Baleka Mbete

Baleka Mbete, born on September twenty-four, nineteen forty-nine, is a prominent South African politician known for her significant contributions to the country's democratic landscape. A member of the African National Congress (ANC) since nineteen seventy-six, she has held various influential positions, including Deputy President of South Africa from September two thousand eight to May two thousand nine.

Her political journey began with her election to the National Assembly in the first post-apartheid elections in nineteen ninety-four. Over the years, she served two non-consecutive terms as Speaker of the National Assembly from two thousand four to two thousand eight and again from two thousand fourteen to two thousand nineteen. Additionally, she was the Deputy Speaker from nineteen ninety-six to two thousand four, showcasing her leadership within the parliamentary system.

Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbete's early career as a teacher was complemented by her activism during the anti-apartheid movement, where she was involved with the Black Consciousness Movement. Between nineteen seventy-six and nineteen ninety, she was in exile with the ANC, where she emerged as a cultural activist, poet, and head of the Medu Art Ensemble. Upon her return, she played a crucial role in the negotiations to end apartheid and was instrumental in the relaunch of the ANC Women's League, serving as its secretary-general from nineteen ninety-one to nineteen ninety-three.

Throughout her career, Mbete has been a steadfast advocate for women's rights and empowerment within the ANC. She served as the party's National Chairperson from December two thousand seven to December two thousand seventeen during Jacob Zuma's presidency and was a member of the ANC National Executive Committee from nineteen ninety-four to twenty twenty-two. Despite stepping down from her parliamentary seat in two thousand nineteen, she remains active in the ANC Women's League, continuing her legacy of leadership and advocacy.