Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa is a formidable force in South African politics, known for her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. Born in Polokwane and rising through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC), Ramokgopa’s journey from student activist to Minister in the Presidency is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Her career spans local governance, national policy-making, and international diplomacy, making her one of the most influential figures in the country’s political landscape.
Here are 22 facts that shed light on her remarkable journey and the significant impact she has made.
- Full Name: Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa
- Date of Birth: December 31, 1979
- Place of Birth: Polokwane, former Transvaal, South Africa
- Current Position: Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
- Previous Positions: Member of the National Assembly, Second Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC, Consul-General to Mumbai, Special Advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa
- Political Affiliation: African National Congress (ANC)
- Early Life: Ramokgopa was born and raised in Polokwane and grew up in Lebowakgomo, a township outside Polokwane.
- Student Activism: Her involvement in student activism during her youth laid the foundation for her future political career.
- Ward Councillor: In 2005, she began her political career as a ward councillor for the ANC in the Kgatelopele Local Municipality, Northern Cape.
- Youngest Mayor: At the age of 26, Ramokgopa became the youngest mayor in the Northern Cape, serving as the executive mayor of the Siyanda District Municipality from 2006 to 2009.
- Focus on Women’s Rights: Between 2009 and 2013, she worked in the Northern Cape Premier’s Office, focusing on the Status of Women.
- ANC Women’s League: Ramokgopa was elected to the ANC Women’s League National Executive Committee in 2008.
- Leadership Roles in ANCWL: She managed the Young Women’s Desk and served on the board of the National Youth Development Agency.
- ANC Youth League: She was a member of the ANC Youth League’s National Executive Committee and later served on an interim task team after the league’s leadership was disbanded in 2013.
- Diplomatic Service: In 2014, she worked as a manager in the office of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
- Consul-General to Mumbai: Ramokgopa was appointed as South African Consul-General to Mumbai, India, in 2016.
- Advisor to President Ramaphosa: She returned to South Africa to serve as Special Advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, focusing on international relations and the African Union.
- ANC Leadership Role: In December 2022, she was elected as the Second Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC.
- Support for Ramaphosa: Ramokgopa was a strong supporter of President Ramaphosa’s re-election campaign, playing a key role in the ANC’s “women’s caucus.”
- Member of Parliament: She was sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly on February 6, 2023.
- Minister in the Presidency: On March 6, 2023, she was appointed as Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
- Reappointment as Minister: After the 2024 general election, she was reappointed to her ministerial position and sworn in again on July 3, 2024.
