Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa |
| Date of Birth | 4 January 1965 (age 59 years) |
| Place of Birth | KwaZulu Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Role | Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
| Political Party | Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) |
| Previous Roles | Principal at Somfula High School, President of IFP, Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Councillor, Deputy Mayor, Mayor |
| Education | SSTD, B. Paed Degree in History (University of Zululand), BA Honours Degree in History (University of South Africa) |
| Spouse | Thandeka Nxumalo |
| Children | Nkosinathi, Nokwanda, Sthembile, Melokuhle, Osimelesonke, Sabeluyabizwa |
| Religious Affiliation | Nazareth Baptist Church |
Early Life and Education
Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa was born on 4 January 1965 in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He is the eldest of six sons born to David and Thembani Hlabisa. Influenced by the Good Citizenship programme introduced by the KwaZulu Government under Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Hlabisa embraced values of self-help, self-reliance, and selfless service from a young age.
Hlabisa pursued a career in education, eventually becoming the Principal at Somfula High School. He holds an SSTD and a B. Paed Degree in History from the University of Zululand, as well as a BA Honours Degree in History from the University of South Africa. During his time at the University of Zululand, he co-founded the South African Democratic Students’ Movement and served as its first Chairperson. He also became the Regional Deputy Chairperson of the National Teachers’ Union.
Community Involvement
Hlabisa has been actively involved in community work throughout his life. He chaired the Community Working Group in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council on HIV/Aids and Microbicide trials for six years. Additionally, he served over a decade as the Chairperson of the Hlabisa Hospital Board.
Political Career
Hlabisa’s political career is closely linked with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Over a span of twenty-four years, he gained extensive experience in local governance, serving as Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor at the District level. In August 2021, he was elected unopposed as the President of the IFP, becoming the Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
In October 2023, Hlabisa was sworn in as a Member of Parliament, succeeding the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Following the May 2024 National and Provincial Elections, he was appointed as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, a role he embraces with a spirit of servant leadership.
Personal Life
Minister Hlabisa is married to Thandeka Nxumalo, and they have six children: Nkosinathi, Nokwanda, Sthembile, Melokuhle, Osimelesonke, and Sabeluyabizwa. The family are members of the Nazareth Baptist Church. Hlabisa is committed to building a more stable, prosperous, and just South Africa, traveling in hope and believing in the possibility of change.