Tandi Mahambehlala is an influential South African politician whose career has been marked by a series of pivotal roles within the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Parliament. From serving as Deputy Minister to chairing important parliamentary committees, Mahambehlala has proven herself as a formidable leader. Here are 15 facts you should know about her journey in politics and public service.
1. Deputy Minister of Human Settlements
Tandi Mahambehlala was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements on July 3, 2024. This new role adds to her impressive political career, where she continues to contribute to South Africa’s growth and development.
2. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism
Since 2021, Mahambehlala has served as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. In this position, she has worked on promoting tourism as a key pillar of the South African economy, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Former Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation
Mahambehlala led the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2021. During her tenure, she held the government accountable for its international actions and decisions, including controversial issues like the purchase of a dilapidated building in New York.
4. Deputy Minister of Communications (2017-2018)
In 2017, President Jacob Zuma appointed Mahambehlala as Deputy Minister of Communications. She held this position until February 2018, making a mark in the country’s communication sector during a crucial period.
5. Member of Parliament Since 2014
Mahambehlala has been a Member of Parliament since the 2014 national elections. She was elected from the Western Cape and has since played an active role in various parliamentary portfolio committees, including those related to energy, small business development, and telecommunications.
6. Strong Academic Background
Mahambehlala has an impressive academic record. She earned an advanced diploma in Public Administration in 2014, followed by an honours degree in Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in 2016. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration through UWC.
7. Early Leadership in Student Politics
During her high school years at Msobomvu High School, Mahambehlala was involved in student leadership, serving on the Students’ Representative Council from 1988 to 1990. This early involvement in leadership laid the foundation for her future political career.
8. Involved in the Establishment of the Western Cape Youth Commission
In 2005, Mahambehlala played a key role in the establishment of the Western Cape Youth Commission, an initiative aimed at addressing youth issues in the province. This was a major step in her involvement with the ANC Youth League and her commitment to youth empowerment.
9. ANC Youth League Leadership
Mahambehlala was actively involved with the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), serving as the branch secretary and later the deputy secretary of the Dullah Omar Region from 2004 to 2008. Her work in the Youth League helped her build a solid political foundation.
10. Community Developer
From 2005 to 2008, Mahambehlala worked as a community developer for the City of Cape Town’s Department of Social Development. This role gave her hands-on experience in addressing community issues and laid the groundwork for her future political ambitions.
11. Provincial ANC Secretary in Western Cape
From 2008 to 2011, Mahambehlala served as the provincial secretary of the ANC in the Western Cape, where she worked to strengthen the party’s presence in the region and contribute to its overall national strategy.
12. Senior Advisor at Eskom
Before entering Parliament, Mahambehlala worked as a senior advisor at Eskom from 2011 to 2014. In this role, she was responsible for stakeholder relations, providing her with a deep understanding of South Africa’s energy sector.
13. Critical of Minister Naledi Pandor
As Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mahambehlala was outspoken in her criticism of Minister Naledi Pandor’s handling of the controversial purchase of a building in New York. She accused Pandor of being “arrogant” during a committee meeting in February 2021, showcasing her commitment to accountability.
14. Defied ANC’s Voting Instruction in December 2022
In December 2022, Mahambehlala made headlines when she defied the ANC’s instructions to vote against the adoption of the Section 89 Panel report on the Phala Phala scandal. While she attempted to change her vote before it was finalized, the incident sparked discussions about internal party discipline.
15. Commitment to Public Service Education
Mahambehlala’s continued academic pursuits reflect her dedication to public service. Alongside her political roles, she is deeply invested in improving public administration, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development.