Hlengwa was born on 21 November 1951 in Melmoth in the former Natal Province.
[1] Between 1998 and 2011, Hlengwa was principal of Zalizwi Primary School in Ulundi.
[1] In 2019, Hlengwa stood for election to the South African National Assembly as 5th on the Inkatha Freedom Party's regional list.
[2] At the May election, Hlengwa won a seat in the National Assembly.
[2] Hlengwa was not ranked high enough on the IFP list to be turned to parliament following the 2024 general election.