Former Minister
Public Works

Personal

• Date of Birth: 4 January 1937

• Date of Death: 7 May 2006

• Marital Status: Widow

• Pastimes:  Reading and tapestry

Academic Qualifications

• Teachers Diploma, Lovedale Institute (1954).
• BA degree, University of Fort Hare (1959).

Career/Positions/Memberships/Other Activities

• Minister of Public Works of the Republic of South Africa (17 June 1999 - 7 May 2006).
• A teacher at a number of schools in the then Natal (1960 - 1968).
• Entered politics during the 1968 elections in Transkei when she campaigned for and won the Lusikisiki seat.
• Held the portfolios of Public Works, Education and Interior (which included Trade and Tourism) prior to the granting of independence to Transkei .
• Became Transkei 's Minister of Interior Affairs after the granting of indepedence.
• Leader of the Transkei National Independence Party (5 October 1987), a party she later dissolved in 1990.
• Became third Prime Minister of the Transkei (7 October 1987).
• Minister of Public Enterprises of the Republic of South Africa (1994 - 16 June 1999).
• Represented Transkei as member of the United States-South Africa Leadership Exchange Programme (USSALEP) (1974).
• Delegate to Multiparty Negotiating Process at the World Trade Centre, representing the Cape Traditional Leaders.
• Member of the Transitional Executive Council's (TEC) Sub-Council on Foreign Affairs (December 1993).
• Active in various women's organisation.
• A keen promoter of rural development projects.
• Still advising on a number of issues relating to women's organisations.
• Have been and continues to be interested in rural development.

Source:  Ministry of Public Works