Carl Niehaus is a South African politician who represents the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the National Assembly of South Africa. In this article, we will discuss Carl Niehaus Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, and controversies.

Carl Niehaus Net Worth

Early Years

Carl Gerhardus Niehaus was born November 24, 1959, in Zeerust, South Africa.

Career

As a student, Niehaus became heavily involved in anti-apartheid action. He became known for his militant political manner after joining the banned African National Congress (ANC) underground in July 1980. They expelled him from Rand Afrikaans University for political reasons, but he finished his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. In August 1983, Niehaus and his girlfriend were detained and charged with high treason. Due to the defendants’ backgrounds, the trial drew a lot of attention, especially from white viewers. Their housemate, a police informant, revealed Niehaus’ involvement in an ANC plot to damage the Johannesburg Gas Works, as well as other ANC-related actions.

Niehaus pleaded not guilty and stated his support for the ANC. He was convicted on November 25, 1983, and sentenced to fifteen years in jail, serving more than seven years before being freed in March 1991. In 2008, Niehaus claimed in a blog that other detainees gang-raped him prior to his conviction, although this allegation has been challenged due to a lack of evidence. Niehaus testified about his torture experiences in captivity at Neil Aggett’s death inquest in February 2021.

1994-present

Carl Niehaus became involved in the recently re-established ANC, serving on its Provincial Executive Committee, Negotiations Commission, and as Nelson Mandela’s spokesperson. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1994, where he chaired the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services before becoming South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands in 1996. Niehaus was knighted by Queen Beatrix and received the International Medal from Utrecht University. He then held other short-term posts, including executive director of NICRO and CEO of the Gauteng Economic Development Agency.

Niehaus returned to the ANC’s communications department in 2008, but left in 2009 amid financial issues. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the MKMVA’s spokesperson, supporting Jacob Zuma and the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) agenda, frequently battling with the ANC leadership. His activities resulted in his removal from the ANC in December 2022.

In 2023, Niehaus founded the Radical Economic Transformation Movement (RETMO), which evolved into the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (ARETA). However, in December 2023, he quit ARETA to join the Economic Freedom Fighters. In March 2024, the EFF stated Niehaus would be ranked 27th on its party list for the May 2024 general election, and they swore him into the National Assembly in June 2024.

Personal Life

Carl Niehaus first married Jansie Lourens in 1986, while serving a prison sentence for belonging to the banned ANC during apartheid. Carl and Jansie divorced shortly after his release. They have a daughter together.

He remarried Linda Thango, a management consultant, in 2002. Niehaus married his third wife, Mafani Gunguluza, in September 2008, however the couple separated in 2012. In 2022, he married Noluthando Mdluli, a businesswoman and model.

Controversies

Niehaus had allegations of corruption, fraud, and assault. In 2019, authorities arrested and charged him with fraud and corruption related to a multimillion-dollar tender scandal. Niehaus has denied all allegations and has described the charges as “politically motivated.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Carl Niehaus

1. Who is Carl Niehaus?

Niehaus is a South African politician and former member of the African National Congress (ANC).

2. When was Carl Niehaus born?

Niehaus was born on November 24, 1959.

3. Where was Carl Niehaus born?

Niehaus was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

4. What is Carl Niehaus’s current political affiliation?

Niehaus represents the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the National Assembly of South Africa. He joined the EFF in December 2023.

5. What is Carl Niehaus’s net worth?

Carl Niehaus’s net worth is around $1 million.

6. Did Carl Niehaus marry?

Niehaus married four times.

7. What is Carl Niehaus’s role in the ANC?

Niehaus is a former member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee and has served as a parliamentary whip. He served as the ANC’s national spokesperson before his expulsion

8. Has Carl Niehaus been involved in any controversies?

Niehaus had allegations of corruption, fraud, and assault.

9. Why was Carl Niehaus expelled from the ANC?

Niehaus faced misconduct allegations, leading to his expulsion from the ANC in December 2022.

10. Has Carl Niehaus received any awards?

Niehaus has received the Order of Luthuli (Silver) and the ANC’s highest honor, the Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe Award.

11. Did Carl Niehaus face financial difficulties?

Yes, he admitted to unpaid debt, falsification of qualifications, and borrowing money from prominent figures in the ANC and business circles.

12. Has Carl Niehaus been arrested?

In 2019, authorities arrested Niehaus on charges of fraud and corruption.

13. What is the controversy surrounding his gang-rape account?

Niehaus claimed that other detainees gang-raped him before his 1983 conviction, but journalists dispute this account due to lack of evidence.

14. How many children does Carl Niehaus have?

Niehaus has three children.

15. What controversy surrounded Carl Niehaus’s resignation from Deloitte and Touche?

His financial woes led to his departure from Deloitte and Touche in 2003.

16. Did Carl Niehaus forge signatures during his tenure at the Gauteng Economic Development Agency?

Yes, Niehaus forged signatures to secure a loan, which later led to disciplinary action.