Ann Eveleth
Inkatha Freedom Party national caucus chairman Lionel Mtshali (60) faces an uphill battle as he prepares to take over the national Arts, Culture, Science and Technology portfolio next month.
Outgoing minister Ben Ngubane has set the ball rolling on far-reaching legislation in the young ministry and his departure to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature will deprive Mtshali of much-needed transition guidance from the ministry’s first incumbent.
Pulled off what was to be the IFP’s first ambassadorial posting to Argentina, Mtshali will now have to build a working relationship with the African National Congress-dominated departments under him, while balancing the demands of the vocal artisitic and scientific communities, as well as those of South Africa’s myriad cultural groups.
A loyal founding member of the IFP, decribed by others in the party as “very close” to IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Mtshali first rose to prominence in the KwaZulu government when he replaced former IFP secretary general Oscar Dhlomo as education and culture minister in 1991. He is credited with promoting the art of Zulu dancing during his tenure.
Passed over by his then deputy, Prince Vincent Zulu, for the education post in the KwaZulu-Natal government, Mtshali has since played a key role in implementing party policy within the national caucus.
He is a former school teacher, principal and school inspector. He is well travelled and has a history of promoting education in rural communities.
He holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Orange Free State, with undergraduate degrees in education and history from Rhodes, Unisa and the University of Zululand.