Dr Murunwa Makwarela Biography (2026): Age, Tribe, Wife, Net Worth, Religion, Cause of Passing Away

Dr Murunwa Makwarela was a South African politician, academic, genetic engineer, and businessman whose career spanned science, public administration, and governance. He was widely known for his academic achievements, leadership roles in public institutions, and his brief but highly publicized tenure as the Mayor of Tshwane. His life reflected both professional excellence and the complex realities of public service.

Dr Murunwa Makwarela Biography

Who Is Dr Murunwa Makwarela?

Dr Murunwa Makwarela was a multifaceted professional who combined scientific expertise with public leadership. Trained as a genetic engineer, he built a strong academic and corporate profile before entering municipal politics. Over the years, he worked across universities, research councils, government entities, and private enterprises, earning recognition for his intellectual depth and administrative skills.

He became nationally known in 2023 following his appointment as Mayor of the City of Tshwane, a role that placed him firmly in the public spotlight.

Early Life and Background

Murunwa Makwarela was born in 1972 in Cullinan, outside Pretoria, in what was then the Transvaal Province of South Africa. He spent much of his childhood in Tshitereke village within the former Venda bantustan, where he developed a strong connection to his cultural roots and community values.

Growing up in Venda played a significant role in shaping his identity, discipline, and commitment to education.

Tribe and Cultural Heritage

Dr Murunwa Makwarela belonged to the Venda tribe, one of South Africa’s rich and historically grounded ethnic groups. He remained proud of his Venda heritage throughout his life, often reflecting the values of service, resilience, and respect for knowledge associated with his background.

Education and Academic Achievements

Education was central to Dr Makwarela’s life and career. His academic journey was both extensive and distinguished.

• He graduated from the University of Venda in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology.

• In 1995, he obtained an Honours degree in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Natal, Durban campus.

• He earned a Master of Science degree in Eucalyptus cold tolerance and tissue culture in 1997.

• In 2006, he completed his Doctorate at the University of the Witwatersrand.

During his doctoral studies, he conducted advanced research at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Institute in Missouri, United States, gaining international scientific exposure.

Professional Career and Scientific Work

Dr Makwarela began his professional career at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he worked as a cassava genetic engineering researcher between 2000 and 2005.

From 2005 to 2007, he served as the first Divisional Head of Gene Banks at the Agricultural Research Council, a role that placed him at the center of agricultural innovation and biotechnology management in South Africa.

He later joined the City of Tshwane, where he worked as the Strategic Executive Director for Agriculture and Environmental Management from 2007 to 2012.

Corporate Leadership and Business Roles

Between 2012 and 2014, Dr Makwarela was the Chief Executive Officer of TAHAL South Africa, the local branch of the international TAHAL Group.

He also served in several non-executive and board leadership positions, including:

• Chairperson of the Biofuel Business Incubator (2014–2019)

• Non-executive director at the SA Essential Oil Business Incubator

• Board member at the Johannesburg Development Agency, where he chaired the HRREMCO committee (2020–2021)

• Non-executive director at the Johannesburg Market (2021–2022)

In addition, he was a co-founder and chairperson of Maluti Green Med, a cannabis-licensed pharmaceutical company based in Lesotho.

Political Career and Mayoral Role

Dr Murunwa Makwarela entered politics as a member of the Congress of the People (COPE) and served as the party’s only councillor in the City of Tshwane.

Before becoming mayor, he held the position of Council Speaker under a multi-party coalition led by the Democratic Alliance and other political parties.

He was appointed Mayor of Tshwane on 28 February 2023. However, his term was short-lived due to legal and administrative controversies. After a series of events involving insolvency-related issues and documentation disputes, he resigned from office in March 2023.

Age

Dr Murunwa Makwarela was in his early 50s when he passed away. Born in 1972, he was 51 years old at the time of his passing away in April 2024.

Wife and Family Life

Dr Makwarela kept his private life largely away from public attention. Details about his wife and immediate family were not widely disclosed, reflecting his preference for privacy when it came to personal matters.

Religion

Dr Murunwa Makwarela practiced Christianity. His faith influenced his moral outlook and personal values, even as he navigated demanding roles in science, business, and politics.

Net Worth

Dr Murunwa Makwarela’s net worth was not publicly disclosed. However, his career across senior academic roles, executive leadership positions, and business ventures suggests that he enjoyed a stable and well-earned professional life built over decades of service and expertise.

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 within academic, political, and professional circles, prompting messages of condolence from colleagues, institutions, and community members.

Legacy and Public Reaction

Following his passing away, tributes highlighted his:

• Academic excellence

• Contribution to biotechnology and environmental management

• Leadership within public institutions

• Commitment to education and innovation

Despite the controversies that marked his political career, many remembered him as an intelligent, driven, and highly accomplished individual.

Conclusion

Dr Murunwa Makwarela lived a life defined by intellectual pursuit, leadership, and service across science, business, and governance. From his Venda roots to international research exposure and senior public roles, his journey reflected ambition and complexity. Although he passed away after a short illness, his academic contributions and professional legacy remain part of South Africa’s scientific and public service history