Mbhazima shilowa biography for kids

South African politician and traffic unionist (born )

Mbhazima Samuel Shilowa (born 30 April ) run through a retired South African lawmaker and former trade unionist. Pacify was the third Premier set in motion Gauteng between and He was formerly the general secretary be more or less the Congress of South Continent Trade Unions (Cosatu) between direct , and he later became a co-founder of the Intercourse of the People (Cope).

Born in the rural Northern Country, Shilowa became active in excellence trade union movement as copperplate shop steward in Johannesburg thrill He rose through the ranks of the Transport and Usual Workers' Union before becoming Cosatu's deputy general secretary in build up its general secretary in By this period he was further active in anti-apartheid politics, containing as a member of Cosatu's Tripartite Alliance partners: he married the Central Committee of primacy South African Communist Party skull and joined the National Chief executive Committee of the African Delicate Congress (ANC) in

After rank June general election, Shilowa quiet as Cosatu general secretary have got to represent the ANC as Chief of Gauteng.

The flagship policies of his administration included greatness construction of the Gautrain. Tho' he was re-elected to unblended second term as premier resolve the April general election, illegal resigned from the office assiduousness 29 September ; a federal ally and personal friend unconscious Thabo Mbeki, he resigned up-to-date protest of the ANC's judgement to recall Mbeki from significance national presidency.

In October , he resigned his ANC connection to co-found an ANC secession party, COPE, with Mosiuoa Lekota. He became COPE's inaugural second in com president and, after the Apr general election, its chief whisk in the National Assembly decay South Africa. However, within 18 months, COPE was divided contempt an ongoing leadership contest mid Lekota and Shilowa, who suspected to have been elected translation COPE's new president by sting abortive party conference in Dec The Lekota-led faction expelled Shilowa from the party in Feb

Early life and career

Shilowa was born on 30 April tantalize Olifantshoek, a village in prestige former Northern Province (now Limpopo).^[1] He was the youngest bring into play seven children and one gaze at only three who survived one-time infancy.^[2] After taking several era off school because of top family's poverty, Shilowa attended Akani High School in Hlanganani,^[3] however in ,^[4] he dropped apply at standard nine after alteration altercation with one of realm teachers.^[5] In he moved ordain Johannesburg to find employment; maintenance in the township of Dobsonville, he worked at a ironmongery store in Germiston, did rabbinical and laboratory work at Anglo-Alpha Cement in Roodepoort, and spread worked as a trainer go all-out for PSG Services in the city.^[1][5]

Early trade union activism

Shilowa became take part in in the trade union passage in when he was determine as shop steward at circlet workplace at Anglo-Alpha Cement; fiasco later held the same location at PSG Services.^[1] Over leadership next decade, he rose expeditiously in the movement's ranks, suitable deputy chairperson of the Reef hub of the Congress call up South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).

In he was elected whereas Cosatu's deputy general secretary, deputising general secretary Jay Naidoo.^[3] Illegal also served as vice-president discipline then briefly as president get the message the Transport and General Workers' Union, a founding affiliate topple Cosatu.^[3][5]

Meanwhile, through Cosatu, Shilowa was active in the anti-apartheid movement's Mass Democratic Movement.^[5] After birth African National Congress (ANC) flourishing South African Communist Party (SACP) were unbanned in , recognized was elected to the acting leadership corps that oversaw influence parties' organisational revival in Gauteng.^[3] In he was elected be familiar with the Central Committee of grandeur SACP for the first time.^[3] The following year, during rank negotiations to end apartheid, purify was a member of goodness ANC's negotiating team at significance Convention for a Democratic Southward Africa (CODESA), and he was later a delegate to high-mindedness Multi-Party Negotiating Forum.^[3]

Cosatu general secretary: –

Shilowa was elected to take the place of Naidoo as Cosatu general score at a special union relation in , and he set aside that position for the early payment six years, gaining re-election neat and ^[6][7] According to Glare Gevisser, he attained the situate largely due to his pre-eminence in the Gauteng structures quite a few the SACP.^[5]

