on education, poverty alleviation and youth development. She also finds time to mentor disadvantaged youth and young women, sharing life lessons on resilience, integrity and hard work.
Controversies and Challenges
Naturally, as the leader of an opposition party challenging the status quo, Makhubele has faced resistance and criticism at times. Some have accused SARA of being a ‘populist’ project lacking clear ideology. However, her vision emphasizing inclusion is widely popular. Further, a few disgruntled former SARA members have made allegations of lack of internal democracy, which Makhubele denies. More challenges include turning grassroots support into national votes and expanding the party machinery beyond major cities.
Views on South Africa’s Future
A thoughtful optimist, Makhubele believes South Africa has the potential to overcome its socioeconomic inequalities if the right progressive policies are implemented. In interviews, she often reflects on her humble upbringing as inspiration that through hard work and determination, everyone can rise higher. Makhubele says despite challenges, she remains committed to realizing her dream of a united, prosperous South Africa that harvests the talent of all its people, especially its youth. Only by empowering future generations can the nation achieve sustainable progress, in her view.
Conclusion
In summarizing Colleen Makhubele’s inspiring journey, it is evident that her strengths lie in bridging divides, empowering communities and giving voice to the marginalized. Through SARA, she hopes to transform the political landscape and put people at the center of decision making. Only time will tell how far the party can grow under her astute leadership. Regardless, as a trailblazing woman leader, Makhubele has undoubtedly made her mark on South Africa’s Body Politic. Her story exemplifies what can be achieved through grit, vision and public service.
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