Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matsie Angelina “Angie” Motshekga |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1955 (age 69 years) |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, Transvaal (now Gauteng Province), South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Spouse | Mathole Motshekga |
| Children | Makgatho Mmathari Motshekga, Serofo Motshekga |
| Education | University of Limpopo (BA in Education); University of the Witwatersrand (B.Ed., Master’s in Education) |
| Current Position | Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (since June 2024) |
| Previous Positions | Minister of Basic Education (2009-2024) |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Notable Roles | National President of the ANC Women’s League (2008-2015) |
Early Life and Teaching Career
Matsie Angelina Motshekga, popularly known as Angie Motshekga, was born on 19 June 1955 in Soweto, Transvaal (now known as Gauteng Province). She completed her primary education at various schools in Soweto and matriculated from Matatiele Boarding School. Motshekga later pursued higher education at the University of the North, now known as the University of Limpopo, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She furthered her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where she earned a Bachelor of Educational Science degree and a master’s degree.
In 1981, Motshekga started her career as a teacher at Orlando High School. In 1983, she transitioned to a lecturer position at the Soweto College of Education. By 1985, she was a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she remained until 1994. Her dedication to education and her experiences in historically disadvantaged areas provided her with valuable insights into the challenges facing South Africa’s education system.
Political Career
During the 1980s, Motshekga was an active member of the Soweto Education Crisis Committee, which later became part of the National Education Coordinating Committee (NECC). She was involved with the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Education Union of South Africa. Motshekga also played a significant role in the Pimville Civic Association.
Motshekga was the National Convenor of Teacher Unity talks, which led to the formation of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU). She served as the regional chair of the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Kyalami region. From 1994 to 1997, she worked as a director in the Office of the Presidency. She was elected Deputy Provincial Secretary of the ANCWL in 1997.
In 2000, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa appointed her to the Social Development portfolio of the Executive Council. After the 2004 general election, she returned to the legislature for her second term and was appointed as MEC for Education.
In 2008, Motshekga was elected National President of the ANC Women’s League. She joined Parliament in May 2009 and was appointed Minister of Basic Education on 11 May 2009 by President Jacob Zuma, following the unbundling of the Education portfolio into two separate ministries. During her tenure, Motshekga faced significant challenges, including the controversy over textbook deliveries in Limpopo, but she remained steadfast in her position.
After the 2014 and 2019 national elections, she was reappointed as Minister of Basic Education. She served the ANC and ANCWL in various capacities and was the National President of the ANC Women’s League until 2015. She remains a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and the ANC National Working Committee.
Current Role
In June 2024, Angie Motshekga was appointed as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, marking a new chapter in her distinguished career.
Personal Life
Angie Motshekga is married to Mathole Motshekga, and they have two children, Makgatho Mmathari Motshekga and Serofo Motshekga. The family resides in Johannesburg. Motshekga’s personal and professional life reflects her commitment to education, political activism, and public service.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout her career, Angie Motshekga has been a prominent figure in South African politics and education. Her tenure as Minister of Basic Education saw significant efforts to reform and improve the education system, despite facing numerous challenges. As the current Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, she continues to serve her country with dedication and leadership.