Thuli Madonsela

Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi “Thuli” Madonsela is one of South Africa's most respected lawyers, academics and advocates for social justice. From her childhood in Soweto to becoming the country's Public Protector, Madonsela has spent much of her career fighting for constitutional democracy, equality and accountability.

Early life

Madonsela was born on 28 September 1962 in Johannesburg and grew up in Soweto. She is the daughter of Bafana and Nomasonto Madonsela.

She attended Evelyn Baring High School in Nhlangano, Eswatini, before pursuing a career in law. She later obtained a BA in Law from the University of Swaziland in 1987 and an LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1990.

Before becoming a prominent lawyer, Madonsela worked as a teacher and became involved in the trade union movement during the 1980s.

Fighting apartheid

Madonsela became involved in the struggle against apartheid and was active in civil society during the final years of white minority rule.

As South Africa moved towards democracy, she became increasingly involved in shaping the country's new legal and constitutional framework.

In the 1990s, she worked at the University of the Witwatersrand and later joined the Department of Justice, where she held senior positions.

She was among 11 technical experts who helped draft South Africa's final Constitution, making her one of the people who helped shape the legal foundations of the country's democracy.

She also contributed to legislation dealing with equality, employment equity and administrative justice.

Public Protector

In 2009, Madonsela was appointed South Africa's third Public Protector, succeeding Lawrence Mushwana.

She served from 19 October 2009 until 14 October 2016.

Her seven-year tenure transformed the office into one of the most prominent institutions scrutinising the exercise of public power in South Africa.

Madonsela investigated allegations of maladministration, corruption, abuse of power and improper conduct involving government officials and institutions. Her approach earned her a reputation for being willing to challenge powerful political figures regardless of their position.

The Nkandla investigation

One of the defining moments of Madonsela's career came with her investigation into the controversial upgrades to then-President Jacob Zuma's private Nkandla residence.

Her investigation found that Zuma and his family had unduly benefited from some of the upgrades and recommended that the president repay a portion of the money.

The report, titled “Secure in Comfort”, became one of the most significant documents of South Africa's post-apartheid political era.

The Constitutional Court later confirmed the binding nature of the Public Protector's remedial action in the Nkandla matter, cementing the importance of the office and Madonsela's investigation.

State capture and the Gupta investigation

Madonsela's final major investigation as Public Protector focused on allegations of state capture.

Her 2016 report, “State of Capture”, examined allegations surrounding the relationship between the Gupta family, President Zuma and the South African government.

The report recommended the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.

Madonsela left office shortly after the report was released, but its recommendations ultimately contributed to the establishment of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.

Her work during this period made her an internationally recognised figure in the fight against corruption and abuse of public power.

Life after the Public Protector's office

After leaving the Public Protector's office in 2016, Madonsela moved further into academia and social justice work.

She joined Stellenbosch University in 2018 as the Law Trust Chair Professor of Law in Social Justice Studies. She currently serves as Director of the university's Centre for Social Justice, where she teaches subjects including constitutional law, administrative law, social justice and ethical leadership.

She is also the founder of the Thuma Foundation for Democracy Leadership and Literacy, which focuses on strengthening democracy, leadership and literacy.

Her work has extended internationally. She has served on a number of international bodies, including the UN Scientific Advisory Board, and is involved in organisations focused on social justice, governance and development.

Awards and recognition

Madonsela has received more than 70 awards and honours during her career.

Among her most notable achievements:

• Named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014
• Received Transparency International's Integrity Award
• Received the Commonwealth Lawyers Association Truth and Justice Award
• Named Forbes Africa Person of the Year
• Awarded numerous honorary doctorates
• Recognised internationally for her contribution to constitutionalism, human rights and social justice

Personal life

Madonsela is a mother of two children. She has generally kept her family life away from the public spotlight.

Away from law and public affairs, she is an avid mountaineer and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice, including through the Trek4Mandela initiative.

Thuli Madonsela — quick facts

• Full name: Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela
• Born: 28 September 1962
• Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Grew up: Soweto
• Profession: Lawyer, advocate, professor and social justice activist
• Education: University of Swaziland and University of the Witwatersrand
• Public Protector: 2009–2016
• Current institution: Stellenbosch University
• Current role: Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Social Justice
• Children: Two
• Major investigations: Nkandla and State Capture
• Notable recognition: TIME100, Transparency International Integrity Award and numerous honorary doctorates

From a Soweto childhood to the centre of South Africa's constitutional democracy, Thuli Madonsela's career has been defined by one consistent theme: holding power accountable.