Former Premier

Personal

• Date of Birth: 26 September 1961

Positions last held in government

• Premier of the Western Cape Province, since 25 July 2008.
• Treasurer of the African National Congress (ANC) Western Cape region.
• MEC for Finance and Tourism in the Western Cape until 25 July 2008.
• Served as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Services, Health and Welfare and on Finance and Public Accounts.
• ANC chief whip and Deputy Speaker , as well as Speaker of Western Cape Provincial Parliament.
• Leader of Government Business on the Western Cape.

Academic Qualifications

• Obtained Teaching qualifications.
• Obtained Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of the Western Cape.
• Did post-apartheid studies abroad and has a certificate in Gender Development Planning Methodology from University College in London.

Positions last held/Career/Memberships/Other Activities

• Founding member of the United Women's Organisation formed in 1979.
• Member of the ANC since the 1980's.
• Member of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
• Chairperson of the NEC Legislature and Governance Sub-committee.
• Executive member of the Federation of South African Women and General Secretary of the ANC Women's League in the Western Cape.
• Started the Women's College in the early 90's for women in governance.
• Member of the Mitchell's Plain Youth Congress.
• Member of United Democratic Front.
• Taught at Beaufort West Salt River High and Mitchells Plain.
• Taught what was then called 'night school' to Grootte Schuur Hospital Staff and strongly supports Adult Education.
• Patron of the Wheat Trust.