Zelna Abader

Zelna Saira Abader
Born	South Africa
Occupation	Politician
Years active	2024–present
Known for	Member of the National Assembly of South Africa representing Gauteng

Zelna Saira Abader is a South African political figure who serves as a representative for the Gauteng region in the National Assembly of South Africa. She holds membership in the uMkhonto weSizwe party.

Personal life

Abader practices the Muslim faith.

Career

In the 2024 general election, Abader secured her seat through uMkhonto weSizwe's regional list for Gauteng. The party finished fourth in this province, following the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, and Economic Freedom Fighters, earning five seats in the National Assembly.

Throughout her parliamentary service, Abader has been a member of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements. She is among two Muslim women within uMkhonto weSizwe’s parliamentary group and actively participates as a portfolio committee member. Furthermore, she acted as deputy whip to Wesley Douglas for uMkhonto weSizwe’s Peace and Security Cluster.

Political positions

Abader has publicly supported China’s stance on the Uyghurs, referencing concerns about Uyghur links to the Islamic State. She has also openly criticized Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane over allegations of corruption and poor management connected to housing initiatives.

She stresses that uMkhonto weSizwe does not represent a Zulu nationalist agenda but instead appeals to a broad demographic. As an example, she points to an occasion where Jacob Zuma’s head of security recited Quranic verses at a party gathering in Bela-Bela. The party’s significant electoral performance in Gauteng—a province with a relatively small Zulu community—demonstrates its inclusive appeal.