Brutus Malada is a well-known public figure, pundit, analyst and writer from South Africa. He has extensive experience and expertise in many fields, such as international relations, education, politics and culture.
He has worked at several prestigious international organizations such as UNESCO, the European Union and the National Research Foundation.
He has also served as an advisor and speechwriter to some of the most prominent figures in South African government and higher education.
He is a prolific author and commentator who has published numerous articles and chapters in academic journals and books, appears regularly on television and radio, and writes for some of South Africa’s leading newspapers.
File
- Full name: Brutus Malada
- Date of birth: November 15, 1976
- Age: 47 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Venda, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Public figure, commentator, analyst and writer
- Height: 1.75 m
- Parents: None
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Mpho Phalatse
- Children: Two sons
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Brutus Malada, now 47, was born on November 15, 1976 in Venda, his former homeland in northeastern South Africa.
He grew up in a rural area and attended primary and secondary school. He enjoyed reading and writing from an early age and developed a passion for learning and exploring different cultures and perspectives.
He was also exposed to the political and social realities of apartheid and its aftermath, which shaped his worldview and values.
He pursued higher education at the University of Venda and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science in 1999.
He then moved to Johannesburg where he pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Johannesburg.
He completed an Honours degree in International Relations in 2000, an MA in International Relations in 2002 and a PhD in International Relations in 2006.
His PhD thesis focused on the role of the European Union in promoting democracy and human rights in Africa.
Personal life
In Johannesburg, Brutus Malada married Mpho Phalatse, MMC of Social Development and Health.
They met in 2004 while working at the National Research Foundation. They married in 2006 and have two sons, aged 15 and 12.
They live in a spacious house in Sandton, an affluent suburb of Johannesburg. They are both devout Christians and attend Rhema Bible Church.
They also participate in charity and community initiatives, such as supporting orphanages, schools and health centers.
Brutus Malada is a friendly and sociable person who enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys traveling, watching movies, playing chess and listening to music.
He is also a sports fan, following football, rugby, cricket and golf. He supports the Kaizer Chiefs, Springboks, Proteas and Masters. He is fluent in English, Venda, Zulu and French and is learning Mandarin.
Career
Brutus Malada has had a remarkable and varied career, spanning a wide range of disciplines and roles. He began his career in 2000 as a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Johannesburg.
He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, supervises research projects and publishes academic papers. He also participates in a number of conferences and workshops, both national and international.
He was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award in 2003 and the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award in 2005. In 2004, he joined the National Research Foundation as a senior researcher and program manager.
He manages and coordinates research and funding projects related to international cooperation, development and innovation.
He also establishes and maintains partnerships and networks with a wide range of stakeholders, such as government agencies, universities, research institutes, civil society organizations and private sector entities.
He has facilitated and supported a number of collaborative initiatives, such as the South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership, the South Africa-China Science and Technology Cooperation and the South Africa-India Joint Science and Technology Research Programme.
In 2008, he was appointed Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He oversees and directs the implementation of UNESCO’s programmes and activities in the region, including education, science, culture, communication and information.
He also represents and advocates the values and principles of UNESCO and participates in many regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
He has been involved in a number of important projects and initiatives, such as the African World Heritage Fund, the Southern African Biosphere Reserves Network, the African Free Expression Exchange Programme and the Southern African Literacy and Numeracy Initiative.
In 2012, he returned to South Africa as chief of staff and senior advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
He is the principal assistant and confidant to the Minister, providing strategic advice and guidance on policy, planning and implementation issues.
He also manages and coordinates the work of the Minister’s Office and liaises with a wide range of domestic and international stakeholders, such as the Presidential Palace, the Cabinet, the National Assembly, the media, the higher education sector, the labour market and civil society.
He played a key role in promoting and supporting the Minister’s vision and agenda, such as the establishment of the South African Institute of Continuing and Vocational Education and Training, the expansion of the university system, the review of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the transformation of the higher education landscape.
In 2016, he stepped down and became an independent public figure, pundit, analyst and writer. Since then, he has been involved in various projects and activities, such as consulting, speaking, mentoring, lecturing and writing.
He is also a regular guest and contributor on various television and radio programmes, and has written for some of South Africa’s leading newspapers, such as the Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, Business Day and Daily Maverick.
He has also published several books and chapters, including The Rise and Fall of the ANC, The Future of Africa in a Changing World and The State of Democracy in South Africa.
He is considered one of the most influential and respected public voices. He provides insightful and provocative analysis and commentary on a wide range of issues and topics, such as politics, governance, development, education, culture and society.
Net worth
Brutus Malada has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
He accumulated his wealth from various sources of income, such as salary, fees, royalties, and investments.
Argumentative
Brutus Malada has faced criticism and opposition from several quarters, especially those who disagree with his views and opinions or see him as a threat or rival.
Some of his critics have also accused him of being biased, elitist, arrogant, or out of touch. However, he has responded to these accusations and challenges with grace and dignity, and he has defended and justified his positions and arguments with evidence and logic.
Social media
- Instagram Name: @brutusmalada
- Twitter Username: @BrutusMalada
