Ms Thoko Didiza

About Thoko Didiza

Ms Angela Thokozile Didiza is currently serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

Ms Didiza served as Minister for Public Works from 22 May 2006 until 2008. Prior to this appointment, she was Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs from 17 June 1999 until 22 May 2006 and as Deputy Minister of Agriculture from May 1994 until June 1999.

Academic Qualifications Ms Didiza holds a BA degree majoring in Sociology and Politics 2003, Honours degree in Politics (2007), has obtained a Diploma in Personnel and Training Practice at Executive Education College in Durban 1989, Diploma in Journalism with Birnam Business College, Johannesburg 1991, and Diploma in Business and Financial Management at Executive Education College, Johannesburg. She also obtained a Certificate in Secretarial Course at Sached, Durban 1981 and a Certificate in Public Relations, Executive Education College, Durban 1990. She Matriculated at Ohlange High School, Inanda, Durban in 1981.

Career/Positions/Memberships/Other Activities Ms Didiza worked as a Programme Officer for Diakonia's Social Action Network unit from 1987 to March 1989, Co-ordinator of the National Youth Programme, South African Council of World Affiliated Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) from March 1989 until 1993 and as National Deputy General Secretary, South African Council of YWCA from 1993 until 1994. Ms Didiza also served as a Treasurer of the Natal Women's Organisation in 1986, Women's Advisory Committee member of South African Council of Churches (SACC) in 1987, Executive member of Inter-church Youth, SACC in 1989, associate member of the Women's Development Bank in 1991 and National General Secretary, Women's National Coalition from 1992 until February 1994. She was also a Facilitator of International Youth Leadership Training, Oslo in Norway in 1992, alternative member, Executive SACC and a member of the council of the National Youth Development Forum in 1993. She served as an Executive member, SACC Development and Training ministries in 1993 and as a Young Global Leader in 2005.