Mondli Gungubele is a prominent South African politician whose political journey spans several decades. With his vast experience in governance, public service, and trade unionism, Gungubele’s contributions to South Africa’s political landscape have been substantial. Here are 21 key facts you should know about him:
1. Early Life and Birthdate
Mondli Gungubele was born on 1 February 1957. His early life would lay the foundation for his future political activism and leadership.
2. Education and Qualifications
Gungubele holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in law and a National Diploma in Nursing. His diverse educational background reflects his multi-faceted approach to leadership.
3. First Teaching Role
Before fully entering politics, Gungubele worked as a teacher at Falo Senior Secondary School from 1980 to 1981, highlighting his early interest in community development.
4. Trade Union Leader
From 1983 to 1990, Gungubele served as a trade union leader, working within the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). His role as a union leader built the foundation for his involvement in politics.
5. Active in COSATU
Gungubele played an important role in the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) between 1989 and 1991. His engagement with COSATU further solidified his political beliefs rooted in workers’ rights.
6. Founding Member of ANC East Rand Region
In 1991, Gungubele was a founding member of the African National Congress’ (ANC) East Rand region after the party was unbanned, a critical moment in South Africa’s history.
7. ANC Branch Leadership
He also held the role of chairperson of the ANC’s branches in Joubert Park and Vosloorus, where he worked on strengthening party presence at the grassroots level.
8. Gauteng Provincial Legislature
In 1994, Gungubele was elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in the first multiracial elections, representing the ANC.
9. Various MEC Positions in Gauteng
During his tenure in Gauteng, he served in multiple key Member of the Executive Council (MEC) positions, including Social Development, Health, and Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.
10. Economic Affairs Chairperson
Gungubele later became the chairperson of the Economic Affairs Portfolio Committee, which allowed him to influence policy in key areas of South Africa’s economy.
11. Resignation from Gauteng Legislature
In 2007, after years of service, he resigned from the Gauteng Legislature, making way for new leadership in the province.
12. Mayor of Ekurhuleni
In 2010, Gungubele was appointed as the Executive Mayor of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, a position he held until 2016.
13. Return to National Assembly
After stepping down from his role as mayor in 2016, Gungubele returned to the National Assembly of South Africa, where he resumed his work as a legislator.
14. Deputy Minister of Finance (2018-2019)
In February 2018, Gungubele was appointed as Deputy Minister of Finance under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, where he played a role in shaping national fiscal policy.
15. Chairperson of Social Development Committee (2019-2021)
Following his tenure as Deputy Minister of Finance, he was appointed as Chairperson of the Social Development Committee in 2019, focusing on social welfare policies.
16. Minister in the Presidency (2021-2023)
In August 2021, Gungubele was appointed as Minister in the Presidency, a position he held until 2023. He took over after the untimely death of Jackson Mthembu.
17. Oversight of the State Security Agency
In January 2022, he was designated by President Ramaphosa to assume political responsibility for the State Security Agency (SSA), further solidifying his role in national security.
18. ANC National Executive Committee
Gungubele was re-elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC during the party’s 55th National Conference in December 2022. This speaks to his continued influence within the party.
19. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies (2023)
In March 2023, Gungubele was appointed as Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. This position highlights his growing prominence in South Africa’s digital transformation efforts.
20. Deputy Minister of Communications (2024)
After the 2024 South African general elections, he was moved to the position of Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, continuing his role in shaping South Africa’s digital policy.
21. Political Positions and Views
Gungubele is a close ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa and has been critical of former President Jacob Zuma. He also condemned the violent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng during July 2021, calling for national unity and peace.