David Mahlobo, born on January 14, 1972, in South Africa, has had a long and sometimes controversial career in the political and civil service landscape. From his early life in the aftermath of apartheid to his position as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mahlobo has been a significant figure in South African politics. Here are 15 important facts about him that you should know.
1. Early Life and Background
David Mahlobo was born on Bergplaas farm in KwaNdalaza, near Piet Retief, Mpumalanga. His father, Chief Mandlenkosi Mahlobo, was a traditional leader who suffered under apartheid’s forced removals and persecution.
2. Exiled Childhood
In the early 1980s, Mahlobo spent part of his childhood in exile in Swaziland due to the political climate in South Africa. He returned to South Africa in the mid-1980s and completed his schooling at Bambanani High School in KwaZulu-Natal.
3. Academic Excellence
Mahlobo holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and biochemistry from the University of Zululand, followed by an Honours degree in biochemistry. His academic background shows his deep knowledge of science, particularly in the environmental field.
4. Political Rise Through Student Activism
His political journey began in student politics, where he was active in the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU). He served as secretary of the student representative council at his university and was deeply involved in promoting student welfare.
5. Civil Service Beginnings
Mahlobo started his career in public service as a water scientist in the Mpumalanga Department of Water and Forestry, focusing on water quality in the Olifants River catchment area.
6. Rising Through the Civil Service
By 2009, Mahlobo became the Director-General of the Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. He earned a reputation as a “fixer” for the province’s Premier, David Mabuza.
7. Election to the ANC National Executive Committee
In 2012, Mahlobo was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee, cementing his place in national politics. His association with influential figures like Mabuza and Jacob Zuma was seen as central to his political ascent.
8. Minister of State Security (2014-2017)
Mahlobo was appointed Minister of State Security in 2014 under President Jacob Zuma. During this time, he gained a reputation for his loyalty to Zuma and for controversial actions surrounding the State Security Agency.
9. Involvement in the State Capture Scandal
Mahlobo’s time as Minister of State Security was marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power. The Zondo Commission later implicated him in state capture, linking him to efforts to funnel money to Zuma and his allies.
10. Minister of Energy (2017-2018)
After his tenure as Minister of State Security, Mahlobo was appointed Minister of Energy in 2017. His appointment was widely seen as part of Zuma’s push for a controversial nuclear deal with Russia, a move that raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
11. Dismissal and Return to Government
In 2018, after President Cyril Ramaphosa took office, Mahlobo was dismissed from his position as Minister of Energy. However, he made a return to government in 2019, being appointed Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
12. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
In 2021, Mahlobo was formally assigned as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation after a reshuffle. His portfolio includes managing South Africa’s water resources and addressing the country’s ongoing sanitation challenges.
13. Rhino Smuggling Allegations
In 2016, Mahlobo faced allegations related to rhino poaching after an Al Jazeera investigation linked him to a Chinese syndicate involved in smuggling rhino horns. Mahlobo denied these claims, stating that he had no knowledge of any illegal activities.
14. Re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee
Mahlobo was re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee in December 2022 and also secured a spot in the National Working Committee. This reaffirms his strong position within the ANC.
15. Personal Life
Mahlobo is married to Nompumelelo, who has also worked as a civil servant. He remains an influential figure in both his personal and political circles, with strong ties to the ANC’s leadership.