Wonder Mahlatsi Explained

Wonder Mahlatsi
Honorific-Suffix:MP
Office1:Member of the National Assembly of South Africa
Term Start1:21 May 2014
Nationality:South African
Party:United Africans Transformation
Alma Mater:University of South Africa
Profession:Politician

Lehlohonolo Wonderboy Mahlatsi is a South African politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of South Africa since being elected in 2024. He is the leader of the United Africans Transformation, and sits in the South African parliament as part of the Progressive Caucus in opposition to the Government of National Unity.

Political career

As leader, Mahlatsi was nominated as the lead candidate on the national list of the UAT at the 2024 general election.[1] He was elected to the National Assembly from this list as the sole MP from the UAT, the UAT having received 0.22% of the nationwide vote.[2]

The UAT initially intended to negotiate with the African National Congress to join the Government of National Unity, however Mahlatsi withdrew from these negotiations, accusing the ANC of "acting in bad faith" by not giving him a position in the Ramaphosa cabinet.[3] [4]

Mahlatsi identifies as Pan-African, and supports land expropriation without compensation.[5] [6]

In the parliament, Mahlatsi sits on the portfolio committees on land reform and rural development, and on agriculture. He also is a member of the Parliamentary Group on International Relations.[7]

Personal life

Mahlatsi was raised in Sebokeng, Gauteng, and attended Fundulwazi Secondary School as a student. He has a PhD in criminal justice and had a career in law enforcement before his election to parliament.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Final candidate lists for 2024 National and Provincial Elections . 8 November 2024 . Electoral Commission of South Africa.
  2. News: Serero . Lerato . 23 June 2024 . From Sebokeng to National Assembly . 8 November 2024 . Sedibeng Ster.
  3. News: Ludidi . Velani . 12 July 2024 . United Africans Transformation withdraws from GNU after not getting positions . 8 November 2024 . Daily Maverick.
  4. News: Medupe . Kgomotso . 12 July 2024 . Party pulls out of ANC's GNU! . 8 November 2024 . Daily Sun.
  5. News: Serero . Lerato . 22 February 2024 . UAT promises service delivery . 8 November 2024 . Sedibeng Ster.
  6. News: 12 May 2024 . UAT promises land expropriation without compensation . 8 November 2024 . SABC News.
  7. Web site: Mr Lehlohonolo Wonderboy Mahlatsi . 8 November 2024 . Parliament of South Africa.