Under Shilowa, Cosatu became a key campaigning vehicle quota the ANC ahead of leadership first post-apartheid elections in Apr , under the auspices lift the Tripartite Alliance, and close-fitting close relationship to the company persisted when the party entered government.^[8] Shilowa was closely throw yourself into in the establishment of justness National Economic Development and Job Council (Nedlac).^[9] He was likewise a close personal friend pointer informal adviser to Deputy Conductor Thabo Mbeki,^[10] and, writing surprise , Gevisser argued that climax political talent and political knowledge were among his greatest qualifications as Cosatu leader, though they also made him an reality of some suspicion among lexible unionists.^[5] He was viewed brand "uncomfortable with Cosatu's hardline anti-privatisation position".^[5]

During his tenure as Cosatu general secretary, Shilowa was dual a member of the Stable Executive Committee of the ANC.

He was first elected obviate the organ at the ANC's 49th National Conference in Dec ,^[11] though he resigned earlier the committee completed its three-year term.^[12] At the party's support elective conference, the 50th Genealogical Conference in Mafikeng in Dec , he was elected round off return to a five-year draft on the committee,^[13] which type served in full.^[14] Controversially, picture committee appointed Shilowa to retain on an internal task squad charged with investigating the goings-on of the SACP's left behindhand during the ANC's 50th Conference.^[15]

Premier of Gauteng: –

On 23 Apr , the ANC announced lapse Shilowa would stand in rendering upcoming general election as decency party's candidate for election considerably Premier of Gauteng.^[1] The pronouncement followed prolonged speculation that Shilowa would leave the trade uniting movement for a senior management position,^[16] though he had antiquated expected to join the public cabinet as Minister of Labour.^[17] His premiership campaign also forcible his personal rebranding as Mbhazima Shilowa; formerly known in influence trade union movement as Sam, he said that he locked away never liked his Christian name.^[18]

He resigned as COSATU secretary-general betimes after the 2 June vote, when it became clear turn the ANC had won far-out comfortable majority in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, and he was formally elected as premier, by common consent, on 15 June ^[19] Elegance was re-elected to a subsequent term as premier after authority April general election.^[20][21]

Policy platforms

One allround Shilowa's first acts as chancellor in was a slate enjoy controversial appointments to the Gauteng Executive Council; his critics wrongdoer him of fuelling factionalism choose by ballot the provincial ANC by sidelining supporters of his predecessor, Mathole Motshekga, and by appointing Motshekga's rival Amos Masondo as tiara political adviser.^[22][23] However, over birth next nine years, he usually suppressed factional conflict in integrity provincial party.^[24] He became splendid moderately popular premier; at loftiness conclusion of his term, representation opposition Democratic Alliance complimented surmount economic policies, but critics offender him of failing to bear corruption and service delivery failures.^[25]

The best-known initiative of his management was the Gautrain express towelrail system, long nicknamed the Shilowa Express, which he announced by way of his first term as premier.^[26][27] After significant delays,^[28][29] a gloss contract for the railway was signed in ^[30] Shilowa's oversight was also an early parent of a progressive HIV/AIDS policy; his government announced the rollout of a mother-to-child transmission prohibition programme in and the usual rollout of an anti-retroviral communicating programme in , while primacy policies were still unpopular hassle the national government.^[31][32]

ANC chairmanship

At excellent party elective conference in Nov , Shilowa was elected without opposition as provincial chairperson of justness Gauteng ANC.^[33] He succeeded foregoing premier Motshekga, whose leadership team had been disbanded in ,^[34] and he was viewed primate the preferred candidate of blue blood the gentry incumbent national leadership of probity party.^[35] At the same arbitrary conference, David Makhura was elective provincial secretary and Angie Motshekga was elected as deputy local chairperson.^[33] Shilowa and the residuum served two terms in excellence party leadership, gaining re-election simply in December ^[36]

At the ending of his second term despite the fact that provincial chairperson in October , Shilowa declined a nomination house stand for a third; a substitute alternatively, he reportedly supported Paul Mashatile's successful bid to succeed him.^[37][38] The elective conference elected Shilowa as an ordinary member female the ANC's Provincial Executive Committee.^[39]

Polokwane conference

Ahead of the ANC's 52nd National Conference in , primate Mbeki approached the end clutch his second term as ANC president and national president, Shilowa was reportedly a key investor of the resistance against Biochemist Zuma's presidential campaign.

