Stella Sigcau facts for kids

Princess Stella Sigcau (born 4 or 14 January 1937 in Lusikisiki – died 7 May 2006 in Durban) was an important Minister in the South African Government. She was also the first woman to become Prime Minister of the bantustan of Transkei. She was removed from this role in 1987.

Early Life and Education

Stella Sigcau was the daughter of King Botha Sigcau of the AmaMpondo people. Her father was also a former President of Transkei from 1976 to 1978. Her brothers included King Mpondombini Thandizulu Sigcau and Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, who was an activist and Member of Parliament. Stella Sigcau II, who founded the Lwandlolubomvu Rural Development Project, was named after her.

Stella Sigcau finished her studies at the Loveday Institute in 1954. She later attended the University of Fort Hare. There, she joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, focusing on Anthropology and Psychology. She taught in schools in Natal during the 1960s.

Political Career in Transkei

In 1968, Stella Sigcau was elected to represent Lusikisiki in Transkei. Before Transkei became independent, she held several important jobs. These included roles in energy, education, and telecommunications. She was the only woman in Transkei's cabinet at that time.

Stella Sigcau had different political ideas from Prime Minister Kaiser Matanzima. Her connections with the ANC Youth League at Fort Hare were different from his views. She believed this made it hard for her to get a teaching job in the Eastern Cape.

Her father, King Botha Sigcau, was a powerful leader of the Mpondo people. He had a lot of influence within the Transkei State. After her father passed away, there were changes in the government. Stella Sigcau was removed from her public office in 1977.

In 1978, Stella Sigcau led a group of Members of Parliament from Pondoland. They formed a new party called the Democratic Progressive Party. However, two years later, she rejoined the Transkei National Independence Party. This party was still in power.

Becoming Prime Minister

After Transkei became independent, she worked in Interior Affairs and Posts and Telecommunications. On 5 October 1987, she became the leader of the Transkei National Independence Party. Two days later, she became the third Prime Minister of Transkei. She took over after the previous Prime Minister, George Matanzima, resigned. Stella Sigcau won the position against two male candidates.

Her time as Prime Minister was short. She was removed from power by General Bantu Holomisa. This happened after accusations were made against her government. She denied these accusations. However, she did say she accepted a scholarship to help pay for her daughter's education.

Role in South African Government

After 27 April 1994, Transkei became part of South Africa again. Stella Sigcau was elected as a candidate for the African National Congress party. President Nelson Mandela chose her to be the Minister for Public Enterprises in 1994. In this role, she worked to improve companies like South African Airways and Transnet. She served in this position until 1999.

After that, she became the Minister of Public Works. She continued in this role until she passed away in 2006 due to heart failure.