As leader, Mahlatsi was nominated as the lead candidate on the national list of the UAT at the 2024 general election.
[2] The UAT initially intended to negotiate with the African National Congress to join the Government of National Unity, however Mahlatsi withdrew from these negotiations, accusing the ANC of "acting in bad faith" by not giving him a position in the Ramaphosa cabinet.
[5][6] In the parliament, Mahlatsi sits on the portfolio committees on land reform and rural development, and on agriculture.
[7] Mahlatsi was raised in Sebokeng, Gauteng, and attended Fundulwazi Secondary School as a student.
He has a PhD in criminal justice and had a career in law enforcement before his election to parliament.