The premier, politics and prejudice: Winkie Direko's rise from comparative obscurity in the 1970s to provincial prominence in the 1990s - A biographical overview

Abstract

The surprising appointment of Winkie Direko as premier of the African National Congress (ANC)-led Free State Province in June 1999 came as a rude awakening to the provincial leadership of the ANC, as well as to the Free State citizens. Because of her 'lack of experience' in as far as full-time party politics are concerned, her appointment to the premiership position came as a shock to some people in the Free State Province, who without doubt had earmarked certain individuals within the ANC provincial leadership for this position. After the June 1999 elections the appointment of the provincial premiers became the prerogative of the country's president, Thabo Mbeki. Direko found herself appointed in this position based on the trust the president had in her to lead the trouble-torn Free State Province. It is important to note that when Mbeki appointed a premier, the potential of that individual counted more than the role that individual had played in the party's politics. Direko's community involvement is a factor that could not be ignored in her appointment as the premier of the Free State Province.