Angela Thokozile Didiza, popularly known as Thoko Didiza, is a respected South African politician and a long-serving member of the African National Congress. She has spent decades in public service, rising from grassroots activism and community work to become one of the most influential women in South African politics. In June 2024, she was elected Speaker of the National Assembly, adding another major milestone to her political career.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Angela Thokozile Didiza |
| Date of birth | 2 June 1965 |
| Place of birth | Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of origin | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Partner | Thami Didiza |
| Children | Five |
| Occupations | Politician, Parliament Speaker, former minister |
| Net worth | 1-5 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Thoko Didiza was born on 2 June 1965 in Durban, South Africa. She grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and attended Ohlange High School in Inanda, a place known for producing many notable South Africans.
Her early life was shaped by the political and social realities of apartheid-era South Africa. After school, she pursued further education later in life while already active in public service.
She went on to earn a BA degree in sociology and politics, followed by an honours degree in politics. She also obtained a master’s degree in tertiary education management from the University of Melbourne.
Career
Thoko Didiza began her professional journey in community and development work before entering formal politics. She worked with church and youth organisations, including the Diakonia Social Action Network and the South African Council of YWCA.
These early roles helped build her reputation as someone deeply committed to social development and women’s empowerment.
Her national political career began in 1994 when she entered Parliament. She was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture, becoming one of the first women to hold such a senior role in that sector.
From there, she built a long cabinet career, serving as Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Minister of Public Works, and later Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
In 2024, after the national elections, she was elected Speaker of the National Assembly. This made her one of the most senior figures in South Africa’s legislative branch and confirmed her standing as an experienced and trusted political leader.
Personal Life
Thoko Didiza is a practicing Christian and has kept much of her private life out of the public eye. She married Tami Didiza in 1995, and they have five children. She also ran Thoko’s Kitchen in Pretoria during a break from government and has served on the board of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.
Net Worth
Thoko Didiza’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million to $5 million; not publicly verified.
