Mzwanele Manyi Biography
South African businessman, politician, and media personality Mzwanele Manyi. He has significantly impacted South Africa’s economic community, particularly in the media and communications industry.
He began his career as a geologist, obtaining a National Diploma in Geology in 1985 and a Higher Diploma in Economic Geology in 1987, before transitioning into the corporate world where he worked with major companies like Anglo-American, Toyota, IBM, and Tiger Brands during the 1980s and 1990s.
In 2009, he was appointed Director-General of the Department of Labour under President Jacob Zuma and later became CEO and Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) from 2011 to 2012.
In 2012, he left public service, and in August 2017, he acquired Gupta-linked media houses ANN7 and The New Age, which eventually shut down in 2018.
Politically, Manyi was a long-time member of the ANC before joining the African Transformation Movement (ATM) in 2019, then the EFF in mid-2023, and finally the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in August 2024, where he briefly served as Chief Whip in Parliament until May 2025.
Throughout his career, Manyi has been a vocal advocate for Black Economic Empowerment, a former president of the Black Management Forum, and since 2021, the spokesperson for former President Jacob Zuma and the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
Mzwanele Manyi Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mzwanele “Jimmy” Manyi |
| Date of Birth | 20 January 1964 |
| Age (2025) | 61 years old |
| Place of Birth | Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Education | National Diploma in Geology (1985), Higher Diploma in Economic Geology (1987), Marketing Certificate (1999), Harvard/Wits Senior Executive Programme |
| Profession(s) | Businessman, Media Owner, Geologist, Public Servant, Politician |
| Corporate Roles | Anglo-American, Toyota, Barclays, IBM, Tiger Brands, Meegbank |
| BMF Role | President of the Black Management Forum |
| Government Roles | DG, Department of Labour (2009–2011); CEO & DG, GCIS (2011–2012) |
| Media Ownership | Acquired ANN7 & The New Age (2017); shut down in 2018 |
| Civil Society | Head of Policy (Black Business Council); Founder (Progressive Professionals Forum); Zuma Foundation Spokesperson (2021–present) |
| Political Affiliations | ANC (until 2019), ATM (2019–2023), EFF (2023–2024), MK Party (2024–present) |
| Parliamentary Role | MK Party MP; Chief Whip (Aug 2024 – May 2025) |
| Religion | Christian (Lay Preacher – Bantu Church of Christ) |
| Marital Status | Married to Nomaphelo “Stella” Manyi (since ~1985); 3 children |
| Social Media | Twitter: @MzwaneleManyi |
| Net Worth (Estimates) | $10 million to R1.4 billion (not officially verified) |
Mzwanele Manyi’s Early Life and Education
Mzwanele Manyi was born on 20 January 1964 in Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa.
He completed his secondary education at Mhlotshana High School and Jabulani Technical High School, matriculating in 1981.
He pursued higher education in geology, earning a National Diploma in Geology from Technikon Northern Transvaal in 1985, followed by a Higher Diploma in Economic Geology from Wits Technikon in 1987.
Later in his career, he expanded his business acumen by obtaining a Marketing Certificate in 1999 and completing the prestigious Senior Executive Programme at Harvard/Wits Business School, equipping him for leadership roles in both the corporate and public sectors.
Mzwanele Manyi Age
Mzwanele Manyi was born on 20 January 1964, which makes him 61 years old as of 4 July 2025.
Mzwanele Manyi Net Worth
Mzwanele Manyi estimates his net worth at around R1.4 billion (approximately $102 million) based on his corporate roles and property holdings
Mzwanele Manyi Corporate Career
Mzwanele Manyi built a formidable corporate career spanning over two decades, starting in the 1980s.
He began as a geologist at Anglo-American, then transitioned into the corporate sector, where he held senior positions in several major companies.
He worked with Toyota, Barclays, and IBM, and later served as Group Executive of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Tiger Brands.
He also held a leadership role at Meegbank. Manyi gained national prominence when he became the President of the Black Management Forum (BMF), where he championed Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and advocated for transformation and diversity in South African corporate leadership.
His corporate and leadership expertise laid the foundation for his later roles in government and media.
Mzwanele Manyi Government Roles
Mzwanele Manyi entered the public sector in 2009 when he was appointed as the Director-General of the Department of Labour by then-President Jacob Zuma.
In this role, which he held until 2011, he strongly advocated for employment equity and transformation in the workplace, but his comments on racial representation in the Western Cape workforce sparked national controversy.
In February 2011, he was appointed as the CEO and Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), effectively becoming the official government spokesperson.
During his tenure at GCIS, which lasted until August 2012, Manyi faced criticism for allegedly attempting to control media narratives and for perceived alignment with pro-Zuma propaganda.
He stepped down from both the GCIS and the Black Management Forum in late 2012, marking the end of his formal involvement in government but not his influence in public affairs.
