New generation of SA politicians is emerging

VS

Vicky Stark

17 February 2026 | 11:14

Some are beginning to find fame through the ad hoc committee in parliament investigating criminality in law enforcement.

New generation of SA politicians is emerging

A new generation of South African leaders are rising.

The Daily Maverick has published a list of rising political stars to watch. 702's Bongani Bingwa spoke to one of the co-authors, Sune Payne.
The list of 15 individuals cuts across the political spectrum.
First up in the discussion were the lesser-known names who are beginning to find fame, for example, the ad hoc committee in parliament investigating criminality in law enforcement.
Ashley Sauls (42), the Patriotic Alliance leader in Parliament and former Beaufort West mayor, is one of them.
"If you've caught any bits of the ad hoc committee, you'll see Ashley. Even when it's not so popular, he asks questions to interrogate who is in front of them," said Payne.
An MP for the MK Party, Sibonelo Nomvalo, is also on the ad hoc committee. "He certainly has been asking some tough questions, too," said Bingwa.
Payne agreed. "He's a lawyer, so naturally you'd expect him to be a tough persona. He has shown his grit."
Moving to the ANC members on the list, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola is one of those who stand out. The 42-year-old was previously Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
"He has been in charge of our international diplomacy. When we saw him at the G20, he was in the zone promoting South Africa. And remember last year, South Africa faced unprecedented attacks, including from President Trump and even internally, but he stood his ground," said Payne.
The DA has several names on the Daily Maverick's list. Payne said it shows the investment they have made in their younger leaders.
"If you listen to Dean Macpherson (Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure), about two weeks ago, he was saying that DA leader John Steenhuisen has actually mentored a lot of young people, including himself, Siviwe Gwarube and Geordin Hill-Lewis.
"Mdumiseni Ntuli is one person who has been incredibly principled. And now, in his position as the chief whip in parliament, if you look at a generation of ANC leaders, this is one person to keep an eye out for."
To listen to Payne and Bingwa discuss some of the other names on the list, use the audio player below:
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