Her last job was South Africa Ombudsman or Public Protector. That was the official title, related to her function as the prosecutor of misconducts and crimes, including embezzlement, corruption, and abuses of all sorts by public officials. But to the common South African people, she is known, as she puts it herself, as makhadzi, or the one who "gives the people a voice, while giving the leaders a conscience".
That is why, across the World, she is widely labelled "South Africa's biggest tell-tale" or "the crusader against corruption". "She” is
Thulisile Nomkhosi "Thuli" Madonsela, simply known as Thuli Madonsela.
She has prosecuted the most powerful elite in South Africa, including the controversial current President Jacob Zuma and his closest aides and connected rich and powerful.
Thuli Madonsela rose from a simple trade unionist, during the fight against Apartheid regime, to the internationally recognized leader; she has been included in the top 100 most influential women in government around the World.
Her investigations have targeted top leaders, police chiefs, opposition leaders, including the self styled young opposition leader Julius Mulema, the leader of Economic Freedom Fighters, and businessmen, especially the powerful indian family dynasty, known as "the Guptas". The allegedly corrupt association between the Guptas and Jacob Zuma has been dubbed a cartel known as "Zupta". Her investigations have led to calls for Jacob Zuma to resign and the ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), to look back into itself, and regain its lost way, that was paved by leaders with integrity, during the fight against the Apartheid.
When her 7-year term ended in October 2016, she left big shoes to fill.
Thuli Madonsela was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1962 from parents of Swaziland descent. She grew up in the notorious segregated town of Soweto, a hot bed for riots against White supremacy during Apartheid. She attended school and university in Swaziland and South Africa. She graduated with a Law degree from the university of Withwatesrand in South Africa.
During the apartheid era, she became a member of ANC and United Democratic Front. After apartheid, she chose service over political privileges; that choice became the foundation of her Public Protector role. After her term, she has been touring the World giving speeches on her experiences.
Her husband died when her two children were very young, leaving her to raise them as a single parent.
©2016 AfroAmerica Network