Mzwanele Manyi Media Ventures
In August 2017, Mzwanele Manyi made headlines when he acquired the Gupta-owned media outlets ANN7 (a 24-hour news channel) and The New Age newspaper through his company Lodidox for R450 million, using a vendor-financing deal.
The acquisition was widely criticized as an attempt to preserve the Gupta media empire under a different name during the height of the State Capture investigations.
Despite his efforts to rebrand ANN7 as Afro Worldview, the channel lost its DStv contract in August 2018 and was shut down shortly after.
Similarly, the New Age newspaper ceased operations later that same year. Manyi later founded Afrotone Media Holdings, which aimed to establish a transformed and independent African media voice.
However, his media ventures were marred by financial difficulties, political controversy, and persistent questions about editorial independence and links to the Gupta family.
Mzwanele Manyi, Civil Society
Mzwanele Manyi has been a prominent figure in South African civil society, particularly in advocating for economic transformation and Black empowerment.
He served as the President of the Black Management Forum (BMF), where he was instrumental in pushing for greater representation of Black professionals in senior corporate positions and promoting Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies. I
n 2016, he became the Head of Policy for the Black Business Council (BBC), further advancing his efforts to reshape South Africa’s economic landscape in favor of historically disadvantaged groups.
He also founded the Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), a platform aimed at mobilizing professionals in support of socio-economic transformation.
Since 2021, Manyi has taken on the role of official spokesperson for former President Jacob Zuma and the Jacob Zuma Foundation, often defending Zuma publicly and playing an active role in shaping narratives around the former president’s legacy and legal battles.
Through these civil society roles, Manyi has remained a vocal and influential advocate for transformation, despite the controversies surrounding his methods and affiliations.
Mzwanele Manyi Political Affiliations
Mzwanele Manyi has had a dynamic and shifting political journey marked by affiliations with multiple parties across the South African political spectrum.
For nearly 30 years, he was a loyal member of the African National Congress (ANC), during which he held influential government positions and supported former President Jacob Zuma.
In 2019, Manyi formally left the ANC and joined the African Transformation Movement (ATM), where he served as the party’s Head of Policy, advocating for radical economic transformation and African-centered governance.
By mid-2023, he shifted allegiance to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and was sworn in as a Member of Parliament under their banner in June 2023, citing alignment with the party’s transformation agenda.
However, his time in the EFF was short-lived, as he left to join the newly emerging uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in August 2024, a party closely associated with Jacob Zuma.
Shortly after joining, he was appointed the Chief Whip of the MK Party in Parliament, replacing Sihle Ngubane.
His tenure as Chief Whip was turbulent and ended in May 2025 when he was dismissed from the role amid reported internal disputes and factionalism.
Manyi’s rapid transitions between parties and roles have attracted criticism, with many labeling him a “serial defector” and “political opportunist,” while his supporters see him as a committed transformation activist aligning with causes that reflect his principles.
Mzwanele Manyi Controversies & Public Image
Mzwanele Manyi has been one of South Africa’s most controversial public figures, known for his strong views on transformation and his frequent shifts across political and media platforms.
His tenure as Director-General of the Department of Labour (2009–2011) drew backlash when he made racially charged comments about the overrepresentation of coloured people in the Western Cape, which were publicly condemned by late ANC stalwart Trevor Manuel.
As head of GCIS (2011–2012), Manyi was accused of attempting to manipulate government communication and suppress critical media, raising concerns about state propaganda under President Zuma.
His acquisition of ANN7 and The New Age in 2017, which were previously owned by the Gupta family, intensified speculation about his links to the State Capture scandal.
Despite claiming independence, critics labeled the transaction as an effort to preserve pro-Zuma media influence. Both outlets were shut down in 2018 due to financial challenges and credibility issues.
Politically, Manyi has frequently switched parties, moving from the ANC to ATM (2019), EFF (2023), and MK Party (2024), leading many to brand him a “political opportunist.”
His appointment and later dismissal as MK Party Chief Whip in 2025 also sparked internal party tensions.
Nonetheless, Manyi remains a vocal figure in South African politics and media, admired by some for his transformation agenda, but widely criticized for his polarizing rhetoric, controversial alliances, and perceived inconsistency.
Mzwanele Manyi’s Personal Life
Mzwanele “Jimmy” Manyi has been married to Nomaphelo “Stella” Manyi since around 1985, and together they have three children: two sons and one daughter.
Their sons are married and each has children, making Manyi a proud grandfather of at least three grandchildren.
He is also a devout lay preacher at the Bantu Church of Christ, reflecting his deep Christian faith.
Manyi underwent a personal transformation when he abandoned his nickname “Jimmy” around 2015, stating that the name was a “slave name” used for convenience by white employers. He reclaimed his birth name, Mzwanel, as an act of decolonial identity assertion.
