Khusela Diko Biography
Khusela Diko stands out as a key figure in South African politics. She has worked as a politician, public servant, and expert in communications. Her path shows strength and commitment to her country. Born in the Eastern Cape, she comes from a royal family line. This background shaped her early views on leadership and service. She entered politics through the African National Congress, or ANC, where she built a career focused on clear messaging and public outreach. From her role as spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa starting in March 2018 to facing tough times during a 2020 scandal, Diko has shown she can bounce back. Today, in 2025, she serves in Parliament, guiding policies on communications and digital tools. Her story teaches about hard work, family ties, and staying true to one’s roots in a changing world. Readers can learn how one person can influence national talks on governance and fairness. This article explores her life to help understand her impact on South Africa.
Diko’s journey began in a time when South Africa was moving past apartheid. The ANC played a big part in that change, and she joined its youth wing early on. Her skills in talking to people helped her rise quickly. She handled media for the party and government, making sure messages reached citizens clearly. Even with challenges like the COVID-19 procurement issue in July 2020, she kept her focus on service. Now, as a member of Parliament, she works on laws that affect how people connect online and through media. Her life offers lessons on balancing personal beliefs with public duties. It also highlights the role of women in African politics, where they often break new ground. By looking at her steps, we see how education, family, and determination build a leader. This sets the stage for deeper looks into her background and work.
Khusela Diko Early Life and Family Background
Khusela Diko was born in Mthatha, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Her full name is Khusela Lwandlekazi Nobatembu Sangoni. She is the only daughter of Nkosikazi Nolwandle Sangoni. Diko belongs to the Nobetha clan within the abaThembu kingdom, which gives her a princess status. This royal heritage connects her to traditional leaders and cultural values that stress community and respect. Growing up in a Christian home helped shape her sense of right and wrong. She often speaks of faith as a guide in tough times, like in a March 26, 2018, interview where she said it helped her find direction.
Her family ties link to broader South African history. The abaThembu people have roots in resistance against colonial rule. Diko’s bio often notes she was “born of kings, raised by guerrillas,” pointing to her mix of royal blood and ANC fighter influences. This phrase captures how her upbringing blended tradition with the fight for freedom. As a child in the post-apartheid era, she saw the country rebuild. Her Eastern Cape roots exposed her to rural life and challenges like poverty. These experiences likely fueled her drive to serve in government. While exact birth year details are not public, her matric in 1993 suggests she is around 50 years old in 2025. Family remains central to her identity. She values close bonds and often shares moments of reflection on social media, like on X, where she posts about faith and heritage.
This background taught Diko about leadership from a young age. Royal customs emphasize duty to others, which aligns with her political path. Her Christian upbringing added lessons on kindness and perseverance. These elements helped her navigate a male-dominated field. Readers can see how early influences build character. For example, growing up in a time of change showed her the power of unity. Her story encourages young people to honor their origins while aiming high. It also explains her focus on inclusive policies today.
Khusela Diko Education
Diko completed her high school at Collegiate Girls High School in Port Elizabeth in 1993. This all-girls school provided a strong base in subjects like math and languages. After that, she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, likely from the University of South Africa, or UNISA. Sources also mention degrees in marketing, business management, and communication theory. As of 2025, she is working on a Master’s in Development Studies. These studies equipped her with skills in finance, planning, and sharing ideas effectively.
Her education path shows a blend of practical and people-focused learning. Commerce taught her about economics, useful in government roles. Communication studies helped her master media work. This mix prepared her for politics, where clear talking matters. For instance, understanding business aids in handling budgets and policies. Development studies focus on improving lives, matching her ANC work. Readers can learn that ongoing learning keeps leaders sharp. Diko’s example shows how school opens doors in public service. It also highlights access to education in South Africa after 1994. Her journey inspires students to pursue fields that help society.
Khusela Diko Career
Diko started in politics as spokesperson for the ANC Youth League. This role let her practice public speaking and media handling. She then became chief director of communications in the Gauteng provincial government. Here, she managed info flow to the public. In June 2016, she took on ANC national communications manager at Luthuli House in Johannesburg. She worked with Zizi Kodwa to shape party messages. This built her skills in strategy.
