Brian Hlongwa, the former Gauteng health MEC and ANC chief whip, has died following a brief illness. His death comes as he faced serious corruption charges related to R1.2-billion in alleged fraudulent transactions in the provincial health department. The ANC confirmed the news, highlighting his long history as an anti-apartheid activist.
Brian Hlongwa, a prominent figure in South African politics, passed away after a short illness, as announced by Gauteng ANC provincial task team spokesperson Mzi Khumalo on Tuesday evening. Hlongwa had served in various ANC and government roles, including as the party's chief whip in the Gauteng legislature and as MEC for health, a position he vacated amid controversy.
His political journey began during apartheid, where he was active in underground ANC and uMkhonto weSizwe structures before 1990, as well as in the ANC Youth League. Khumalo noted, “Because of his involvement in those underground structures he became part of the security machinery provided to the late president Nelson Mandela in the early days of his release from jail.” The ANC described him as an activist inspired by Steve Biko and other Soweto leaders, whose passion drove the liberation struggle.
At the time of his death, Hlongwa was embroiled in legal troubles. A 2018 Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report implicated him in corrupt relationships with departmental officials and 3P Consulting Pty Ltd, involving fraudulent and corrupt transactions worth R1.2-billion during his tenure as health MEC from 2006 to 2010. The report detailed benefits like property purchases, international flights, and a luxury spa treatment for Hlongwa and his wife, complete with limousine service.
In 2021, Hlongwa, his wife Joeline Davids-Hlongwa, and six others faced charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and racketeering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The state alleged they profited from securing tenders and contracts with the Gauteng health department through 3P Consulting and its director Richard John Payne. Hlongwa consistently denied the allegations, and the group was set for trial in April 2026.
Hlongwa's death leaves unresolved questions about the corruption case, which highlighted systemic issues in provincial governance.
