The 21st of June 2025 was one for the books. On one hand, it was my late father’s birthday — a day filled with memory, meaning, and emotion.
On the other hand, while I was out in the Western Cape criss-crossing the Cape Metro and wine route like a true political Uber driver without a license, delivering IFP membership forms and T-shirts, something happened that made me pause, laugh, and then beam with pride.
There, on my screen, was our very own Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli — uJobe bantwakwethu — fully suited up for… yoga.
Yes. Yoga.
The Premier wasn’t debating a bill, signing an urgent policy, or wrestling with service delivery reports. No. He was on a yoga mat. Breathing. Stretching. Meditating. Surrounded by a peaceful sea of mostly women (which made me love it even more — you know me, the feminist-in-chief).
And while he looked calm and collected, I couldn’t help but think: "Kodwa, Tat'u Premier! Are we really out here doing Downward Dog on a Friday?!"
I laughed so hard I had to sit down myself.
But once I caught my breath (inhaling through my nose, exhaling through my mouth — yoga taught me that), I realised something even more powerful. This was a moment of leadership, a moment of healing, and an act of boldness that you don’t often see from politicians — especially Zulu men raised in the deep rural codes of masculinity.
Our Premier was not just doing yoga. He was leading with his whole body.
And let’s be clear — Premier Ntuli is no fly-by-night leader. He’s not one of those “let me just try politics and see how it goes” types. He’s seasoned, sharp, and steady. From his humble beginnings as Mayor of Nkandla, to leading the King Cetshwayo District, to now heading the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal — he’s put in the work.
He’s walked the dusty paths, sat in community halls, fought for clean governance, and won the hearts of his people.
Now, he’s Premier of the province and Provincial Chairperson of the IFP, and instead of just delivering speeches — he’s also delivering stretches. I mean, where else do you get a leader who goes from budget meetings to Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)? Nowhere. Only in the IFP, mntase.
And let’s not overlook the deeper message: International Day of Yoga is about mental health, mindfulness, and emotional healing — three things South Africans need urgently. Our people are stressed. Life is lifing. The price of bread is doing gymnastics, crime is rising, and unemployment is giving everyone ulcers.
So when a leader shows up — not to shout or promise tenders — but to breathe, stretch, and centre himself… that’s revolutionary.
The IFP has long emphasised community wellness in its policy priorities — and Premier Ntuli just demonstrated that in the most unexpected, adorable, and headline-worthy way. As the IFP in the Western Cape, we are inspired. We are watching. And we are definitely taking notes (and yoga mats).
And because it's still Youth Month, let me say this to my fellow young people: Leadership doesn’t have to be loud, angry, or toxic. It can be calm, conscious, and connected. As we head into the 2026 Local Government Elections, may we be wise on the ballot.
May we look at leaders like IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa and Premier Ntuli, and ask: Who do I want guiding my municipality? A leader with empty promises — or one who can hold a Tree Pose for 30 seconds and still deliver basic services?
So to Premier Thami Ntuli — Mondisa, Malatshana — we salute you. You bent. You breathed. You balanced. And in doing so, you reminded us that politics doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, it’s light. It’s joyful. It’s the Premier sitting in the front row of a yoga class, trying not to be embarrased during Lotus Pose, and still representing the people with grace.
Namaste, Baba Premier. You made us laugh, made us proud, and reminded us that true leadership starts from within.
Now please, make yoga Fridays a weekly thing — we might all survive South Africa a bit better that way.
(Pictures & videos from the KZN Gov)
