Haseenabanu Ismail, born on November 9, 1969, is a dedicated South African politician who has been serving as a member of the South African National Assembly since May 2019. A member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Ismail has emerged as a strong voice for health reform, community upliftment, and political accountability. Her journey from local ward councillor to national parliamentarian showcases her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of South Africans.
Haseenabanu Ismail: A Lifelong Commitment to Community
Ismail’s political career is rooted in her deep connection to her community. Long before entering the national stage, Haseenabanu Ismail was a grassroots activist, fighting for the rights and well-being of her constituents. Her dedication led her to join the Democratic Alliance in 2011, where she quickly rose through the ranks.
By 2013, Haseenabanu Ismail had been appointed as a proportional representation (PR) councillor in the Ekurhuleni city council. This appointment marked the beginning of a public service career that would see her winning the hearts of the people of Ward 29 in Ekurhuleni during the 2016 municipal elections. Securing 43.9% of the vote, Ismail became the ward councillor, a role in which she would passionately serve her community.
Rising Through the Ranks
By the 2019 general election, Haseenabanu Ismail was a recognized and respected figure within the Democratic Alliance. She was ranked 13th on the DA’s national list, a testament to her growing influence and leadership within the party.
Her election to the National Assembly was not just a personal victory but a moment of pride for her community, who saw in her a representative of their aspirations and concerns. Once in Parliament, Ismail’s voice grew even stronger as she joined the Portfolio Committee on Health, where she has focused her efforts on addressing the challenges plaguing South Africa’s healthcare system.
Championing Health Reform
One of Ismail’s primary goals as a parliamentarian is to bring healthcare reform to the forefront of national discourse. South Africa’s healthcare system is riddled with challenges, from infrastructure issues to staff shortages, and Ismail has made it her mission to address these concerns head-on.
Haseenabanu Ismail has conducted oversight visits to numerous public hospitals and clinics, uncovering budget constraints, non-payment of suppliers, potential corruption, and inadequate facilities. Through her work on the Health Committee, she has asked tough questions, held the Department of Health accountable, and pushed for greater transparency.
Ismail is also vocal in her opposition to the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan, arguing that while universal healthcare is a noble goal, the current fragmented system cannot support it. She believes that implementing the NHI in its present form would lead South Africa down a path of further ruin, and she advocates for a more practical, long-term approach to healthcare reform.
The Power of Oversight
For Haseenabanu Ismail, oversight is not just a political duty—it is a moral responsibility. She believes that every public representative must hold the executive accountable for their actions, ensuring that the needs of the people are always prioritized. Her oversight extends beyond healthcare; she regularly meets with constituents to hear their concerns and brings their voices to Parliament.
By submitting petitions to the Speaker’s office, Haseenabanu Ismail ensures that the issues affecting her community are addressed at the highest levels of government.
Ismail’s ability to balance her duties in Parliament with her commitment to her local community is a hallmark of her leadership style. She understands the importance of being present, both in the halls of Parliament and on the ground in her constituency. This dual focus allows her to remain connected to the people she serves while advocating for broader, systemic change at the national level.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Haseenabanu Ismail has set her sights on several critical goals for South Africa. One of her primary objectives is to see the findings of the Zondo Commission fully investigated, with the looted money returned to the state and the perpetrators brought to justice. She believes that this would restore faith in South Africa’s democratic institutions and give hope to a nation that has been battered by corruption scandals.
Ismail also hopes to see the end of cadre deployment, a practice that has contributed to the downfall of many state-owned enterprises. She argues that merit, not political affiliation, should determine appointments to key positions within the public sector. By addressing these issues, Ismail believes that South Africa can build a more transparent, accountable, and effective government that truly serves the people.
Balancing Parliamentary and Constituency Work
As a member of Parliament, Ismail’s work is twofold: she spends part of her time fulfilling her duties in Parliament, attending committee meetings and engaging in debates on key national issues. The other half of her time is dedicated to her constituency in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
As the political head of the area, she is responsible for addressing the concerns of residents and supporting local councillors in resolving service delivery issues. From oversight visits to hospitals and police stations to meetings with faith-based organizations and residents’ associations, Ismail remains deeply engaged with the people she represents.
Her role in Benoni consists of managing nine wards, which includes five ward councillors and two PR councillors. This close-knit work within the community ensures that her parliamentary work is always informed by the real, everyday concerns of South Africans.
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