Comrades, friends, colleagues, and close family members have remembered former ANC MEC Brian Hlongwa as a patriot and an ANC comrade who has fought for the freedom of this country.

Despite corruption allegations against him, the former Gauteng Health MEC was remembered by family and ANC comrades as a devoted patriot at his funeral service at the Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

His brother, Dr Vusi Hlongwa, revealed that his brother spent his last resources preparing for his legal defence in a case that would have gone to trial in 2026.

“Brian, when there were elections in South Africa, he always fought for the ANC. I repeat, every time it was time for the elections, Brian campaigned in the family for us to vote for the ANC… He dared everybody to vote for any other party, and they would be in trouble. His blood was green, black, and gold. In life, in the dark times, and even as he lay in his casket, his blood remains green, black, and gold,” he said.

Hlongwa died over a week ago after a brief illness. The former youth league leader also served as the ANC’s member of the Gauteng Legislature as the party’s chief whip and as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the City of Johannesburg.

On his attempt to clear his name after being accused of corruption, his brother stated: “Some people have just decided to attack my brother without knowing the facts.

“We want to know the people behind the vilification of our brother… He was ready to defend himself. He spent every cent preparing for his defence.”

After serving as a youth league leader, Hlongwa later resigned as the ANC’s chief whip in the legislature in 2018 amid allegations of corruption.

Delivering his eulogy, ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for ANC members to reflect on whether their behaviour reflects the principles of the ANC of the people.

“Today, the movement reflects on his immense contribution, his calm leadership in turbulent times, and his unwavering commitment to the values and discipline of the ANC… In dealing with what needs to be done at the moment. So when we talk about renewal, we need to be sure that we do not lose that touch. Are we still the ANC of the people?” Mashatile asked mourners.

Ahead of Hlongwa’s funeral service, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said  Hlongwa’s legacy cannot be overshadowed by the allegations of corruption that were brought against him.

At the time of his death, Hlongwa was accused of corruption and money laundering charges stemming from irregular contracts during his tenure as Health MEC between 2006 and 2009.

With Hlongwa’s trial set to begin in April 2026, Nkomo-Ralehoko defended him, saying his track record as the MEC spoke for itself.

“He was performing extremely well. The work that he did can be overshadowed by one or two things that have happened, but I am happy that he never despaired. He was never diverted by any issue that came in front of his way,” she said.

City of Joburg Mayor and former ANC Greater Johannesburg chairperson Dada Morero also remembered Hlongwa’s leadership qualities.

“He was someone who understood that respect is not demanded, it is earned. Life reminds us that relationships and trust outweigh what one leaves behind. Comrade Brian’s journey cannot be measured in material possessions, but his legacy lives on. In his political leadership roles, he remained firm, advocated for discipline and accountability by all those who were put into positions of responsibility to serve our nation,” he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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