Professor Caesar Nongqunga to Lead ATM, Replacing Zungula to Focus on Parliamentary Advocacy
By Mpho Moloi
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced a strategic leadership restructure, appointing Professor Caesar Nongqunga as the party’s new president. Former party leader Vuyolwethu Zungula, who co-founded ATM in 2018, will shift focus to his role in Parliament, maintaining duties as Party Leader in Parliament. The strategic move aims to separate organisational growth from political advocacy, strengthening both arms of the party’s presence and influence .
Clarity of Roles: Strengthening Advocacy and Organisation
In a statement by national spokesperson Zama Ntshona, ATM emphasised that the National Executive Committee supported separating the responsibilities of organisational leadership and parliamentary advocacy:
“With Prof Nongqunga focusing on party leadership and growth, and Hon. Zungula concentrating on parliamentary leadership, we are poised for a new era of growth and effectiveness.”
This separation highlights ATM’s ambition to build the party’s structures more effectively under Nongqunga, while allowing Zungula to remain a vocal advocate in Parliament.
Leadership Shift: From Founder to Spiritual Guide
ATM lauded Zungula’s seven-year tenure:
“His visionary leadership has been instrumental in registering the party, advocating for the voiceless, and firmly establishing the ATM on the political landscape of South Africa.”
Under his guidance, ATM grew from a fledgling movement into a recognised voice for economic transformation, land reform, and social justice.
Introducing the New President: Professor Nongqunga
Professor Caesar Nongqunga, chief apostle of the Twelve Apostles’ Church in Christ (TACC), brings strong leadership credentials. He holds advanced degrees in theology, religious education, civil engineering, and business administration .
ATM underlined his role in community development, from initiating agricultural projects, building housing, funding education, to creating jobs. His leadership is expected to guide the party’s organisational growth in upcoming local government elections .
Institutional Implications: Uniting Spiritual Guidance and Political Strategy
Professor Nongqunga’s appointment merges political activism with moral stewardship. His national and international influence provides ATM with both spiritual credibility and grassroots legitimacy—emphasising holistic empowerment rooted in moral authority .
Zungula’s legal background, parliamentary presence, and his recent activism—such as spearheading accountability over the Phala Phala scandal—will continue to shape ATM’s influence in national affairs .
ATM’s Alignment and Broader Political Impact
Founded in 2018 with the support of the South African Council of Messianic Churches in Christ, ATM positions itself as a centre-right, Christian-democratic, anti-immigration party . It has built momentum through land reform advocacy and membership in the Progressive Caucus alongside parties like the EFF and MKP .
ATM and MKP announced an electoral pact ahead of the 2026 local government elections, agreeing not to run against one another in by-elections. This leadership shake-up may strengthen the ATM’s strategic position within this broader coalition .
Public and Political Response
The leadership change surprised many. Observers suggest this may strengthen ATM’s grassroots presence while allowing Zungula to focus on legislative work. His sponsorship of private members’ bills and vocal criticism of national corruption, especially regarding President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal, showcased his parliamentary impact .
Some analysts believe Nongqunga’s moral authority and organisational insight could deepen community engagement ahead of crucial polls.
A Moment of Transformation
ATM’s statement described Nongqunga as a “beacon of hope” whose vision spans physical, psychological, social, socio-economic and spiritual growth . His leadership may mark a shift toward balanced transformation—strengthening institutional structures while buttressing political advocacy.
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