Brian Hlongwa Biography: Cause of Death, Age, Wife, Tribe, Family, Children, Career, Networth

adminDecember 31, 2025

Thamsanqa Brian Hlongwa was a prominent South African politician and a member of the African National Congress (ANC). He is best known for his tenure as the Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and his subsequent legal challenges.

Sadly, according to reports, Brian Hlongwa passed away at the age of 60 on December 23, 2025, following a short illness.

Early Life and Age

Brian Hlongwa was born in South Africa during the height of the apartheid era. While his exact birth date is often cited as being around 1965, he was widely reported to be 60 years old at the time of his passing in December 2025. Growing up in a politically charged environment, Hlongwa’s youth was defined by the resistance movement in the townships.

Grassroots Activism

Hlongwa’s political awakening began in Soweto. As a young man, he was a dedicated member of the Soweto Civic Association and the Soweto Youth Congress. These organizations were pivotal in the internal resistance against the National Party government. His commitment to the cause eventually led him into the underground structures of the ANC and its military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK).

Education and Academic Background

While Hlongwa’s life was largely consumed by political service, his career in the City of Johannesburg and the provincial legislature required a firm grasp of public administration. He was known among his peers as a sharp strategist with a deep understanding of local government systems, a skill set he honed during his early employment years between 1996 and 2000 at the City of Johannesburg.

Political Career:

From Resistance to Governance

Brian Hlongwa’s career can be divided into three distinct phases: his role in the transition to democracy, his rise in the Gauteng Provincial Government, and his leadership within the ANC.

The Mandela Security Detail

One of the most prestigious yet lesser-known aspects of Hlongwa’s career was his service to Nelson Mandela. Following Madiba’s release in 1990, the ANC required a trusted security apparatus to protect its leaders during the volatile negotiation period. Hlongwa was selected as part of the specialized security machinery that ensured Mandela’s safety, a testament to the high level of trust the party leadership placed in him.

Rising Through the Ranks in Johannesburg

Before moving to the provincial level, Hlongwa established himself in local government.

1996–2000: Worked for the City of Johannesburg.

Early 2000s: Served as a local councillor and later as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in Johannesburg.

Gauteng MEC for Health (2006–2009)

In March 2006, Hlongwa was appointed as the MEC for Health in Gauteng by then-Premier Mbhazima Shilowa. He held this high-stakes portfolio during a critical time for South Africa’s healthcare system. He remained in the position under Premier Paul Mashatile but was eventually succeeded by Qedani Mahlangu in 2009.

ANC Chief Whip in Gauteng

Hlongwa’s influence within the ANC continued to grow even after he left the Executive Council. He served as the Chief Whip of the ANC in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining party discipline and ensuring the passage of provincial legislation. He was also a long-standing member of the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).

The R1.2 Billion Corruption Scandal

The most challenging chapter of the Brian Hlongwa biography began with a 2018 report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Allegations and Findings

The SIU report alleged that during Hlongwa’s tenure as Health MEC, a “corrupt relationship” existed between him and a private firm called 3P Consulting, headed by his friend Richard Payne. The investigation claimed:

Irregular tenders worth over R1.2 billion were awarded.

Bribes were allegedly disguised as luxury spa treatments and limousine transport.

Allegations surfaced that 3P Consulting assisted Hlongwa in purchasing a luxury property in Bryanston.

Hlongwa consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that he was the victim of a political smear campaign. However, the pressure led to his resignation as Chief Whip in October 2018.

Personal Life: Family, Wife, and Children

Brian Hlongwa’s personal life was often intertwined with his public legal battles.

Marriage and Divorce: Hlongwa married Joeline Davids-Hlongwa in 1998. The couple was frequently seen together during court appearances as Joeline was also named as a co-accused in the corruption case. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2022.

Children: While Hlongwa was a family man, he kept his children out of the public eye to protect their privacy during his legal trials.

Net Worth

While exact figures are private, the State at one point sought a forfeiture order for assets linked to the R1.2 billion scandal. In 2021, he was granted bail of R20,000, suggesting he maintained access to significant legal resources despite the freezing of certain assets.

Death and Final Days

On December 23, 2025, South African news outlets confirmed the passing of Brian Hlongwa at the age of 60. His family and the Gauteng ANC confirmed that he died following a short illness. At the time of his death, he was still fighting to clear his name, with his trial having been set for April 2026.

Conclusion

The Brian Hlongwa Biography is a complex tale of a man who rose from the grassroots of Soweto to the highest echelons of provincial power. While his contributions to the struggle against apartheid and his service to Nelson Mandela are undeniable parts of his heritage, the shadow of the R1.2 billion health scandal remains a significant part of his public record. His death in late 2025 marks the end of an era for the Gauteng ANC, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark debate about accountability and governance in South Africa.