Thulisile Nomkhosi “Thuli” Madonsela is one of South Africa’s most respected and influential legal professionals. Known for her tireless fight for justice, transparency, and accountability, Madonsela’s career has had a profound impact on South Africa’s legal and political landscape. Here are 21 facts you should know about her life, career, and achievements.
1. Full Name and Date of Birth
Thulisile Nomkhosi “Thuli” Madonsela was born on 28 September 1962, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
2. Academic Background
Thuli Madonsela has an impressive academic record. She graduated with a BA in Law from the University of Swaziland in 1987 and an LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1990. In 2015, she was awarded honorary Doctor of Laws degrees (LL.D.) from both the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town.
3. Career Beginnings
Madonsela began her professional career in the 1980s, working with trade unions and in both the public and private sectors. Her early involvement in these sectors prepared her for a significant role in shaping South African law post-apartheid.
4. Role in Drafting South Africa’s Constitution
In 1996, Madonsela was part of the team that helped draft the final constitution of South Africa, a key document that shaped the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy.
5. Public Protector of South Africa
Thuli Madonsela served as the Public Protector of South Africa from 2009 to 2016. She was appointed to a seven-year term, with unanimous support from the National Assembly.
6. Public Protector’s Mandate
As Public Protector, Madonsela’s role was to investigate complaints from the public about government maladministration and abuse of power, and to ensure accountability in state affairs.
7. The Nkandla Report
One of her most notable and controversial reports as Public Protector was on President Jacob Zuma’s private homestead in Nkandla. The 2014 “Secure in Comfort” report found that Zuma had unduly benefited from R246 million in taxpayer funds used for security upgrades. The report led to significant political fallout.
8. Defending Democracy
Madonsela famously likened her role as Public Protector to that of a traditional “makhadzi” (a chief’s aunt), someone who speaks truth to power while ensuring the people’s voices are heard. Her strong stance for justice and democracy made her a pivotal figure in post-apartheid South Africa.
9. State of Capture Report
Madonsela’s “State of Capture” report, released in 2016, exposed the influence of the Gupta family over President Zuma and other high-ranking officials. This report played a crucial role in the investigation of state capture in South Africa.
10. Investigating Julius Malema
In 2012, Madonsela conducted an investigation into former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s alleged involvement in corrupt kickbacks related to traffic department contracts. This was part of her broader commitment to investigating corruption at all levels.
11. The Constitutional Court Ruling
In 2016, the Constitutional Court upheld Madonsela’s findings on Nkandla, ordering President Zuma to repay a portion of the funds spent on the security upgrades. This was a significant legal victory for the Public Protector’s office and South African democracy.
12. Political Independence
Although Madonsela had ties to the African National Congress (ANC) in her earlier years, she consistently maintained that she was not interested in holding political office, believing her best contributions lay in her work as a legal professional and public servant.
13. International Recognition
In 2018, Madonsela was awarded Germany’s highest honor, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, in recognition of her role in defending democracy and promoting justice. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised her as an example for all democrats.
14. United Nations Appointment
In 2023, Madonsela was appointed to the United Nations’ Scientific Advisory Board by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This appointment underscores her international reputation as a leader in promoting social justice.
15. Personal Life and Family
Madonsela raised her two children, Musawabantu Fidel and Wenzile Una, as a single mother after the death of her husband. She has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing her career and personal life.
16. The 1976 Soweto Uprising
Madonsela’s journey to activism started in the wake of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. She became involved in the United Democratic Front and the ANC, organizations dedicated to fighting apartheid.
17. Declining Political Office
In 1994, Madonsela declined a position as an ANC member of parliament in South Africa’s first democratic government. She believed that her skills and influence would be better utilized outside of political office.
18. A Role Model for Women
Thuli Madonsela is regarded as a role model for women in South Africa and around the world, particularly for her courage, integrity, and dedication to justice.
19. Her Book “Honourable Discharge”
In 2017, Thuli Madonsela released her memoir, Honourable Discharge, which delves into her personal journey, career, and the lessons she learned while navigating the complex landscape of South African politics and governance.
20. Controversy with Fiancé Dick Foxton
In 2017, controversy arose around Madonsela’s fiancé, Dick Foxton, after it was revealed that his PR company had been hired by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) under the controversial leadership of Hlaudi Motsoeneng. The SABC had been implicated in the state capture scandal, and questions were raised about potential conflicts of interest.
21. Legacy as a Champion of Justice
Thuli Madonsela’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of South Africa’s foremost champions of democracy, integrity, and accountability. Her work as Public Protector has not only shaped the political landscape but has also inspired a new generation of South Africans committed to fairness and justice in governance.