Angie Motshekga
Angie Motshekga is a South African politician who has held senior ministerial positions in the national government. She is best known for her long tenure as Minister of Basic Education, a role she held from 2009 to 2024, making her one of the longest-serving ministers in post-apartheid South Africa. A South African national, Motshekga is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has been a prominent figure in education policy and reform. In 2024, following the formation of the Government of National Unity, she was appointed Minister of Defence, taking responsibility for the country's military and defence policy. Her move to the defence portfolio marked a significant shift from her previous focus on education and skills development. Throughout her career, Motshekga has been involved in debates around curriculum reform, infrastructure development in schools, and the improvement of educational outcomes. She recurs in coverage related to education policy, government appointments, and more recently, defence and security matters. Before entering national politics, Motshekga served in the Gauteng provincial government and was active in ANC structures. She holds academic qualifications in education and has been a vocal advocate for transformation in South Africa's public institutions.
Angie Motshekga Updates
Daily Podcast – April 14, 2026
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 14th April 2026 Making headlines: DA, ActionSA want Qedani Mahlangu prosecuted for Life Esidimeni tragedy; Gwarube flags ‘misinformation’ as deadline for comments... →
Gwarube flags ‘misinformation’ as deadline for comments on new history curriculum looms 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 14th April 2026 Ahead of the deadline for public comment on the draft history curriculum, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has cautioned against... →
Another day, another SANDF party - while troops preparing for deployment live without hot water
1st April 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, to immediately cancel the Army Golf Day, as well as all related... →
SANDF pleads poverty to Parliament - but finds money for golf days and VIP road repairs
30th March 2026 The DA is outraged by revelations surrounding the South African Army’s latest golf day extravaganza, which lays bare a disturbing pattern of... →
Daily Podcast – March 27, 2026
By: Halima Frost 27th March 2026 Making headlines: Ramaphosa backtracks on US role in G7 Summit snub; Motshekga calls for expanded role for women and youth in defence value chain;... →
Motshekga calls for expanded role for women and youth in defence value chain
By: Schalk Burger 27th March 2026 Boosting the participation of women in the defence industry value chain is an economic and strategic necessity that will strengthen South Africa’s... →
SANDF splurge on parades and parties proves exactly why Parliament must demand answers on R823 million deployment
23rd March 2026 The latest reports of millions spent on lavish Armed Forces Day celebrations, including exorbitant subsistence and travel payments of up to R70 000... →
HSF, DA concerned over lack of compliance in SANDF deployment
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th March 2026 The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has expressed concern over the lack of compliance in a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment,... →
DA will probe R50-mil raid of Soldiers’ Fund
6th March 2026 Reports that up to R50 million belonging to South African soldiers may have been misappropriated through the South African Army Foundation point to... →
DA calls for Motshekga to appoint a DG for Military Veterans immediately
5th March 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Defence Minister Angie Motshekga demanding the immediate appointment of a permanent Director General... →
