Who Is Fikile Mbalula? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Fikile Mbalula was born on April 8, 1971, making him 54 years old in 2025. He is a prominent South African politician, known for his involvement in the African National Congress (ANC) since his youth. His political career has seen him serve in various capacities, including as Minister of Police and Minister of Sports and Recreation. Mbalula has gained a reputation for his charismatic speaking style and engagement with the youth.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Botshabelo, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Fikile Mbalula's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Fikile Mbalula stands at a tall height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 78 kg (172 lbs). His body measurements, while not extensively documented, suggest an athletic build that reflects his active lifestyle.
Mbalula's tenure in the sports ministry coincided with the height of alleged state capture of the Zuma administration.
In 2019, two years after Mbalula's departure from the ministry and nine years after his appointment, it transpired that he had first heard that he would be appointed to the ministry during a phone call with one of the Gupta brothers, close associates of Zuma's who were allegedly central figures in state capture.
Senior politician Trevor Manuel was the first to attract public attention to the phone call. In a 2017 open letter to Mbalula in the Daily Maverick, Manuel recounted an ANC NEC meeting in August 2011:"There, the Fikile Mbalula we once knew wept as he spoke.
He explained he'd been called to Saxonwold [the Guptas' residence] by the Guptas in May 2009 and was told that he was being promoted from the position of Deputy Minister of Police to Minister of Sport. A few days later the President confirmed this change.
The weeping was about the fact that he, Fikile, was happy that he’d made it into Cabinet but that it was wrong to have learnt this from Atul Gupta."Manuel recounted this story in his testimony to the Zondo Commission in 2019, saying that he had construed the phone call as further evidence that the Guptas may have had influence in appointing Zuma'
s cabinet ministers.
Mbalula confirmed that Manuel's story was broadly correct, although he had in fact been promoted in 2010 and although he said that it was Ajay Gupta, not Atul Gupta, who had called to congratulate him.
Ajay Gupta submitted an affidavit confirming that the phone call had taken place, though he said that he had gathered that Mbalula would be promoted from what he had read in newspapers, not based on any personal involvement in the decision.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Fikile Mbalula is married to his long-term partner, Nozuko Mbalula. The couple has a close-knit family and is often spotted participating in family-friendly events. Mbalula is known for keeping his personal life relatively private; however, he occasionally shares insights about his family on social media platforms.
Mbalula's presidency elevated him to national prominence and his tenure was controversial. His politics have been described as populist, and he attracted media attention for his public statements.
His critics accused him of "eroding authority and decorum" in the ANC in a manner that "changed the culture of the league" and set a precedent for his successors. Also controversial was his close relationship with Brett Kebble, a businessman and prolific political donor.
Mbalula was a pallbearer at Kebble's funeral in 2005, and Kebble's biographer, Mandy Wiener, claimed that Kebble had been Mbalula's political mentor, frequently hosting him – and even coaching him – over Johnnie Walker Blue Label at his home in Atholl, Johannesburg.
Mbalula personally was a member of a trust that co-owned Lembede Investment Holdings, an ANCYL-linked investment company that did business with Kebble.
Net Worth and Salary
Fikile Mbalula has an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million as of 2025. His earnings are primarily derived from his roles within the government, additional political engagements, and potential business investments. As a well-respected figure in South African politics, he also earns from various speaking engagements and public appearances.
Career, Business and Investments
Fikile Mbalula's political career began in his early twenties, and he has steadily climbed the ranks within the ANC. He has held several significant positions, focusing on youth development, sports promotions, and crime prevention. His tenure has been marked by a blend of controversy and substantial contributions to policy-making.
Beyond politics, Mbalula is known to engage in various business ventures, particularly in sectors related to media and consulting. He has also expressed a keen interest in fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, contributing to initiatives that promote business education and innovation.
Although he was initially excluded from the cabinet of Zuma's successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mbalula returned as Minister of Transport from May 2019 to March 2023. He left government in order to take up his full-time position as ANC Secretary-General, which he won at the ANC's 55th National Conference in December 2022.
Social Network
Fikile Mbalula is an active user of social media, engaging with constituents and followers on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He often shares updates about his work, personal life, and social issues affecting South Africa. Mbalula boasts a substantial following, which reflects his influence and popularity within the political arena.
After Mbalula joined the National Assembly in May 2009, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Police by Zuma, who was newly elected as President of South Africa. He went on to serve in Zuma's cabinet as Minister of Sport and Recreation from 2010 to 2017 and as Minister of Police from 2017 to 2018.
He maintained a prominent public profile in both positions, even as his standing in the ANC suffered due to his falling out with Zuma and his unsuccessful bid to be elected as ANC Secretary-General in 2012.
Education
Mbalula's educational background includes a degree in Sport Science and Political Science, paving the way for his versatile career in both sports and politics. His education has significantly influenced his approach to youth engagement and community development initiatives throughout his career.
In 1996, Mbalula ascended to national office in the ANCYL as the league's secretary for political education. He held that office until 1998, when he was elected as national Secretary-General of the league, serving under ANCYL President Malusi Gigaba. He and Gigaba were both re-elected – in Mbalula's case unopposed – in April 2001.
The pair were apparently close confidantes: by 2002, they discussed their political ambitions with other ANCYL members, identifying Mbalula as an ideal future ANC Secretary-General and Gigaba as an ANC President.