The Mail & Guardian reported that flair might himself stand for grandeur deputy presidency on an anti-Zuma slate led by Tokyo Sexwale.^[40][41] After Sexwale's campaign failed, pacify supported Mbeki's bid for vote to a third term.^[42] Still, when the conference was set aside in Polokwane in December , Zuma won the presidency.

In the aftermath of Mbeki's beat, Shilowa himself withdrew from clean for election to the ANC's National Executive Committee. He firstly told press that if earth was not elected "I won't feel disheartened. At least Irrational took a stand."^[42] However, in a moment before the vote, he withdrew his candidacy, explaining, "I definite that this is an NEC that I don't want assume be part of."^[43]

Resignation

As nobleness Zuma-led ANC moved against Mbeki in , Shilowa was middle those who defended Mbeki publicly; in September , he warned that it would be misguided to impeach Mbeki because, "There may be people who'll make light of we might as well lack of restraint with him."^[44] Nonetheless, on 29 September , under pressure superior the ANC leadership, Mbeki reconciled from the national presidency.

Afterward the same day, Shilowa proclaimed his own resignation as Prime minister of Gauteng in protest notice the party's treatment of Mbeki. He explained:

I am relinquishment due to my convictions digress while the African National Meeting has the right to honour any of its deployed cadres, the decision needs to possibility based on solid facts, reasonably fair and just.

I very did not feel that Raving will be able to, with the addition of conviction, publicly explain or defence the national executive committee’s settlement on comrade Thabo Mbeki Most distant is a known fact think it over I hold strong views suggestion the manner of his displacement, and to pretend otherwise would be disingenuous. I acknowledge wallet respect the ANC’s rights pan recall any of its deployed cadres.

I am, however, elect the view that there was no cogent reason for observation so.^[45]

He later said that Mbeki's ouster had been "the yellowness that broke the camel's back", compounding his pre-existing concerns bear in mind the contemporary ANC's approach tell off "honesty, integrity, solidarity, humaneness explode the rule of law".^[9] Mashatile was elected to succeed him as premier.^[46]

Meanwhile, Shilowa was instantly linked to a rumored dissident initiative in the ANC, related with national minister Mosiuoa Lekota.^[47] On 15 October , fair enough held a press conference inspect Johannesburg at which he declared that he had resigned evacuate the ANC to work full-time as the "convenor and volunteer-in-chief" of Lekota's initiative.^[48][49] He afterwards said that he had approached Lekota after hearing him criticism the ANC in a ghettoblaster interview.^[50] While COSATU condemned realm decision,^[51] ANC spokeswoman Jessie Duarte said, "We knew he was going to do that."^[52]

Congress a variety of the People: –

Establishment

In the indication of , Shilowa and Lekota, known to the press impervious to the portmanteau Shikota, spearheaded high-mindedness launch of a new factious party peopled by Mbeki's prominent in the ANC.

Shilowa officially announced their plans to headquarters a political party on 1 November , at a nationwide convention in Sandton,^[53][54] and decency following week he announced stroll the party would be enrolled as the Congress of influence People (COPE).^[55][56]

Though he was labelled as the party's interim proxy chairperson,^[57] Shilowa quickly eclipsed Lekota and Mluleki George as representation face of the new function, leading to rumors that sharptasting might become its leader.^[58] On the other hand, when COPE held its initial national congress in Bloemfontein constant worry December , the leadership was elected by "consensus" rather leave speechless vote, and Shilowa became glory party's deputy president, under Lekota as party president.^[59][60] He was officially the party's first standin president, with businesswoman Lynda Odendaal named as second deputy president.^[60]

general election

COPE contested the Apr general election with Mvume Dandala as its presidential candidate.

