Direko – The people’s heroine

A humble servant … Winkie Direko passed away after she suffered a stroke in Bloemfontein last Friday.
The passing of former Free State Premier Winkie Direko has robbed the province of a great leader. One of the great daughters of the soil was remembered for her contribution to community upliftment and education this week.

A great light has been dimmed in the provincial political fraternity. Although considered more of a community activist than a politician, former Free State premier Winkie Direko (82), who died of a stroke last Friday, will be
sorely missed.

A political stalwart, dedicated community worker and educator extraordinaire, Direko served as premier from June 15 1999 to April 26 2004. She was preceded by Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri and succeeded by Beatrice Marshoff.
She died at the Netcare Universitas hospital in Bloemfontein on Friday afternoon after she was admitted following a stroke.

Since then condolences have poured in for Direko and high level delegations, family, and friends have visited her house in Bayswater, Bloemfontein.

President Jacob Zuma described Direko as a caring leader, mother, and grandmother who was passionate about education and development in particular.

“She was forthright and spoke her mind on any issue. Her energy will be sorely missed at a time when we are addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

“She always inspired those she knew. She really believed in God and would always call me to come to her place and would pray for me.”- Premier Ace Magashule

On behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, we convey our deepest condolences. We wish the family strength during this difficult period.”

Premier Ace Magashule said news of Direko’s passing came as a surprise. He described her as a staunch Christian and an inspiration.

“It is very sad, sad news that Mme Winkie is no longer with us. She always inspired those she knew. She really believed in God and would always call me to come to her place and would pray for me.”

The ANCWL provincial chairperson and MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela, expressed her sincere condolences to the Direko family.

Winkie Direko served as Free State premier from June 15 1999 to April 26 2004.
“We thank the Direko family for giving us the privilege to know Mme Winkie. As ANCWL in the Free State we saw her as a good example to women. She showed that women can lead and

showed how strong they can be. She always spoke about education, demonstrating that education is the key to escape poverty. Winkie was strong until the last minute and for everything else she has done for us we will always be thankful to her.”

Chief Whip of the ANC in Parliament, Dr. Mathole Motshekga, said it was painful to lose a stalwart of “such highest calibre, a truly compassionate, committed and courageous servant”.

“She surrendered her life to the service of the country and cared deeply about the welfare of the people she served. For us who had the privilege of working closely with her, she was our elder, a mother from whom we learned a great deal. We shall always remember and be guided by her political wisdom and discipline, which were the hallmarks of her service to the people.”

The SA Older Persons Forum also expressed sadness and shock at Direko’s death.
“She was a role model for young and old and embodied true selfless service to her country and committed herself to the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable older persons.”

Direko was passionate about community development and before she turned to politics, she had a long, successful career in teaching.
She was a member of the Council of Vista University and Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS). She was the first black person and first woman in this position at UFS. The Education Faculty is housed in a building named after Direko on the Bloemfontein campus.

Direko taught a number of ANC leaders during her career as a teacher and made a point of reminding them of this fact from time to time. She was fondly called “Mistress” by the many leaders that she moulded from a
young age.

The former owner of the PSL soccer club Bloemfontein Celtic, Petrus Molemela, who was also a pupil of Direko, said her death was a “huge loss”.

“She was a great teacher and very dedicated to her pupils. She also provided extra classes for those who needed them and was a great motivator. To her, teaching was a calling and she did an excellent job in that.”
UFS rector and vice-chancellor, Prof Jonathan Jansen, said one of South Africa’s greatest teachers has died.

“She was one of few former teachers I could look up to. Rest well Ma Winkie, you left us a great example.”

The Executive Mayor of Fezile Dabi Municipality, Max Moshodi, spoke of Direko during a campaign in Sasolburg this week.

“As we launch the back to school campaign programmes, I would like to convey sincere condolences to the Direko’s family. She was a leader, adviser and above all an educator. We will miss her greatly.”
Winkie Isabella Direko was born in Botshabelo on November 27 1929.

She attended the Anglican Primary School and completed her matric at Bantu High School in Batho. She became involved in politics in the 1940s as part of the ANC Youth League, during her days at Modderpoort College.

She embarked on her illustrious teaching career at St Patrick School and later taught at Bantu High School where she retired as principal in 1994.

In the 1970s, during the student uprisings, she was among those who provided support to detained students.

Direko also initiated the establishment of a National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) branch in Bloemfontein. She used the NGO to put pressure on magistrates to pay attention to the conditions of detainees, and to organise legal assistance to detainees and community members charged with political cases.

“She surrendered her life to the service of the country and cared deeply about the welfare of the people she served.”- Dr. Mathole Motshekga

She continued her community work after the unbanning of the ANC. In 1994, Direko was elected as one of the first members of Parliament and later became a member of the National Council of Provinces. She participated in the portfolio committees on education, justice and social services.

Direko also participated in the ad hoc committee responsible for recommending members of the Commission for Gender Equality.

She received many accolades for her tireless devotion to the community.

Having never married, she is survived by a sister, and will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Winkie Isabella Direko (27/11/1929 – 17/2/2012)

Positions held
Chancellor – University of the Free State
Chief Commissioner – Girl Guide Association of SA
Member of Portfolio Committee on Health
Council Member – Vista University
Member Education Council – UFS
Member – Child Welfare Society South Africa
Member – Mangaung Partnership Programme (MUCPP)
Member – National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offender
National President – National Council of African Women
Executive Member – Mangaung ANC region
Premier of the Free State Province (17 June 1999- 22 April 2004)
Delegate – National Council of Provinces (1996 – 1999)
Senator (1996 – 1999)
Principal – Sehunelo High School (1985 – 1994)
Deputy Principal – Sehunelo High School (1975 – 1985)
Teacher Home Economics – Sehunelo High School (1958 – 1985)
Teacher – St. Patrick’s Higher Primary School (1955 – 1957)
Assistant Teacher – Modderpoort School (1952 – 1954)
Assistant Teacher – St Patrick School (1949 – 1951)

Academic qualifications
Master of Education, University of the Free State (2001)
Bachelor of Education, Vista University (1992)
Bachelor of Arts, Vista University (1990)
Diploma in Home Economics, Strydom Opleiding (1964)
Diploma in Teaching, Modderpoort Schools (1948)

Awards
Bloemfonteiner of the Year
Award for Outstanding Community Service, Mangaung Medical Doctors Association
Silver Award for Service, Girl Guides Association of SA
Award for Years of Service, Child and Family Welfare
Welfare Volunteer of the Year