Zweli Mkhize

Zweli Mkhize is a South African politician and former Minister of Health who has been actively involved in the country's African National Congress party. He has worked closely with prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Jacob Zuma. Mkhize has also been associated with various organizations, including the South African Medical Association and the World Health Organization. His career has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of healthcare and politics, with notable interactions with international leaders like Bill Clinton and Ban Ki-moon.

● Early Life and Education

Zweli Mkhize was born in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and spent his early years in the KwaZulu-Natal region. He attended Oakdale Primary School and later enrolled in Pieterson High School in Pietermaritzburg. Mkhize pursued higher education at the University of Natal, where he earned a degree in medicine and later obtained a Master's degree in ophthalmology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. During his time at university, he was influenced by the ideas of Steve Biko and Oliver Tambo, which shaped his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. Mkhize's interactions with Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu also played a significant role in his early life and education.

● Career

Mkhize began his career as a medical doctor, working at various hospitals, including the McCord Hospital in Durban and the Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. He later became involved in politics, joining the African National Congress and participating in the United Democratic Front. Mkhize's career has been marked by collaborations with notable figures such as Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Bantu Holomisa, and Tokyo Sexwale. He has also been associated with organizations like the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions. Mkhize's work has been recognized by institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand and the South African Institute of International Affairs.

● Political Career

Mkhize's political career began to take shape when he became the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal in 2009, a position he held until 2013. During this time, he worked closely with Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe. Mkhize has also been a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress and has served as the party's Treasurer-General. His interactions with Cyril Ramaphosa and David Mabuza have been significant in shaping his political career. Mkhize has also been involved in various international organizations, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.

● Minister of Health

As the Minister of Health from 2019 to 2021, Mkhize played a crucial role in shaping the country's healthcare policy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked closely with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop strategies for combating the pandemic. Mkhize's interactions with international leaders like Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Anthony Fauci have been significant in this regard. He has also been associated with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

● Personal Life

Mkhize is married to May Mashego, and the couple has three children together. He is a practicing Christian and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. Mkhize's personal life has been influenced by his interactions with notable figures like Graca Machel and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He has also been recognized for his contributions to social justice and human rights by institutions like the University of Cape Town and the South African Human Rights Commission.

● Controversies

Mkhize has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds. He has been criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his interactions with companies like Digital Vibes. Mkhize's relationships with Gupta family members and other prominent business leaders have also been subject to scrutiny. Despite these controversies, Mkhize remains a significant figure in South African politics, with ongoing interactions with organizations like the Public Protector and the Special Investigating Unit. His legacy continues to be shaped by his associations with institutions like the University of the Western Cape and the South African Council of Churches.