On March 1, 2018, she resigned to become President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, starting March 12, 2018. As the first woman in this job, she broke barriers. She handled briefings on issues like power cuts and global ties. This high-profile spot put her in the spotlight. In July 2020, she took leave due to a COVID-19 procurement scandal. Her husband’s firm, Royal Bhaca Projects, got contracts worth R125 million from Gauteng Health, later found irregular at R43 million by the SIU. The ANC found her guilty of disrepute in April 2021 and gave a warning in August 2021 for not disclosing interests. She did not return to the spokesperson role.
After that, she rebuilt her standing. Re-elected to Gauteng ANC Provincial Executive Committee in July 2022. In December 2022, she joined the ANC National Executive Committee with 1,439 votes, ranking 28th. This showed party support. Her career teaches about resilience in politics. She focused on communications, key for trust. Readers see how scandals test leaders, but facts matter. Her path explains ANC inner workings.
Khusela Diko Personal Life
Diko’s personal side shows family focus amid public work. She was once married to Jacob Khawe, a Gauteng politician. They divorced before her second marriage. In 2016, she wed Chief Thandisizwe Diko, known as King Madzikane II of the amaBhaca in the Eastern Cape. They met in 2015 and had a traditional royal wedding in December 2018 at Elundzeni Great Place. Thandisizwe passed away in February 2021 after a short illness. Their son, Milani ZwelamaBhaca Kungawo Diko, was born in August 2021.
She balances motherhood with duties. After her husband’s death, she took maternity leave during the scandal. Diko often shares family pride on social media, like tributes to her late husband. Her royal ties add cultural depth. Readers learn how personal loss builds strength. It also shows women’s challenges in politics, like juggling roles. Her story highlights support systems in tough times.
Khusela Diko Current Role
In 2025, Diko serves as a Member of Parliament for the ANC. She chairs the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. This group oversees laws on media, internet, and tech. For example, on August 26, 2025, she called for action on the SABC bill. She is also on the ANC National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, elected to the latter in November 2025. Since July 30, 2025, she joins the Ad Hoc Committee probing police corruption claims by Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Her work includes AI policy talks. In November 2025, she attended a Google AI event in Ghana, focusing on innovation for Africa. She promotes tools like Gemini Pro for students, sharing on X on November 19, 2025. This role lets her shape digital access. Readers understand how she aids equity in tech.
Khusela Diko Achievements
Diko has many wins in her field. First, she became the first female presidential spokesperson in March 2018. This opened doors for women. She managed ANC communications during key events like the 2017 conference. Her re-election to ANC bodies in 2022 shows trust. In December 2022, her NEC spot ranked high.
She advances digital skills, like pushing AI training in 2025. As committee chair, she influences media laws. Her bounce-back after 2020 proves resilience. These feats inspire, showing value in service.
Conclusion
Khusela Diko’s life mixes royal roots, education, and political service. From Eastern Cape beginnings to Parliament in 2025, she shows determination. Her career, with highs like spokesperson role and lows like 2020 scandal, teaches about growth. Today, she shapes digital policies, aiding South Africa’s future. Her story educates on leadership and resilience. It encourages readers to value their backgrounds and serve others. Diko remains a voice for change in the ANC and beyond.
FAQs
What is Khusela Diko’s age?
She is around 50 years old in 2025, based on her 1993 matric.
Who was Khusela Diko’s husband?
Her second husband was Chief Thandisizwe Diko, who died in February 2021. They had a son in August 2021.
Why did Khusela Diko step aside?
In July 2020, she took leave due to a PPE scandal involving her husband’s company. The ANC issued a warning in August 2021.
What is the Khusela Diko PPE scandal?
Her husband’s firm got irregular contracts worth R43 million for COVID-19 gear from Gauteng Health in 2020. No direct involvement found for her.
What is Khusela Diko’s current role?
In 2025, she is an MP, chairs the Communications Committee, and serves on ANC NEC and NWC.