Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 1958 (age 66 years) |
| Place of Birth | Phokwane, Sekhukhuneland, Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo Province) |
| Current Position | Minister of Health (since July 3, 2024) |
| Previous Positions | Minister of Home Affairs (2019–2024), Minister of Health (2009–2019) |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Spouse | Thelma Dikeledi |
| Children | Five (Lethabo Motsoaledi and others) |
| Education | MBChB (University of Natal), Various Positions in Leadership |
| High School | Setotolwane High School |
| Academic Institutions | University of Limpopo, University of Natal |
| Awards and Recognitions | Various contributions in health and governance |
Early Life and Education
Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi was born on August 7, 1958, in Phokwane, a village in the Sekhukhuneland region of the former Northern Transvaal (present-day Limpopo Province). He was one of nine children – seven boys and two girls – born to Kgokolo Michael Motsoaledi, a school principal, and Sina Sekeku Maile.
After matriculating from Setotolwane High School, Motsoaledi completed a pre-medical course at the University of the North at Turfloop, where he was involved in anti-apartheid student politics. He then studied medicine at the University of Natal, where he served on the medical school’s student representative council from 1980, succeeding Zweli Mkhize as its president in 1982. He was also a founding member of the Azanian Students’ Organisation (AZASO) and was elected as its national correspondence secretary, serving under president Joe Phaahla. He attended the launch of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Mitchells Plain in 1983 and helped establish UDF structures at the University of Natal. Later that year, he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.
Political Career
Dr. Motsoaledi’s political career began with his involvement in community activism. He served as Chairperson of the Sekhukhune Advice Office from 1986 to 1994 and as Chairperson of Hlahlolanang Health and Nutrition Education Project in 1989. He held various leadership roles within the ANC, including Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in the then Northern Transvaal from 1991 to 1992, Head of the ANC Elections Commission for Limpopo in 1994, and Head of the ANC Economic and Infrastructure Desk in 1994.
From 1994 to 2009, Dr. Motsoaledi was a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature and served as MEC for Education, MEC for Transport, and MEC for Agriculture, Land, and Environment. He was the first MEC for Health and Social Development in Limpopo Province from 1994 to 1997.
Ministerial Roles
Dr. Motsoaledi served as Minister of Health from 2009 to 2019, where he implemented significant health reforms and policies. He was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in 2019, a position he held until 2024. On July 3, 2024, he was reappointed as Minister of Health, continuing his commitment to improving South Africa’s healthcare system.
Personal Life
Dr. Motsoaledi is married to Thelma Dikeledi, a businesswoman.
They have five children, including Lethabo Motsoaledi. One of his daughters studied to become a doctor, and another owns an Amsterdam-based start-up that gained her entry to the European Forbes 30 Under 30.
Contributions and Achievements
Dr. Motsoaledi’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, combined with his academic achievements, has established him as a key figure in South African politics, particularly in health and governance. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping policy and governance in these areas, reflecting his commitment to sustainable development and economic stability.