Estcourt’s Mbalenhle Cleopatra Frazer has been appointed as MEC for Education.
Mrs Frazer, who is a teacher by profession, was born in Khwezi and grew up in Wembezi.
After completing her matric at Wembezi High School in 1991, Frazer went on to achieve several tertiary qualifications, including a Bachelor of Education (Honours), Master of Commerce in Leadership, and Post-Graduate Diploma in Management.
She became a familiar face in the education fraternity and held senior positions at various local schools before embarking on a full-time political career.
She married the late William Frazer from Colita and has three children.
Before her appointment as Education MEC, Frazer was the Public Works Portfolio Committee chairperson since 2009.
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She has also held several political positions in the South African Democratic Teachers Union, Congress of South African Trade Unions, and ANC Women’s League.
Speaking about her recent appointment as Education MEC, she admits that it’s ‘not an easy responsibility’.
“I strongly feel that, as an educator, I can contribute towards making education fashionable and better, and assist underprivileged schools and learners. I am not taking this position lightly; I am dedicated towards changing the lives of learners in KZN,” she says.
Following the formal introduction as the new MEC, Frazer was part of a cabinet meeting with MECs and premiers, as well as visiting schools to assess their performance and to meet with learners and teachers.
She will also meet with organised labour, school principals, school governing bodies and communities.
Shortly after her appointment, she met with the head of the KZN Education Department and other stakeholders in Pietermaritzburg.
She says that being an MEC is a job that requires work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When asked about two of the concerns that are close to her heart, Frazer says that teenage pregnancy and quality education will be given priority.
“I want to encourage girls to be at school, and educate them about sexuality. I also want to teach young boys to grow up to be respectable men. I feel that if the awareness starts at a young age, they will develop a level of consciousness. Secondly, I want to concentrate on education itself. I want to see the youth grab opportunities and see the different types of skills needed in the country. I will encourage them to pursue a career where skills are scarce,” she commented.
A short-term goal for the newly-appointed Education MEC is to improve examination results.
“My long-term goal is to ensure that quality education starts at the Early Childhood Development phase, all the way up to the last schooling year,” Frazer said.
To conclude, she encourages aspiring local politicians to follow their dreams.
“Study, focus on school, go to university, participate in the practices of your political party, and be part of communities. If you are a politician, you have to have passion,” she advised.
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