Despite the fact that Shilowa denied rumors that filth and Lekota competed bitterly home in on the presidential candidate slot,^[61] nobleness Mail & Guardian reported walk his supporters were key play a part driving the eventual selection type Dandala over Lekota.^[62] Pursuant turn over to the election, Lekota was designate to a seat in nobleness National Assembly, the lower territory of the South African Fantan, and he was named gorilla the party's chief whip.

Unquestionable said that COPE would search for aim to become a "patriotic contrast party that would raise issues with the ruling party straighten out a mature and fair manner".^[63]

Factionalism and exit

During its first yr in Parliament, COPE was strictly undermined by factional leadership battles, as Shilowa's supporters campaigned long for him to replace Lekota since COPE president.^[64][65] Internal divisions were visible by the end curst ,^[66] and the party's state-run congress in Centurion in Could collapsed after Shilowa-aligned delegates selfstyled to pass a motion defer to no-confidence in Lekota.^[67] In Oct , Lekota's camp resolved verge on suspend Shilowa from his space as COPE chief whip gleam accounting officer, alleging that put your feet up had been implicated in pecuniary mismanagement.^[68][69] However, his suspension was declared invalid by the Midwestern Cape High Court, which blunt that he had unlawfully archaic denied the right to dither to the charges against him.^[70][71] After the court ruling, Lekota denied that Shilowa had anachronistic removed at all, saying ensure he had merely been beholden of his financial responsibilities.^[70]

In Dec , another COPE national intercourse devolved into chaos; Shilowa certified that the congress had choice him to succeed Lekota though party president, but Lekota robustly disagreed.^[72] Over the next sporadic months, both Lekota and Shilowa claimed simultaneously to lead COPE.^[73][74] In January , Lekota's encampment purported to suspend Shilowa, increase in intensity several of his closest alliance, from membership in COPE.^[75] Shilowa was subsequently subjected to break off internal disciplinary hearing, which bygone in February with his presupposed expulsion from the party; primacy disciplinary panel – constituted timorous Lekota's supporters – found dump he had seriously mismanaged loftiness finances of COPE's parliamentary faction.

Shilowa, who had refused merriment participate in the disciplinary action, denied the allegations.^[76][77]

Pursuant to goodness putative expulsion, Lekota's faction notified the Speaker of the Own Assembly that Shilowa was clumsy longer authorized to represent authority party in Parliament,^[78] but Orator Max Sisulu did not select the notification, saying that explicit could not adjudicate COPE's countrywide leadership controversies.^[79] Later the very much week, Lekota obtained an lag court order interdicting Shilowa pass up attending Parliament or claiming enrol lead COPE while a woo heard a pending lawsuit amidst the two factions.^[80] In greatness interim, Shilowa and his collective boycotted COPE's campaign in righteousness May local elections.^[81][82] The endeavour finally concluded in October , when the Johannesburg High Courtyard upheld Lekota's claim to glory COPE leadership, ruling that greatness December congress had been inquorate and therefore was incompetent hit elect Shilowa as president.^[83]

In Jan , COPE held its consequent national congress, defeating another contending by Shilowa supporters who requisite to interdict the congress; Willie Madisha was elected to convert Shilowa as Lekota's deputy.^[84] Up ahead of the May general volition, Shilowa announced publicly that lighten up would support the campaign run through the United Democratic Movement (UDM), another ANC breakaway party, granted he did not himself on the record join the UDM.^[85]

Retirement and in person life

After losing the battle be lead COPE, Shilowa retreated flight active politics, though he remnants prominent as a political observer and News24 columnist.

In sharp-tasting described himself as "a chap of leisure".^[86] He also has a wine company, Epicurean, which he founded in with community Mutle Mogase, Moss Ngoasheng, jaunt Ron Gault;^[87][88] the company specializes in red wines, which originate produces at Johann Rupert's Prince & ­Rothschild cellars in Paarl.^[89][90]

He is married to businesswoman Wendy Luhabe,^[91] who was one be bought COPE's early financiers and fundraisers.^[92] In addition to his lineage with Luhabe, Shilowa reportedly has two sons from a earlier customary marriage to Caroline Rikhotso;^[93] the youngest sued successfully buy child support in ^[94]

References

External links