Carl Niehaus, a prominent figure in South African politics, had a long history of association with the African National Congress.
He was an official spokesman for the party and Nelson Mandela. He also endured a period of imprisonment for fighting against the oppressive regime of the former South African government.
File
- Full name: Carl Niehaus
- Date of birth: December 25, 1959
- Age: 64 years old
- Place of birth: Zeerust, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Politician
- Height: None
- Parent: Magrietha Niehaus
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Mafani Gunguluza (m. 2008), Jansie Lourens (m. 1986–2002)
- Children: None
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: N/A
Early life
Carl Niehaus was born on December 25, 1959 in Zeerust, South Africa. From an early age, he was known for his strong opposition to the apartheid regime and his active participation in the liberation struggle.
In 1980, Niehaus was expelled from RAU for supporting the release of Nelson Mandela, an event that further cemented his commitment to fighting injustice and inequality in South Africa.
In his early years, he was known for his strong opposition to apartheid and his dedication to the liberation struggle. His activism led to his expulsion from the RAU in 1980 after campaigning for the release of Nelson Mandela.
He spoke out against apartheid by resigning from the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) and joining the African Dutch Reformed Church in Alexandra, where he served as a deacon.
In July 1980, he became a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and became involved in underground activities against the oppressive apartheid government.
Despite facing many challenges, he completed his degree in Industrial Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand during this turbulent period.
Education
In an investigation conducted by multiple media organizations in February 2008, it was discovered that Niehaus had falsely declared that he had a master’s degree and a doctorate in theology (with distinction) from Utrecht University.
However, his claim to have a Bachelor of Theology degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa), awarded in April 1988, and an honorary degree (Cum Laude) from the same university two years later has been verified as true.
This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of Niehaus’s educational background and the accuracy of his credentials.
Career
Given the events involving Carl Niehaus, co-chair of the Homes for All initiative, and the campaign by white activists to apologize for apartheid, it is clear that his involvement in many controversial situations has attracted attention.
In 2020, Niehaus was called to testify at the reopened inquest into the death of Neil Aggett, where he detailed his brutal torture by security police while in custody.
Furthermore, in January 2021, he received a notice of suspension from his position in the ANC due to his actions, such as ignoring the ANC NWC’s directive to dissolve MKMVA, publicly criticizing the ANC leadership, and discrediting the ANC.
These events highlight the complex and chaotic situation surrounding Niehaus and his involvement in political affairs.
On the day Carl Niehaus confessed to forging signatures to secure the loan, the Gauteng provincial government questioned the validity of his confession, claiming that they had discovered the forgery themselves.
Although Niehaus claimed that he confessed immediately after the act, he eventually resigned as ANC spokesman the same day in a decision described as consensual.
His debt was later revealed to be nearly 4.5 million Rand, and 2017 reports suggested he was still in debt and may have been involved in another fraudulent scheme to solve his financial difficulties.
Social media
- Instagram Name: None
- Facebook Name: Carl Niehaus
- Twitter Username: @Niehaus_carl
Personal life
In 1986, Carl Niehaus married Jansie Lourens, who first introduced him to the armed struggle against apartheid.
Both were charged with conspiracy to commit treason and faced legal consequences, with Lourens receiving a four-year prison sentence.
The marriage eventually ended in divorce in 2002, after which Niehaus married Linda Thango. However, this marriage also ended.
In September 2008, he married businesswoman Mafani Gunguluza, but they split in 2012. Recent reports say that as of 2019, Niehaus is currently dating someone new.
Net worth
Currently, the public does not know Carl Niehaus’ exact net worth as he does not disclose much information about his income or financial assets.
His financial situation remains a mystery to many, leaving his true worth unknown to the public.