Pumza Dyantyi facts for kids

Pumza Patricia Dyantyi (born 5 September 1948, died 7 December 2020) was a South African politician. She was also an activist who fought against apartheid, a system of unfair racial separation.

Pumza Dyantyi was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party. She was chosen to be part of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in 2014. Later, she became a special government official called a Member of the Executive Council (MEC). She was the MEC for Health from 2014 to 2018. After that, she became the MEC for Social Development. From 2019, Dyantyi served as a member of the South African National Assembly, which is like the country's main parliament.

Early Life and Education

Pumza Patricia Dyantyi was born on 5 September 1948. Her birthplace was Engcobo in what was then called the Cape Province in South Africa.

She completed her junior certificate in 1965. In 1968, she earned her senior certificate. Dyantyi then studied nursing and got a diploma in general nursing in 1971. She trained at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. The next year, in 1972, she received a diploma in midwifery from McCord Hospital in Durban.

Later, while living in Cuba, she studied medicine and earned a degree in 1987. She continued her education, getting a diploma in management studies in 2000. Pumza Dyantyi also held a master's degree in business administration. This degree was from Buckinghamshire New University.

Political Journey

Fighting Apartheid

Pumza Dyantyi's political journey began in 1968. This was when she started training as a nurse at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. There, she met Nomazotsho Gqabi, a nurse who introduced her to many African National Congress (ANC) activists. The ANC was a group fighting against apartheid.

She later moved to Durban to study midwifery. Here, she joined the South African Students' Organisation with a friend, Nosidima Pityana.

Dyantyi was first arrested in 1970 for her activism. After another arrest, the ANC advised her to leave the country for her safety. She officially went into exile in 1978. During this time, she received military training in Benguela and Quibashe in Angola. She also lived in Cuba, where she attended medical school. Later, she went to Zimbabwe and led the ANC's Health Desk.

Returning Home

Pumza Dyantyi came back to South Africa in 1991. She became an active member of the ANC in Dutywa. She then served as the mayor of the Mbhashe Local Municipality. From 2000 to 2010, she was a member of the council for Walter Sisulu University.

She also served on several boards and councils. These included the board of directors for Mida Private School and the Ntinga Development Agency. She was also part of the GEMS Medical Scheme board and the Armscor board. Additionally, she served on the Council of the Nelson Mandela Museum.

Dyantyi was also involved in many ANC groups. These included the provincial executive committee and the African National Congress Veterans' League. She was also part of the African National Congress Women's League.

Serving the Eastern Cape

In 2014, Pumza Dyantyi ran for a seat in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. She won a seat in the election. The premier, Phumulo Masualle, then appointed her as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health. An MEC is like a minister for a specific department in a province.

In September 2016, she welcomed doctors from Cuba to the province. She explained that the health department needed more doctors. This initiative aimed to provide more medical experience in the province. In 2017, an agreement was signed to help train health workers. This agreement was between four universities and the health department.

On 9 May 2018, Dyantyi was appointed as the MEC for Social Development. She took over from Nancy Sihlwayi. In January 2019, she mentioned that the department faced challenges. It was difficult to afford care for new frail patients. So, the department was only sending very frail patients to the health department.

National Parliament Role

In 2019, she ran for election to the National Assembly. This is South Africa's main parliament. She won a seat in the election. After joining, she became a member of the Portfolio Committee on Health. In August 2019, Dyantyi shared her thoughts on the National Health Insurance. She said it should be like a McDonald's restaurant. This meant that people should know what services they would get and at what price, with prices being the same everywhere.

Death

Pumza Dyantyi passed away on 7 December 2020. Her death was caused by COVID-19. The leaders of the South African Parliament sent their deepest sympathies to her family.