Quick Facts about Patricia de Lille
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patricia de Lille (née Lindt) |
| Date of Birth | 17 February 1951 |
| Birthplace | Beaufort West, South Africa |
| Current Position | Minister of Tourism (since March 2023) |
| Political Party | Good (Founder and Leader) |
| Previous Positions | Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mayor of Cape Town, and more |
| Notable Recognition | Voted 22nd in the Top 100 Great South Africans |
| Education | Diploma in Industrial Relations, Damelin College (1985) |
| Spouse | Edwin de Lille (deceased, 2021) |
| Children | One son, Allistair |
Early Life and Education
Patricia de Lille was born on 17 February 1951 in Beaufort West, South Africa, to Henry and Gertrude Lindt. She grew up in an Afrikaans-speaking family as the third of seven siblings. De Lille attended Methodist Primary School and later Bastiaanse Hoërskool, completing her secondary education in 1969.
In 1974, she began working as a laboratory technician at Plascon Paints, where she stayed for 16 years. During this time, she pursued her passion for industrial relations, earning a diploma from Damelin College in 1985.
Trade Union Activism
Patricia de Lille’s activism began in the South African Chemical Workers’ Union (SACWU), where she started as a shop steward. Rising through the ranks, she became SACWU’s regional chairperson and later its national vice president in 1988. Her leadership extended to the National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU), where she became the first woman to hold the position of national vice president.
Political Career
Early Years in the PAC
De Lille entered politics as a member of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), serving on its National Executive Committee. She played a pivotal role in South Africa’s constitutional negotiations before the 1994 elections. As a PAC Member of Parliament, she chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and participated in various portfolio committees.
Whistleblowing on the Arms Deal
De Lille became widely known for exposing alleged corruption in South Africa’s controversial Arms Deal, using parliamentary privilege to call for an investigation. This act of bravery earned her both praise and criticism.
Founding the Independent Democrats
In 2003, De Lille broke away from the PAC to form the Independent Democrats (ID). The party gained significant traction, and De Lille became a prominent political figure. In 2010, the ID merged with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Mayor of Cape Town
In 2011, De Lille was elected Mayor of Cape Town as the DA’s candidate. She served two terms, overseeing significant urban development and infrastructure projects. However, her tenure ended in controversy when she resigned in October 2018 amid allegations of misconduct, which she denied.
Establishing the Good Party
In December 2018, De Lille launched Good, a political party focused on social justice and good governance. She served as the party’s Western Cape Premier candidate in 2019 and was elected to Parliament the same year.
Ministerial Roles
- Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (2019–2023): De Lille was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and spearheaded various infrastructure initiatives.
- Minister of Tourism (2023–Present): In March 2023, she transitioned to this portfolio, where she continues to serve.
Awards and Recognition
- Freedom of the City of Birmingham, Alabama
- Old Mutual South African Leadership Award (2004)
- First Woman Honorary Colonel in SANDF (2006)
De Lille was also featured in the Top 100 Great South Africans for her role in the Arms Deal investigations.
Personal Life
Patricia de Lille was married to Edwin de Lille for 49 years until his passing in 2021. They have one son, Allistair. Known affectionately as “Aunty Pat,” she remains a committed advocate for justice and equality in South Africa.