Mcebisi Jonas

Mcebisi Jonas is a former South African politician, who currently serves as the board chairperson for multinational mobile telecommunications company MTN Group.  

Widely known for his illustrious political career, Mcebisi, served as a member of the Eastern Cape ANC Provincial Executive committee for two terms (1997-2004 and 2007-2009). He later became a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa and served as Deputy Minister of Finance from 2014-2017.

Mcebisi achieved a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology at Vista University before expanding his qualification with a Higher Diploma in Education at Rhodes University. He was politically active from a young age, leading political meetings in the Port Elizabeth area during his teen years and later starting underground, anti-apartheid groups in the Eastern Cape.

Mcebisi was also an organizer of the Azanian Students Organisation (AZASO) and played a crucial role in establishing the United Democratic Front systems in the Eastern Cape. Later, he was sent into exile for military training in Uganda and Angola. While there he was hired by the United Nations to run an education program for the Mkhonto Wesizwe, an armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

Upon his return to South Africa in the late 19990’s, Mcebisi played a crucial role in establishing the structures of the ANC and the SACP in the Eastern Cape. Recognising his outstanding skills, the ANC contracted him to form the new Provincial administration in the Eastern Cape in 1994. 

Mcebisi recently published a book entitled ‘After Dawn: Hope after State Capture’, in which he talks about issues faced by South Africans today and proposes a way for South Africa to move forward to create a more equitable society. Mr Jonas is passionate about development and making tangible change to the lives of South Africans. His immense experience of politics, education and finance make him a valuable member of the GDA team.