Brian Hlongwa: Former Gauteng Health MEC Dies

Brian Hlongwa, Former Gauteng Health MEC, Dies Amidst Lingering Corruption Allegations

A key figure in Gauteng provincial politics, Brian Hlongwa, has died following a short illness, the African National Congress (ANC) confirmed Tuesday night. His death comes as a trial related to notable corruption allegations was scheduled to begin in April, casting a shadow over his legacy.

The ANC has lauded Hlongwa as a “patriot and a seasoned political educator,” acknowledging his decades of service to the party. Hlongwa’s political career began as an ANC councillor and progressed to the position of Member of the Mayoral committee (MMC) in Johannesburg in 2000. He was subsequently elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), serving as the MEC for Health from 2004 to 2009.

Did you know? – The position of MEC (Member of the Executive Council) is equivalent to a provincial minister in South Africa, responsible for a specific department like Health.

Hlongwa’s tenure as MEC was marked by increasing scrutiny, ultimately leading to his resignation as the ANC’s chief whip in the GPL in 2018. This decision followed accusations of facilitating corruption totaling approximately R1.2 billion within the Gauteng Department of Health during his leadership. He consistently and vehemently denied thes allegations, maintaining his innocence and claiming he never received illicit payments from any businessmen.

The allegations centered around claims that Hlongwa benefited from kickbacks related to contracts awarded during his time overseeing the provincial health department. Despite his denials, the case against Hlongwa and his co-accused was poised to proceed to trial next month, promising a potentially explosive examination of the claims.

Reader question – How might Hlongwa’s death impact public trust in the Gauteng Department of Health and the ANC’s commitment to fighting corruption? share your thoughts.

A senior official stated that Hlongwa’s contributions to the ANC extended beyond his formal roles, emphasizing his importance in the party’s political education and training programs. The ANC described his passing as a “major loss,” recognizing his dedication to the organization’s ideological advancement.

The unresolved corruption case leaves a complex and controversial final chapter in the life of a politician who held significant power in Gauteng for manny years. His death prevents the full airing of the allegations in court, leaving questions unanswered about the extent of any wrongdoing and the impact on the Gauteng Department of health.