Dr Murunwa Makwarela was a South African politician, academic, genetic engineer, and businessman whose career spanned science, public service, and local government leadership. He gained national attention during his brief and controversial tenure as Mayor of Tshwane in 2023, but beyond politics, he was widely respected for his academic achievements and work in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental management.
This biography is written naturally and clearly, covering Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s age, tribe, wife, net worth, religion, and cause of passing away
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr Murunwa Makwarela |
| Year of Birth | 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Cullinan, near Pretoria, South Africa |
| Age | 51 years (at the time he passed away) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Tribe | Venda |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Politician, Genetic Engineer, Academic, Businessman |
| Political Party | Congress of the People (COPE) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Wife | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
| Date of Passing Away | 23 April 2024 |
| Cause of Passing Away | Short illness |
Who Was Dr Murunwa Makwarela?
Dr Murunwa Makwarela was a multidisciplinary professional who combined science, leadership, and public administration. He was known for his strong academic background in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering, as well as for holding senior positions in both government institutions and private organizations.
In 2023, he briefly served as the Mayor of the City of Tshwane, a role that placed him at the center of national political debate. Despite the short duration of his mayoral tenure, his broader career reflected decades of involvement in research, environmental management, and governance.
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Age and Early Life
Dr Makwarela was born in 1972 in Cullinan, just outside Pretoria, in what was then the Transvaal Province. He grew up in Tshitereke village in the former Venda bantustan, where his cultural roots were firmly established.
He passed away at the age of 51 on 23 April 2024 after a short illness.
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Tribe
Dr Murunwa Makwarela belonged to the Venda tribe, one of South Africa’s well-known ethnic groups primarily based in Limpopo Province. His upbringing in a Venda community shaped his identity, values, and connection to rural development and environmental sustainability.
Education and Academic Background
Dr Makwarela’s academic journey was both extensive and distinguished:
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University of Venda (1994):
Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology -
University of Natal, Durban campus:
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Honours degree in Plant Biotechnology (1995)
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Master of Science in Eucalyptus cold tolerance and tissue culture (1997)
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University of the Witwatersrand (2006):
Doctorate (PhD)
While completing his doctorate, he conducted advanced research at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Institute in Missouri, United States, further strengthening his international academic exposure.
Professional Career
Dr Murunwa Makwarela had a diverse and high-level professional career:
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University of the Witwatersrand (2000–2005):
Researcher in cassava genetic engineering -
Agricultural Research Council (2005–2007):
First Divisional Head of Gene Banks -
City of Tshwane (2007–2012):
Strategic Executive Director for Agriculture and Environmental Management -
TAHAL Group (2012–2014):
Chief Executive Officer, TAHAL South Africa
He also served in several non-executive board roles, including:
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Biofuel Business Incubator (Chairperson)
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SA Essential Oil Business Incubator
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Johannesburg Development Agency
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Johannesburg Market
Additionally, he was a co-founder and chairperson of Maluti Green Med, a cannabis-licensed pharmaceutical company based in Lesotho.
Political Career and Mayoral Tenure
Dr Makwarela was a member of the Congress of the People (COPE) and served as the party’s only councillor in the City of Tshwane. Prior to becoming mayor, he held the position of Council Speaker within a multi-party coalition.
He was elected Mayor of Tshwane on 28 February 2023. However:
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He was removed from office on 7 March 2023 due to insolvency issues
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He was briefly reinstated on 9 March 2023
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He resigned on 10 March 2023 after it emerged that a rehabilitation certificate submitted during reinstatement was fraudulent
Despite the controversy, his mayoral period remains a notable chapter in his public life.
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Wife
Details about Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s wife have not been publicly disclosed. He kept his family life private, and public records largely focus on his professional and political career rather than his personal relationships.
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Religion
Dr Makwarela was a Christian. While he did not frequently speak publicly about his faith, Christianity formed part of his personal belief system and values.
Dr Murunwa Makwarela Net Worth
At the time of his passing away, Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s estimated net worth was between $500,000 and $1 million. His wealth was accumulated through:
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Senior executive roles
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Academic and research work
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Board memberships
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Business ventures in agriculture and biotechnology
Cause of Passing Away
Dr Murunwa Makwarela passed away on 23 April 2024 after a short illness. His passing away came as a shock to many in academic, political, and professional circles, given his relatively young age.
Legacy and Public Perception
Dr Murunwa Makwarela is remembered as:
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A highly educated scientist and academic
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A senior public administrator
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A businessman with interests in green technology
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A political figure whose mayoral tenure sparked national debate
Despite controversy in his political career, his contributions to science, agriculture, and public administration remain significant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old was Dr Murunwa Makwarela?
He was 51 years old at the time he passed away.
Which tribe did Dr Murunwa Makwarela belong to?
He was from the Venda tribe.
What was Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s religion?
He was a Christian.
Was Dr Murunwa Makwarela married?
He was married, but details about his wife were not publicly disclosed.
What was the cause of Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s passing away?
He passed away after a short illness.
Conclusion
Dr Murunwa Makwarela lived a complex and impactful life marked by academic excellence, executive leadership, and public service. From advanced scientific research to the highest office in local government, his journey reflected both achievement and controversy.
Though he has passed away, his legacy continues through the institutions he served, the research he contributed to, and the discussions his leadership sparked in South Africa’s public life.
