[1]: 180 Mhlauli went to St James Primary, Cradock Bantu Secondary and finally studied teaching at Lovedale College where he majored in Afrikaans and History.
[2][3] Mhlauli's teaching career started in 1974 at Thembalabantu High School in King William's Town where he also became boarding master.
The security police opposed Mhauli's actions because they believed the students were arrested for disturbing the education system.
[3] Mhlauli then received a post as a principal at a high school in Bongolwethu Township in Oudtshoorn.
In August 1983, he attended the launch of the United Democratic Front (South Africa) as part of the Oudtshoorn delegation.
It is believed that Mhlauli survived an arson attack at his office that destroyed all of his belongings, however details regarding this event are scarce.
On the 26th of June, the community at Lingelihle and surrounding areas held Freedom Charter celebrations and different organisations which affiliated with the UDF, gave speeches.
[2][6][7] Speakers at the funeral included Beyers Naudé, Allan Boesak and Steve Tshwete gave keynote addresses.