Economist Sfiso Buthelezi, who hails from Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal was tipped to take over from South Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas in 2016.

The move was delayed after Jonas revealed that he was offered the position of Finance Minister to replace then-Minister Nhlanhla Nene by members of the Gupta family.

Buthelezi was sworn in as ANC MP on 29 February 2016. According to City Press he “joined the ANC at the age of 20 in 1981 and formed part of the Ingwavuma unit that was sent to experiment with setting up the first military bases for the ANC in the country. He was arrested and sent to Robben Island for eight years, until 1991”.

Buthelezi received a BCom degree while on Robben Island and honours from the University of Cape Town after his release, he later completed a master’s degree, City Press reveals.

He was also the Passenger Rail Agency of SA’s chairman and served on its board for 10 years and Chief Operations Officer for Makana Investment.

“Between 1994 and 1999, Buthelezi served as an adviser to Zuma when the latter was economic development MEC in KwaZulu-Natal. He was also an adviser to Mathews Phosa when the latter was the Mpumalanga premier”, City Press reveals.