Chair of Chairs

Chair of Chairs: Cllr. Vhonani Adolph Marema
Councillor Vhonani Adolph Marema, popularly known as “Son of the Hunter," is a seasoned public representative, community leader, and development activist who currently serves as the Chair of Chairs in the City of Johannesburg Legislature. Born on 26 February 1981 in Ha-Matsa, a rural village in Limpopo, Cllr Marema's early life was shaped by both rural and urban influences. He relocated to Alexandra Township in Johannesburg in 1987, where he lived with his parents and completed part of his secondary education at Wynberg Business College. Driven by a passion for development and organisational leadership, Cllr Marema pursued a Diploma in Marketing Management at Wynberg Business College (1999–2000), followed by a BTech qualification in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the University of South Africa (UNISA) between 2002 and 2006. Before entering formal politics, he built a solid professional career across the ICT and FMCG sectors, working for major companies including MultiChoice, DDB South Africa, Momentum, and the Smollan Group. Starting as a network support and call-centre agent, he progressed into roles such as Administrative Network Specialist and Senior Network Specialist. During this period (2007–2013), he also completed several short courses to deepen his technical expertise. Cllr Marema's political activism was rooted in youth and student politics. He served in leadership roles within the UNISA branch of the South African Students' Congress (SASCO) and later joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), where he became a Branch Chairperson. His grassroots activism and organisational leadership culminated in his election as a Ward Councillor in 2016, marking the beginning of his first five-year term. In 2021, he was re-elected for a second term as a Ward Councillor in the City of Johannesburg. During this period, he chaired five portfolio committees, served as a Whip of Council in Region E, and was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC Caucus. He also became President of 30 Strong Voices of Alex, a non-profit organisation dedicated to community upliftment and local economic development in Alexandra. In recognition of his leadership, governance acumen, and commitment to public service, Cllr Marema was appointed as the Chair of Chairs of the City of Johannesburg Legislature. In this capacity, he provides strategic leadership to Section 79 Committees, strengthens legislative oversight, and advances accountable and responsive governance. Cllr Marema has completed a Bachelor of Public Administration degree at Regent Business School. To further advance his academic and professional development, he has enrolled for an Honours degree at Regent Business School. Widely respected for his principled leadership, accessibility, and dedication to service delivery, Councillor Marema is known across Johannesburg as a champion of community development and youth empowerment. Beyond his political role, he is a father, brother, mentor, and role model to many young people in Alexandra and beyond.

Chair of Chairs: Cllr. Vhonani Adolph Marema

Councillor Vhonani Adolph Marema, popularly known as “Son of the Hunter," is a seasoned public representative, community leader, and development activist who currently serves as the Chair of Chairs in the City of Johannesburg Legislature.

Born on 26 February 1981 in Ha-Matsa, a rural village in Limpopo, Cllr Marema's early life was shaped by both rural and urban influences. He relocated to Alexandra Township in Johannesburg in 1987, where he lived with his parents and completed part of his secondary education at Wynberg Business College.

Driven by a passion for development and organisational leadership, Cllr Marema pursued a Diploma in Marketing Management at Wynberg Business College (1999–2000), followed by a BTech qualification in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the University of South Africa (UNISA) between 2002 and 2006.

Before entering formal politics, he built a solid professional career across the ICT and FMCG sectors, working for major companies including MultiChoice, DDB South Africa, Momentum, and the Smollan Group. Starting as a network support and call-centre agent, he progressed into roles such as Administrative Network Specialist and Senior Network Specialist. During this period (2007–2013), he also completed several short courses to deepen his technical expertise.

Cllr Marema's political activism was rooted in youth and student politics. He served in leadership roles within the UNISA branch of the South African Students' Congress (SASCO) and later joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), where he became a Branch Chairperson. His grassroots activism and organisational leadership culminated in his election as a Ward Councillor in 2016, marking the beginning of his first five-year term.

In 2021, he was re-elected for a second term as a Ward Councillor in the City of Johannesburg. During this period, he chaired five portfolio committees, served as a Whip of Council in Region E, and was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC Caucus. He also became President of 30 Strong Voices of Alex, a non-profit organisation dedicated to community upliftment and local economic development in Alexandra.

In recognition of his leadership, governance acumen, and commitment to public service, Cllr Marema was appointed as the Chair of Chairs of the City of Johannesburg Legislature. In this capacity, he provides strategic leadership to Section 79 Committees, strengthens legislative oversight, and advances accountable and responsive governance.

Cllr Marema has completed a Bachelor of Public Administration degree at Regent Business School. To further advance his academic and professional development, he has enrolled for an Honours degree at Regent Business School.

Widely respected for his principled leadership, accessibility, and dedication to service delivery, Councillor Marema is known across Johannesburg as a champion of community development and youth empowerment. Beyond his political role, he is a father, brother, mentor, and role model to many young people in Alexandra and beyond.