Vusi Shongwe Biography
Crossby Vusi Shongwe is a South African politician and member of Parliament. He belongs to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, also called the MK Party. He was sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly on 15 August 2024. He represents the Gauteng province.
Many people started searching for his name after a frightening incident on 26 November 2025. On that night, unknown men hijacked and kidnapped him for several hours in Tembisa, Gauteng. He was later released unharmed, but the event raised serious questions about the safety of politicians in South Africa. This article explains who Vusi Shongwe is, where he comes from, how he entered politics, and what has happened recently.
Vusi Shongwe Early Life and Personal Background
Very little public information exists about Vusi Shongwe’s exact date of birth or childhood. What is known is that he is a South African citizen who has spent much of his life in Gauteng province. He is connected to the Tembisa area, one of the large townships north-east of Johannesburg.
Before entering national politics, Shongwe was not widely known in the media. Many new MK Party members come from ordinary community backgrounds, and Shongwe appears to fit this pattern. He is described by party colleagues as a humble and respectful person who listens to people’s problems. His roots in Gauteng townships likely gave him first-hand experience of issues such as poor service delivery, unemployment, and crime, matters he now raises in Parliament.
Vusi Shongwe Career in Politics
Vusi Shongwe’s political career began when he joined the uMkhonto weSizwe Party shortly after it was launched in December 2023. The MK Party was started by former president Jacob Zuma and quickly grew into the third-largest party in the May 2024 general election.
In those elections, the MK Party won 58 seats in the National Assembly. Shongwe was placed on the Gauteng regional list and was successfully elected. On 15 August 2024, he took the oath of office in Cape Town alongside other new MK Party members of Parliament.
Once in Parliament, he was appointed as an alternate member of the Ad Hoc Committee that investigates claims of criminal infiltration inside the South African Police Service (SAPS). In committee hearings, he has asked direct questions about police leadership and qualifications. For example, during a session with witness Cat Matlala, he wanted to know why many successful police officers only finished matric and whether higher education is really needed for top posts. His questions showed that he wants clearer standards in the police service.
Vusi Shongwe Recent News
On the night of 26 November 2025, Vusi Shongwe was driving in Tembisa, Gauteng, at around 10 pm. Unknown men blocked his car, forced him out at gunpoint, and took him away in another vehicle. They kept him for about five hours. During this time, they stole three cellphones and forced him to withdraw money from ATMs. They also gave him threats and warnings. He was released around 3 am on 27 November 2025. He was not physically injured.
The MK Party quickly made an official statement. The next day, 27 November 2025, MK Party Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele wrote a strong letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza. The letter asked for full-time protection for all MK Party MPs because previous requests for security had not been fully granted.
The police opened a case of hijacking and kidnapping at Thembisa Police Station. The matter is still under investigation. Many South Africans expressed shock and concern on social media, while others called for better safety measures for all elected representatives.
Conclusion
Vusi Shongwe is a relatively new face in South African national politics, but his story already shows both the opportunities and the dangers that come with public office. From a community background in Gauteng, he joined the fast-growing MK Party and now serves the people as a Member of Parliament. His work on police reform and the frightening kidnapping incident remind everyone that democracy needs brave voices and proper protection. South Africans will continue to watch his journey and hope for his safety as he carries out his duties.
FAQs
Who is Vusi Shongwe?
He is a South African politician and Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, representing Gauteng.
When did Vusi Shongwe become an MP?
He was sworn in on 15 August 2024 after the May 2024 general election.
What party does Vusi Shongwe belong to?
He is a member of the MK Party, founded by former president Jacob Zuma.
What happened to Vusi Shongwe on 26 November 2025?
He was hijacked and kidnapped for several hours in Tembisa, Gauteng. He was released unharmed early the next morning.
Is Vusi Shongwe safe now?
Yes, he was released without physical injury, but the police are still investigating the case.
What work does he do in Parliament?
He serves as an alternate member of the Ad Hoc Committee looking into criminal infiltration in the South African Police Service.
Why did the MK Party write to the Speaker?
The party asked for full-time security for its MPs after the kidnapping of Vusi Shongwe.
Where is Vusi Shongwe from?
He has strong ties to Gauteng province, especially the Tembisa area.