Stella Sigcau
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Princess Stella Sigcau (January 4, 1937 – May 7, 2006) is best known as a Minister in the South African Government. Sigcau was also the first female Prime Minister of the Transkei before being deposed in a military coup in 1987.
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[edit] Early life and career
She was the daughter of Paramount Chief Botha Sigcau who was a former President of the Transkei in 1937. Sigcau graduated from the Loveday Institute in 1954 before marrying Ronald Tshabalala in 1962. She taught in a number of schools in Natal during the 1960's.
[edit] Transkei politics
In 1968, she was elected in Transkei representing the seat of Lusikisiki. Prior to the granting of so-called independence, she held a number of portfolios. After independence, she held the portfolios of Interior Affairs and Posts and Telecommunications. She became the leader of the Transkei National Independence Party on 5 October, 1987 and became the third Prime Minister of the Transkei two days later. Her term as Prime Minister did not last long as she was overthrown in a coup by General Bantu Holomisa.
[edit] South African politics
Transkei was absorbed back into South Africa on 27 April, 1994. Sigcau stood for election as a candidate on the African National Congress party list and was successful. Nelson Mandela named her as Minister for Public Enterprises in 1994 and she served in that role, which involved attempts at transforming the face of South African Airways and South African Railways until 1999. She then became Minister for Public Works and served in that capacity until her death in 2006 of heart failure.
