Former South African Politician Brian Hlongwa Passes Away

Key Takeaways

• Former Gauteng health MEC and provincial legislature chief whip Brian Hlongwa has passed away after a short illness
• Hlongwa was an activist and politician who served in various ANC and government roles, including as MEC for health
• He was facing corruption charges linked to a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report that implicated him in alleged fraudulent and corrupt transactions worth R1.2-billion
• Hlongwa denied all allegations against him and was expected to go on trial in April 2026
• He was involved in underground ANC and uMkhonto weSizwe structures during apartheid and was part of the security machinery provided to Nelson Mandela after his release from jail

Introduction to Brian Hlongwa’s Life and Career
Brian Hlongwa, the former Gauteng health MEC and provincial legislature chief whip, has died after a short illness. His death was confirmed by Gauteng ANC provincial task team spokesperson Mzi Khumalo on Tuesday night. Hlongwa was an activist and politician who served in various ANC and government roles, including as MEC for health, a post he left under controversy. He was also the party’s chief whip in the Gauteng legislature. During apartheid, Hlongwa was involved in underground ANC and uMkhonto weSizwe structures before 1990, and was also active in the ANC Youth League.

Hlongwa’s Involvement in the Liberation Struggle
Hlongwa’s passion for the liberation struggle was inspired by Steve Biko and other political leaders from Soweto. He became part of the security machinery provided to the late president Nelson Mandela in the early days of his release from jail. This involvement in the liberation struggle and his subsequent roles in the ANC and government demonstrate Hlongwa’s commitment to the fight against apartheid and his dedication to public service. However, his later years were marred by controversy and allegations of corruption, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Corruption Charges and Allegations
At the time of his death, Hlongwa was facing corruption charges linked to a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report that implicated him in alleged fraudulent and corrupt transactions worth R1.2-billion in the provincial health department during his tenure as MEC. In 2021, Hlongwa, his wife Joeline Davids-Hlongwa, and six others were charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering, as well as racketeering activity against the provincial health department. The charges were brought under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for offences allegedly committed between 2006 and 2010. The State alleged that Hlongwa and his co-accused participated in racketeering activities related to profiting from obtaining and securing tenders and contracts from the Gauteng health department.

Details of the Corruption Allegations
The SIU report released in 2018 found that there existed corrupt relationships between Hlongwa, various departmental officials, and 3P Consulting, its directors, and a number of companies related to 3P Consulting. 3P Consulting helped Hlongwa to buy property and paid for international flights for him and others. In one of the most ostentatious of the various bribes, 3P Consulting arranged and paid for a luxury spa treatment for Hlongwa and his wife, complete with limousine transport, according to the SIU report. These allegations paint a picture of a widespread and complex web of corruption and deceit, with Hlongwa at its center.

Hlongwa’s Response to the Allegations
Hlongwa consistently and publicly denied all the allegations against him. He and his co-accused were expected to go on trial in April 2026, where they would have had the opportunity to respond to the charges in court. However, with Hlongwa’s passing, it is unclear how the trial will proceed. Despite his denials, the allegations against Hlongwa have had a lasting impact on his legacy and reputation, and his death will likely not bring closure to those affected by his alleged actions.

Conclusion and Legacy
Brian Hlongwa’s death marks the end of a complex and controversial life, marked by both dedication to the liberation struggle and allegations of corruption. While his involvement in the fight against apartheid and his subsequent roles in the ANC and government demonstrate his commitment to public service, the corruption allegations against him have tarnished his legacy. As the trial against his co-accused continues, it remains to be seen how Hlongwa’s actions will be remembered and judged by history. One thing is certain, however: his death will have significant implications for the ongoing trial and the pursuit of justice for those affected by his alleged actions.