David Makhura facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Makhura
Makhura in March 2019
6th Premier of Gauteng
In office 21 May 2014 – 5 October 2022
Preceded by	Nomvula Mokonyane
Succeeded by	Panyaza Lesufi
Provincial Chairperson of the African National Congress in Gauteng
In office 21 July 2018 – 27 June 2022
Deputy	Panyaza Lesufi
Preceded by	Paul Mashatile
Succeeded by	Panyaza Lesufi
Party offices 2001–2018 Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the African National Congress in Gauteng In office 4 October 2014 – 21 July 2018 Chairperson Paul Mashatile Preceded by Gwen Ramokgopa Succeeded by Panyaza Lesufi Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress in Gauteng In office November 2001 – 4 October 2014 Deputy Mandla Nkomfe Humphrey Mmemezi Chairperson Sam Shilowa Paul Mashatile Preceded by Obed Bapela Succeeded by Hope Papo
Personal details
Born	Manemolla David Makhura (1968-02-22) 22 February 1968 (age 57) Mara Buysdorp, Northern Transvaal South Africa
Political party	African National Congress
Spouse	Mpho Makhura
Alma mater	University of the North University of London

David Makhura (born 22 February 1968) is a South African politician. He served as the sixth Premier of Gauteng from May 2014 to October 2022. The Premier is like the governor of a province in South Africa. After leaving this role, he started working for his political party, the African National Congress (ANC). He is now in charge of political education for the ANC.

Makhura was born and went to school in Limpopo province. He started his political journey as a student leader. He was the president of the South African Students Congress from 1994 to 1996. He also worked with trade unions and youth political groups. He became well-known as the provincial secretary for the ANC in Gauteng. He held this important job from November 2001 to October 2014.

He became Premier of Gauteng after the general election in May 2014. He was elected for a second time after the May 2019 election. During his time as Premier, he focused on improving the economy. He especially wanted to help businesses in township areas grow. However, his time as Premier also saw some challenges, particularly with healthcare services in the province. He resigned from his position in October 2022.

Early Life and Education

David Makhura was born on 22 February 1968. His birthplace was Mara Buysdorp in the Soutpansberg area. This region was part of the old Northern Transvaal and is now in Limpopo Province. His parents later moved to what is now Gauteng province for work.

When he was a teenager, around 1984, he became active in student politics. He joined groups that were part of the anti-apartheid movement. This movement worked to end the unfair system of apartheid in South Africa. In 1986 and 1987, he joined secret groups of the banned African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP).

Makhura studied at the University of the North at Turfloop. He was elected as the president of the student council twice, in 1990 and 1992. Later, he became a leader in the South African Students Congress (SASCO). He was the national president of SASCO from 1994 to 1996. He later earned a Master's degree in public policy and management from the University of London.

Early Political Career

From 1997 to 2001, Makhura was active in the trade union movement. He held leadership roles in the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu). He started as the union's national education secretary. In April 1998, he was elected as the union's deputy general secretary. During this time, he was also a member of the main committee of the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

At the same time, Makhura remained involved in youth politics. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC Youth League from 1998 to 2004. He also helped start the Young Communist League for the SACP.

In November 2001, Makhura was elected as the provincial secretary for the ANC in Gauteng. This was a full-time job. He held this position for a long time, until October 2014. He worked closely with other leaders, including Paul Mashatile.

Premier of Gauteng: 2014–2022

In the May 2014 general election, David Makhura was chosen to be a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. On 20 May, the ANC announced that he would become the Premier of Gauteng. This was a bit of a surprise to some people. He was sworn into office on 21 May, becoming the youngest Premier of Gauteng at that time.

Makhura served as Premier until October 2022. He was re-elected for a second term after the May 2019 election.

Economic Plans

When he first became Premier, Makhura spoke about his main goals. He wanted to change and modernize the economy. A big part of his plan was to help township economies grow. He wanted to invest money to improve township infrastructure. The goal was for economic growth in townships to make up 30 percent of the province's total growth. This plan, called the Township Economy Revitalisation Programme, was very important during his time as Premier.

Another idea Makhura announced was to look into the e-tolling policy. He became a strong critic of this policy. In November 2018, he even joined a march to ask the national government to stop e-tolls. He said he was marching as a member of the ANC, not as a government official. However, the e-tolls stayed in place during his time as Premier.

Makhura also worked to create special economic zones. These are areas designed to attract businesses and create jobs. During his first term, Gauteng attracted a lot of new investment. This helped create more jobs in the province.

Party Leadership

While he was Premier, Makhura also held important roles in the ANC. In October 2014, he was elected as the deputy provincial chairperson of the ANC in Gauteng. Later, in December 2017, he became the acting provincial chairperson.

On 21 July 2018, Makhura was officially elected as the ANC provincial chairperson. He ran unopposed for this position. He said publicly that he only planned to serve one term as provincial chairperson. So, he did not run for re-election in 2022. Panyaza Lesufi was then elected to take over as provincial chairperson.

Resignation

In early September 2022, Makhura announced that he would resign from being Premier. He said he would step down once the ANC chose his replacement. He officially resigned on 4 October. Panyaza Lesufi was then elected to succeed him as Premier on 6 October.

Work at Luthuli House: 2023–Present

In December 2022, Makhura was elected to the ANC's National Executive Committee. This is a very important group within the party. He received many votes, making him one of the most popular members elected.

In February 2023, Makhura was given a full-time job at Luthuli House. This is the main headquarters of the ANC. He was named the party's head of political education. He also became the chairperson of a new committee focused on coalition governance. In October 2023, he was also appointed as the principal of the O. R. Tambo School of Leadership. This is the ANC's political school.

In these roles, Makhura has worked to bring new ideas and changes to the party. He has helped create guidelines for how the ANC should work with other parties in coalitions. After the May 2024 general election, he helped lead the ANC's talks to form the Government of National Unity. In October 2024, he launched a new course in political education that all ANC members must now take.

Personal Life

David Makhura is a trustee of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. He is married to Mpho Makhura, and they have three children.

On 10 July 2020, he announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was one of several Premiers who tested positive for the virus around that time.