He has openly shared aspects of his family life, celebrating his wife’s beauty on her birthday and emphasizing respect in marriage.
For instance, he once tweeted that in over 30 years of marriage, he “never lifted even a finger” against her, a declaration against domestic violence.
Mzwanele Manyi Awards & Recognition
There is no publicly documented record of major state honors, national awards, or international prizes conferred upon Mzwanele Manyi in reliable sources such as government announcements, mainstream media outlets, or his Wikipedia page.
Despite his high-profile roles in government, corporate South Africa, media, and civil society, he does not appear to have received formal awards such as national orders, honorary degrees, or industry accolades.
However, Manyi’s influence and standing have earned him positions of trust and leadership, reflecting a form of peer acknowledgment:
President of the Black Management Forum (BMF)
Head of Policy for the Black Business Council
Founder of the Progressive Professionals Forum
Appointed official spokesperson for former President Jacob Zuma and the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
While these roles are not formal awards, they do signify recognition of his expertise and prominence within his spheres of influence.
Mzwanele Manyi Political Party
As of July 2025, Mzwanele Manyi is a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which he joined in mid-August 2024, following his resignation from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
1980s–2019: Long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC)
January 2019: Joined the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and served as Head of Policy.
May–June 2023: Departed ATM and joined the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); became an EFF MP in June 2023.
15 August 2024: Left the EFF and joined the MK Party, a political vehicle aligned with Jacob Zuma.
Late August 2024: Sworn in as an MK Party MP and appointed Chief Whip on 28 August 2024.
May 2025: Removed as Chief Whip amid internal party tensions, but remains an MK Party MP
Mzwanele Manyi’s Verified Social Media Accounts
Twitter / X: @MzwaneleManyi
FAQs
1. Who is Mzwanele Manyi?
Mzwanele Manyi is a South African businessman, media owner, former government spokesperson, civil society leader, and politician. He is known for his advocacy of Black Economic Empowerment and his shifting roles across major political parties and public institutions.
2. When and where was Mzwanele Manyi born?
He was born on 20 January 1964 in Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa.
3. What is Mzwanele Manyi’s educational background?
He holds a National Diploma in Geology (1985), a Higher Diploma in Economic Geology (1987), a Marketing Certificate (1999), and completed the Harvard/Wits Senior Executive Programme.
4. What roles did he play in the South African government?
He served as Director-General of the Department of Labour (2009–2011) and CEO and Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) (2011–2012), where he was also the official government spokesperson.
5. What media outlets did Mzwanele Manyi own?
In August 2017, he acquired ANN7 and The New Age from the Gupta family, but both were shut down in 2018. He later launched Afrotone Media Holdings.
6. What civil society roles has he held?
He was the President of the Black Management Forum (BMF), Head of Policy for the Black Business Council (2016), and founder of the Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF). Since 2021, he has been the official spokesperson for Jacob Zuma and the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
7. What political parties has he been affiliated with?
ANC (until 2019)
ATM (2019–2023)
EFF (mid-2023–August 2024)
MK Party (August 2024–present)
8. Was Mzwanele Manyi ever in Parliament?
Yes. He became an EFF Member of Parliament in 2023, then defected to the MK Party in 2024, where he served briefly as Chief Whip until May 2025.
9. What controversies has he been involved in?
Comments about racial demographics in the Western Cape (2011)
Alleged attempts to control media narratives while in the GCIS
Ties to the Gupta family through his purchase of ANN7 and The New Age
Frequent political party switches, leading to accusations of opportunism
10. What is known about his personal life?
He is married to Nomaphelo “Stella” Manyi and has three children and at least three grandchildren. He is also a Christian lay preacher in the Bantu Church of Christ.
11. What is Mzwanele Manyi’s net worth?
Estimates range from $10 million to R1.4 billion, though no official financial disclosures have confirmed these figures.
In Conclusion
Mzwanele “Jimmy” Manyi is a multifaceted South African figure whose career spans geology, corporate leadership, government service, media ownership, civil society activism, and dynamic political involvement.
Born on 20 January 1964 in Soweto, he rose from a geologist to become a powerful voice for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and transformation in both the public and private sectors.
His tenure as Director-General of the Department of Labour and later as CEO of GCIS marked his entry into national prominence, though not without controversy.
His purchase of Gupta-linked media outlets in 2017 and subsequent political shifts, from ANC to ATM, then to the EFF, and currently the MK Party, highlight his evolving yet often polarizing public identity.
Manyi remains a staunch supporter and spokesperson for Jacob Zuma, reinforcing his alignment with radical transformation ideals.
Despite criticism over political opportunism and media manipulation, Manyi continues to influence South Africa’s political and economic discourse, driven by his long-standing commitment to empowerment, African identity, and socio-economic justice.
His story reflects both the complexity and volatility of post-apartheid South African leadership.
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