Angela Thokozile Didiza, a prominent South African politician and a long-standing member of the African National Congress (ANC), has made a significant impact in the country’s political landscape. From her humble beginnings to her current role as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Didiza’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and leadership. Here are 21 essential facts you should know about her life and career:
1. Early Life and Birth
Thokozile Didiza was born on June 2, 1965, in Durban, Natal Province (now KwaZulu-Natal). She is the youngest of three children born to Vusimuzi and Assiena Ntombenhle Msane.
2. Education and Academic Achievements
Though Didiza was active in anti-apartheid activism during her youth, she later pursued education after the end of apartheid. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Sociology (2003), Honours in Politics (2007), and a Master’s in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne.
3. Political Activism Through the Church
Didiza’s political journey began in the church, where she was involved in the Natal Women’s Organisation and worked for the South African Council of Churches (SACC). Her activism aligned with the anti-apartheid movement, and she was part of the ANC’s underground structures during apartheid.
4. The First Secretary-General of the Women’s National Coalition
From 1992 to 1994, Didiza served as the inaugural secretary-general of the Women’s National Coalition, advocating for women’s rights and gender equality during a pivotal time in South African history.
5. Inaugural Election to Parliament
In 1994, Didiza made history as part of the first post-apartheid Parliament. She was nominated by the ANC Youth League and became the youngest deputy minister in the cabinet under President Nelson Mandela’s Government of National Unity.
6. Deputy Minister of Agriculture (1994-1999)
At the age of 29, Didiza was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Despite having minimal prior experience in agriculture, she successfully worked to reform the department and launched the Broadening Access to Agriculture Thrust (BATAT) program, which aimed at increasing participation in the agricultural sector.
7. Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs (1999-2006)
In 1999, Didiza was promoted to Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs under President Thabo Mbeki. She focused on promoting black commercial farming and land reform, advocating for land restitution through the National Land Summit in 2005.
8. Minister of Public Works (2006-2008)
In 2006, Didiza was appointed Minister of Public Works. She introduced the controversial Expropriation Bill, which aimed at empowering the state to expropriate private property for public use. Though the bill faced constitutional challenges, it sparked important debates on land ownership in South Africa.
9. 2007 ANC Conference and Political Setbacks
At the 2007 ANC Polokwane conference, Didiza supported President Mbeki’s re-election campaign. However, she failed to secure election as ANC deputy secretary-general and was also not re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee, signaling a shift in her political fortunes.
10. Cabinet Resignation (2008)
Following the recall of President Mbeki, Didiza resigned from her cabinet position in September 2008. Despite the loss, she remained a key figure in ANC politics and was replaced by Geoff Doidge in the cabinet of Mbeki’s successor, Kgalema Motlanthe.
11. Political Hiatus (2008-2014)
After her resignation, Didiza took a break from frontline politics and worked at the University of South Africa as a consultant on the launch of the Archie Mafeje Research Institute for Applied Social Policy.
12. Return to Politics: 2014
In 2014, Didiza made a political comeback by re-entering the National Assembly. She was appointed as a house chairperson and served as an influential presiding officer in Parliament.
13. Tshwane Mayoral Candidacy (2016)
Didiza was the ANC’s candidate for Mayor of Tshwane in 2016. Her candidacy sparked protests, and violent riots erupted, causing tensions within the ANC in Tshwane. The ANC ultimately lost control of the city, marking a turning point in local politics.
14. Chairperson of the Property Clause Committee (2019)
Didiza chaired the ad hoc parliamentary committee responsible for redrafting Section 25 of the Constitution to explicitly allow land expropriation without compensation, a policy that remains one of South Africa’s most contentious political issues.
15. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (2019-2024)
In 2019, Didiza was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Her role focused on merging the Department of Land Reform with Agriculture and spearheading land reform initiatives.
16. International Recognition
Didiza was elected to chair the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment in 2019, showcasing her leadership on a continental level.
17. Re-election to the ANC National Executive Committee (2022)
At the ANC’s 55th National Conference in December 2022, Didiza was re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee, solidifying her influence in the party’s leadership.
18. Speaker of the National Assembly (2024)
In June 2024, Didiza was elected Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa. She defeated her opponent, Veronica Mente of the Economic Freedom Fighters, and secured 284 votes against 49.
19. Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Throughout her career, Didiza has been a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She continues to champion women’s rights within South Africa’s political discourse.
20. Family Life
Didiza is married to Tami Didiza, a businessman, and they have five children. Notably, she became the first South African politician to give birth while serving in the cabinet when she had her fourth child in 2000.
21. Entrepreneurial Endeavors
During her political hiatus, Didiza ran an eatery called Thoko’s Kitchen in Pretoria, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and deep connection to her community.