Afzul Farouk Rehman is a person who became an achiever at a young age. He matriculated in 1991 from the Lincoln Heights Secondary School. Even though he was a bright student and studied at the University of KZN between 1992-1993, he left the university to join the family business. Later, in 1994, he indulged himself in managing the family business.
At a very young age, he started taking responsibilities; thus, he was elected as ward Councillor of Newcastle Local Council at the age of 22 in 1996. This was when everybody perceived him as incapable of leaving a significant mark, but with his outstanding administrative capabilities, he proved them wrong.
In 2006, Afzul Rehman was selected as the Member of the Executive Committee Newcastle Council. Moving up on the success ladder, he became the Portfolio Councillor of Finance. In the same year, he was appointed as Board Member of Trade & investment KZN and Member Human Resources Sub Committee at TIKZN and held this position till 2013. He was also named as Regional treasurer at ANC Emahlahleni Region in 2006.
While in 2007, Afzul Rehman got elected as the Chairperson of the Local Labour Forum and served on this position until the year 2009. On 16th February 2009, he was voted in as the Deputy Mayor of Newcastle Local council and also as an Acting Mayor. With his influence on local people soon in 2010 & 2011, he was elected as the Mayor of Newcastle Local Council.
With his continuous efforts to improve the municipality system and stop the free lunches of fellow councilors, his policies revolutionized Newcastle's administration system. This the prominent reason why he was awarded the Most Consistent Performing Mayor in 2015.
Talking about his academic Qualification, in 2006, he decided on studying towards Diploma in Public Administration through the University of Pretoria. About his personal life, he got married to Farhana in 2005 and is blessed with two sons, Mohammed Zia & Umar, and a daughter Maariya. Being a family man did not slow him down, and he continued to serve his duties.
Afzul Rehman Newcastle is still remembered for the brilliant work that he has done. If we summarize his life, it is truly inspiring. He became one of the youngest mayors with the vision and dedication he had to serve his people.