Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has, on behalf of government and the ANC, extended condolences to the family of the late Winkie Direko.
Direko was the former Free State Premier and Member of Parliament. She passed away on Friday in Bloemfontein after suffering a stroke at the age of 82.
"We have known Mme Direko as a caring leader, mother and grandmother. She was very 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. 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," said the President.
Direko was born in 1929 in Botshabelo in the Free State.
She was a member of the National Council of Provinces from 1994 to 1999 and Premier of the Free State from 15 June 1999 to 26 April 2004.
She also had an illustrious career as a teacher before entering politics. She was a member of the Council of Vista University and Chancellor of the Free State University.
Direko taught a number of ANC leaders during her career as a teacher. She was fondly called "Mistress'' by the many leaders that she moulded from a young age.
