The Gauteng Provincial Government and the African National Congress (ANC) have expressed deep sadness following the passing of Comrade Brian Hlongwa, who died on Tuesday, 22 December 2025, after a short illness. Hlongwa, a veteran political activist and seasoned public servant, played a pivotal role in the province’s governance and the ANC’s political structures.
Hlongwa began his political activism in 1979/1980 when he was recruited into the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). Inspired by leaders such as Steve Biko and other Soweto-based activists, he quickly became a prominent debater and organiser in the youth political space. He was active 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 belonged to the generation of activists known as “The Young Lions,” a title given by the ANC National Executive Committee in the mid-1980s under then-ANC President Oliver Tambo. Before 1990, Hlongwa was recruited into the underground structures of the ANC and Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), where he played a role in security arrangements for the late President Nelson Mandela during the early days of his release. He was also active in the Soweto Civic Association.
After the unbanning of the ANC, Hlongwa continued to rise through the party ranks, eventually being elected as the ANC YL PWV Regional Chairperson during the early 1990s. While working as National Coordinator for the Labour-Intensive Projects Trust and later as Managing Director for Harmony Developments, he remained active in political and youth structures.
Hlongwa transitioned into local government in 1996, serving as an Executive Officer for Local Economic Development. 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 became an ANC Councillor and a Member of the Mayoral Committee, overseeing essential municipal services such as water, electricity, and waste management.
From March 2006 to May 2009, Hlongwa served as Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health. He later held the position of ANC Chief Whip in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature until October 2018 and served multiple terms on the party’s Provincial Executive Committee, where he oversaw Political Education and Training. He also contributed to leadership development at the O.R. Tambo School of Leadership.
Acting Gauteng Premier Jacob Mamabolo expressed condolences, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former MEC Hlongwa. He served the people of Gauteng with distinction, through different portfolios from his days in the City of Johannesburg to serving as an MEC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss.”
The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team also paid tribute, describing Hlongwa as a patriot, educator, and committed activist whose life was dedicated to the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.
Hlongwa’s decades-long service in both political and public office leaves a lasting legacy in Gauteng and within the ANC. His contributions to youth activism, municipal governance, provincial leadership, and political education will be remembered as part of his enduring commitment to the country and its people.
He will be remembered as a patriot and a dedicated servant to the people, whose work helped shape the governance and political landscape of Gauteng.
