Thomas Mxolisi Kaunda (born 13 September 1972) is a South African politician from KwaZulu-Natal serving as a Permanent Delegate to the National Council of Provinces since 2024.
He became involved in politics at the age of fifteen, as he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS).
He matriculated from Intshisekelo High School and then went on to study at the University of South Africa, where he achieved a Diploma in Governance and Leadership.
[5][6] In June 2016, newly elected Premier Willies Mchunu appointed Kaunda as the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison.
[8] In addition to holding public office, Kaunda has also held multiple ANC party leadership positions.
[17][18] On 12 June 2024, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal recalled Kaunda as mayor of eThekwini and announced that he would be taking up a seat in the National Council of Provinces, the upper house of parliament.