Professional History: Christopher Pappas is the Mayor of uMngeni Local Municipality. He is a South African politician who made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. In 2021, he was elected as the first Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayor of KwaZulu-Natal, also becoming the youngest mayor in the country at that time.

In his time as Mayor, Christopher has achieved remarkable milestones, including achieving two Auditor General (A.G) unqualified audit outcomes and maintaining a debt-free municipality. His administration has been fiscally prudent, saving millions of Rands by purchasing equipment instead of relying on costly service providers through tender bidding. Christopher has championed economic development by investing over R2 million in small businesses, with a focus on youth-owned enterprises, early childhood development centres (ECDs), and senior clubs, fostering community growth and sustainability.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal hired him as an Operations Manager for Durban South. Later, he became the youngest ward councillor in eThekwini. In 2019, Chris joined the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, serving on committees such as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

In 2021, he became KwaZulu-Natal's first DA mayor, securing a one-seat majority in uMngeni Municipality, chairing key committees. He was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Next Leaders in 2023. 

Academic and professional credentials: Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning , University of Pretoria
Masters of Town and Regional Planning, University of Pretoria

Programs: Democratic Alliance Young Leaders Programme (2015)
International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP), US State Department (2023)
Club de Madrid (2023)
Bloomberg-Harvard City Leaders Initiative (2023/24)