ANC Gauteng mourns Brian Hlongwa

The African National Congress Gauteng Provincial Task Team has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Brian Hlongwa following an illness, describing him as a patriot, educator, and dedicated activist whose life was devoted to the struggle for freedom and service to the people. He died on Tuesday.

Hlongwa began his political activism in 1979/1980 when he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), having been inspired by leaders such as Steve Biko and other Soweto-based activists. Known for his debating skills during high school, he went on to participate in the Soweto Youth Congress, Southern Transvaal Youth Congress (STYCO), South African Youth Congress (SAYCO), and later the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL).

He was part of the generation of activists known as “The Young Lions,” a title given by the ANC National Executive Committee in the mid-1980s under then-President Oliver Reginald Tambo. Before 1990, Hlongwa was recruited into the underground structures of the ANC and Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), playing a role in the security arrangements for former President Nelson Mandela during the early days of his release. He was also actively involved in the Soweto Civic Association (SCA).

Following the unbanning of the ANC, Hlongwa continued to rise through the ranks of the organisation. He was elected as the ANC YL PWV Regional Chairperson in the early 1990s, and remained engaged politically even while serving as National Coordinator for the Labour-Intensive Projects Trust and later as Managing Director for Harmony Developments.

In 1996, Hlongwa transitioned into local government, becoming an Executive Officer for Local Economic Development, and in 1999, he was appointed Head of the City of Johannesburg Corporatisation Unit, which led to the formation of the COJ Utilities Company. In 2000, he was elected as an ANC Councillor and appointed as a Member of the Mayoral Committee, overseeing key service delivery areas including water, electricity, and waste management.

His political career extended to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, where he served as MEC for Health from 2006 to 2009, and later as ANC Chief Whip from 2009 to 2019. Hlongwa was also a member of the ANC Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee for several years, overseeing Political Education and Training. He served at the O.R. Tambo School of Leadership as Manager of political education programmes, shaping the next generation of ANC leaders.

The ANC Gauteng Task Team extended condolences to Hlongwa’s family, friends, and all whose lives he impacted, praising his unwavering commitment to the ideals of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.

“Rest in peace, Comrade Brian, a patriot, educator, and combatant to the end,” said ANC Gauteng spokesperson Mzi Khumalo, highlighting the enduring legacy of his political and public service.

Brian Hlongwa’s life reflects decades of dedication to both the liberation struggle and the building of democratic governance in South Africa, leaving a lasting imprint on the ANC and the Gauteng province.