From herding cattle to the White House
From cattle herder to the highest echelons of the US government, humble Middelburg resident and High Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr Johannes Mahlangu, always comes back to his roots.
Apart from his Gholfsig neighbours, few residents actually know that the man at the helm of forging bilateral relations with the mightiest nation on earth, actually hails from the Highveld’s mining and stainless steel hub, Middelburg.
He was schooled at Tswenyane and Elisindisweni Primary Schools after which he enrolled at Sozama High, and finally matriculated at Botshabelo.
Mr Mahlangu first took up a teaching position in Monsterlus after which he entered the private sector as credit controller for Ellerines.
He however had a meteoric rise and was soon promoted to Sales Supervisor and finally to Brand Manager for the chain.
But politics beckoned and Mr Mahlangu first entered public service as Deputy Minister of Land Affairs and Traditional Leaders of the Lebowa Government in 1982.
Shortly after Mr Mahlangu was again promoted to Minister of Home Affairs, paving the road for him to become a power player in the democratic years to follow.
As such, it came as no surprise when he was selected Co-chairman to the Kodesa peace negotiations that led to the signing of South Africa’s Interim Constitution ahead of the historic 1994 elections, which saw him voted into Parliament.
Mr Mahlangu left Parliament in June 2014, having served as Chairman of Committees, Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Provinces and also later Chairman of the NCOP.
He then underwent Ambassador’s training from August to December, after which he boarded a plane on January 26, 2015, to take up position as SA’s face in the USA.
He has shaken hands with President Barack Obama and Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, among others.
Mr Mahlangu’s role mainly entails attracting big business to our shores.
He will be returning to South Africa in December for a well deserved holiday.
