In the often turbulent world of coalition politics, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Jane Sithole stands out for a quality that transcends party lines: a deeply ingrained, values-driven approach to leadership. Recently honoured with the FW De Klerk Foundation award for best deputy minister in the Government of National Unity (GNU), she traces her compass back not to a political handbook, but to her upbringing in Ga-Dikgale village near Polokwane.
“Growing up in that village I experienced the strength of community firsthand,” Sithole reflects. “Elders were parents, neighbours were family and values were reinforced daily at home, in the village and in church.” Every Sunday in the Lutheran Bapedi Church, followed by disciplined homework sessions, instilled a foundation of faith, service, and accountability that she calls the anchor of her life.
From Corporate Boardrooms to Community Groundwork
This rural foundation was later tempered by 18 years in the corporate world, where she mastered governance, performance management, and execution. That blendvillage heart and corporate disciplineprepared her for the precise demands of her portfolio. “In small business development, efficiency, partnerships and practical outcomes matter,” she notes.
Her academic journey, from a BA in Communications to diplomas in political leadership and senior management, was driven by a belief that “education does not just change lives, it changes generations.” It’s a principle she now applies to empowering entrepreneurs.
A DA Stalwart with a GNU Vision
A DA member for 26 years, Sithole has risen through municipal councils to become the party’s Mpumalanga provincial leader. Now in the GNU, she sees the coalition as a necessary, if complex, experiment in putting people before politics. “People want solutions, not political fights,” she states. “The GNU gives us a chance to work together, respect differences and focus on what matters most: jobs, dignity and opportunity.”
Her goal for the next five years is tangible: stronger small businesses, more inclusive economic participation, and institutions that work better for ordinary people.
When she steps away from the weight of office, she finds comfort in simple pleasures: a plate of pap and mogodu, a home-made ginger beer, or a bottle of champagne. It’s a reminder that despite the titles and awards, her leadership remains rooted in the straightforward lessons of Ga-Dikgale: work hard, be honest, respect people, and never forget where you come from. In a political landscape craving authenticity, Jane Sithole’s story is a testament to the enduring power of grounded, purposeful service.
