Carl Niehaus was a political prisoner convicted of treason against South Africa's former government.
Biography
Carl Niehaus (born December 25, 1959) is a South African politician. He has served as the spokesman for African National Congress (ANC). He served in prison for treason against South Africa’s former government.
In February 2009, Carl stepped down as the spokesman of the African National Congress. He quit the position after he admitted to the maladministration of his finances.
Niehaus had vocally supported the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. The African National Congress expelled him from the party on December 12, 2022.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Carl Niehaus |
| Born: | December 25, 1959 (age 63 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Zeerust, North West |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Theology |
| Alma mater: | University of South Africa |
| Spouse: | Jansie Lourens (m. 1986–2002) Linda Thango (div.) Mafani Gunguluza (div.) Noluthando Mdluli (m. 2022-) |
| Occupation: | Politician |
Early Life
Carl Niehaus was born on December 25, 1959, in Zeerust, North West, where he grew up. His biological mother’s name is Magrietha Niehaus.
Education
Niehaus studied at Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). His support for Nelson Mandela’s release from prison led to his expulsion in 1980. He was to write his final year examination in a few months.
Carl claimed he obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate in theology (summa cum laude) from Utrecht University. In February 2008, some media organizations carried out investigations. They found out that Carl never obtained those degrees.
However, Carl obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the University of South Africa in 1988. He also holds an honors degree (Cum Laude) from UNISA in 1990.
Career
In March 1991, Niehaus came out of prison after the ANC negotiated with the Nationalist Party Government to release political prisoners.
After he left prison, Carl became the media liaison spokesperson for the African National Congress. He headed the ANC’s media liaison unit from 1992 to 1994.
Carl served for two years on the Regional Executive Council (REC) of the ANC in Gauteng.
In 1994, an election held at the ANC’s National Conference in Bloemfontein secured him a position at the party’s National Executive Committee. He was chairperson of the NEC’s Commission on Religious Affairs.
Niehaus served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly in 1996. He also chaired the Select Committee on Correctional Services and served on the Select Committee for Justice and Communication.
Carl was chairperson of the Transformation Forum on Correctional Service.
Personal life
Niehaus got married to Jansie Lourens. His wife had recruited him into the armed struggle against apartheid. In 2002, they ended their union in divorce. Niehaus married again to Linda Thango.
In September 2008, Niehaus married Mafani Gunguluza. His marriage to the businesswoman did not last long. Sources report him of having a new girlfriend in 2019.
In 2022, Carl Niehaus paid lobola for his new wife, Noluthando Mdluli. He posted pictures of him with his 27-year-old wife, who wore a black dress.
Carl Niehaus is a man family man and a committed father. He posted him having a daddy-daughter moment on social media. Carl showed off his daughter, Khanya, whom he had a lovely day with in Ballito, Durban.
Salary
Niehaus got the job with a pay package of a monthly salary of R71 000. He received a yearly bonus which was the same as his monthly salary.
His car allowance was R10 000, and his petrol allowance summed to R5 000. He received a cellphone allowance of R1 500 and R500 for his 3G card allowance.
Treason
Carl worked in the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa until his arrest in August 1983. His then fiancé, Jansie, was also arrested. Around this time, he obtained a degree in Industrial sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The court found Carl and Jansie guilty of High Treason and sentenced Carl to fifteen years in prison. Jansie received a four-year sentence.
Jansie completed her sentence, while Carl stayed in prison for seven and a half years. Carl married Jansie in prison.
Social Profiles
Carl Niehaus is active across several social media platforms. He shares his opinions on political matters, personal matters and time with family, travels, and other activities.