Joe Phaahla

Phaahla earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Natal. While at university, he was a member of the Students Representative Council from 1979 to 1981. In 1980, he served as an Executive Member of the Release Mandela Campaign Committee in KwaZulu-Natal. Phaahla was also a founding member of the Azanian Students' Organisation (AZASO) and was elected as its President during the inaugural conference in Wilgespruit, Johannesburg, in 1981. He held this position until 1983 when the South African Students Congress (SASCO) was formed as a breakaway from AZASO. Phaahla joined the executive of SASCO alongside Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, the late Dr. P Sefularo, Samantha Chetty, and Tiego Moseneke. In the same year, he joined the United Democratic Front (UDF) in KwaZulu-Natal and was elected as its Secretary.[3]

After completing his studies at the University of Natal, Phaahla served as a Senior Medical Officer and Superintendent at Mapulaneng Hospital between 1987 and 1990. He then became a Medical Superintendent at St Rita's Hospital in Glew Cowie, Limpopo, in 1990. In 1992, Phaahla studied in Israel, earning a Diploma in Health Service Management from the University of Haifa, Institute of Science, and a Certificate of General Management, Marketing, and Finance. He also held various positions, including Director of Medical Services for the Department of Health between 1993 and 1994 in the former Lebowa homeland.[3]

From 1994 to 1997, Phaahla was a member of the Provincial Legislature in the Northern Province. He then served as Member of the Executive Council for Education, Art, Culture, and Sport in the Northern Cape Provincial Government from 1997 to 2000. During this period, he was also appointed as the MEC for Health and Welfare in the Northern Province.

In 2000, Phaahla was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Sports Commission. He later served as the Director-General in the Department of Sport and Recreation, where he was responsible for organising the 2010 FIFA World Cup until 10 May 2009. On 11 May 2009, Phaahla was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform in South Africa. In October 2010, he took on the role of Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture.[3]

• Dr Joseph Phaahla at People's Assembly