Stella Sigcau

Princess Stella Sigcau (4 January 1937 or 14 January 1937 – 7 May 2006) is best known as a Minister in the South African Government. Sigcau was also the first female Prime Minister of the Transkei before being deposed in a military coup^[1] in 1987.

Early life and career

She was the daughter of King Botha Sigcau of the AmaMpondo tribe who was a former President of the Transkei in 1976-1978. Her brothers are King Thandizulu Sigcau and the late ANC activist and Member of Parliament Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau. She named Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau's daughter HRH Princess Stella Sigcau II (Founder: Lwandlolubomvu Rural Development Project; Founder and Festival Director: Ntsikayezwe Lamampondo Cultural and Heritage Festival) after her. Sigcau graduated from the Loveday Institute in 1954 before marrying Ronald Tshabalala in 1962. She taught in a number of schools in Natal during the 1960s.

Transkei politics

In 1968, she was elected in Transkei representing the seat of Lusikisiki. Prior to the granting of independence, she held a number of portfolios. After independence, she held the portfolios of Interior Affairs and Posts and Telecommunications. She became the leader of the Transkei National Independence Party on 5 October 1987 and became the third Prime Minister of Transkei two days later. Her term as Prime Minister did not last long as she was overthrown in a coup by General Bantu Holomisa.^[1]

South African politics

Transkei was absorbed back into South Africa after 27 April 1994. Sigcau stood for election as a candidate on the African National Congress party list and was successful. President Nelson Mandela appointed her as Minister for Public Enterprises in 1994 and she served in that role, which involved attempts at transforming the face of South African Airways and South African Railways until 1999. She then became Minister of Public Works and served in that capacity until her death in 2006 of heart failure.

References

1 2 "Stella Sigcau dead at 69". Mail&Guardian. 8 May 2006. Retrieved 2007-12-14.

Cabinet of Nelson Mandela (1994–1999)

President	Nelson Mandela

Deputy Presidents	F.W. de Klerk Thabo Mbeki

Ministers	Kader Asmal Sibusiso Bengu Pik Botha Mangosuthu Buthelezi Alec Erwin Chris Fismer Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi Gert Johannes Gerwel Derek Hanekom Pallo Jordan Derek Keys Chris Liebenberg Penuell Maduna Mac Maharaj Trevor Manuel John Mavuso Tito Mboweni Patrick McKenzie Membathisi Mdladlana Roelf Meyer Joe Modise Mohammed Valli Moosa Sankie Mtembi–Nkondo Lionel Mtshali Sydney Mufamadi Sipo Mzimela Jay Naidoo Ben Ngubane Kraai van Niekerk Alfred Nzo Dullah Omar Jeff Radebe Stella Sigcau Ben Skosana Zola Skweyiya Joe Slovo Steve Tshwete Dawid de Villiers Abe Williams Nkosazana Zuma

Second Mandela Cabinet (1996–1999)

Deputy President	Thabo Mbeki

Ministers	Derek Hanekom (Agriculture and Land Affairs) Ben Ngubane (1996–1997, 1999) / Lionel Mtshali (1997–1999) (Arts and Culture) Jay Naidoo (Communications) Mohammed Valli Moosa (Constitutional Development and Provincial Affairs) Sipo Mzimela (1996–1998) / Ben Skosana (1998–1999) (Correctional Services) Joe Modise (Defence) Sibusiso Bengu (Education) Pallo Jordan (Environmental Affairs and Tourism) Trevor Manuel (Finance) Alfred Nzo (Foreign Affairs) Nkosazana Zuma (Health) Mangosuthu Buthelezi (Home Affairs) Sankie Mtembi-Nkondo (Housing) Dullah Omar (Justice) Tito Mboweni (1996–1998) / Membathisi Mdladlana (1998–1999) (Labour) Penuell Maduna (Minerals and Energy) Stella Sigcau (Public Enterprises) Zola Skweyiya (Public Service and Administration) Jeff Radebe (Public Works) Sydney Mufamadi (Safety and Security) Steve Tshwete (Sport and Recreation) Gert Johannes Gerwel (The Presidency) Alec Erwin (Trade and Industry) Mac Maharaj (Transport) Kader Asmal (Water Affairs and Forestry) Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi (Welfare)

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