Pinky Sharon Kekana is a prominent South African politician who has risen from a classroom teacher in Bela-Bela to become a senior figure in national government.
Over more than two decades in public life she has served in provincial government, in parliament and as a deputy minister in multiple national portfolios.
This biography traces her early life, education, career milestones, controversies, and the contributions she’s made to public service and digital transformation in South Africa.
Bio Data
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pinky Sharon Kekana |
| Stage Name / Known As | Pinky Kekana |
| Born | 14 July 1966 |
| Age | 59 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Bela-Bela, Transvaal (now Limpopo), South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Politician (Deputy Minister, Member of National Assembly; former teacher) |
| Children | Grant Kekana |
| Spouse / Relationship | Formerly married to Jerry Manyama — marriage ended (divorced) around 2014. |
Early life and education
Pinky Sharon Kekana was born on 14 July 1966 in Bela-Bela (then part of Transvaal), in present-day Limpopo province. She trained as a teacher and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. After graduation she worked as a secondary school teacher in her hometown — a period that shaped her commitment to public service and community development.
Entry into politics and provincial career
Kekana’s political career began in Limpopo where she was elected to the provincial legislature in 1999. She rose through provincial structures and by 2008 she was the Executive Mayor of the Waterberg District Municipality. After the 2009 elections she was appointed to the Limpopo Executive Council, serving as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Roads and Transport, and later for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism. These roles gave her experience managing large public portfolios and infrastructure programs at provincial level.
Transition to national politics
In the 2014 national elections Pinky Kekana was elected as a Member of the National Assembly. Not long after entering Parliament she became active within ANC structures and the ANC Women’s League. By 2017 she had gained enough prominence to be elected to the ANC National Executive Committee, consolidating her position in national politics.
National executive roles and digital transformation work
Pinky Kekana’s national executive career began in February 2018 when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her Deputy Minister of Communications. During her time in that portfolio she worked on matters related to communications policy, broadcasting and the early stages of digital infrastructure oversight as South Africa grappled with the need to expand connectivity and modernise its telecom sector. She later served in Deputy Minister roles in the Presidency, responsible for broader coordination, and in planning, monitoring and evaluation — offices that require cross-government oversight and performance management skills. In June/July 2024 she was appointed Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration.
Key achievements and policy priorities
- Advocating for improved digital connectivity and telecom policy reform during her time in communications.
- Strengthening monitoring, evaluation and coordination mechanisms while serving in the Presidency portfolio, to enhance government planning and delivery.
- Supporting initiatives to professionalise and modernise the public service in her role at the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Controversies and challenges
Like many long-serving politicians, Kekana’s career has not been free of controversy. While serving in Limpopo she was involved in disputes that attracted public and media scrutiny, including findings and investigations into conduct in office from earlier periods in provincial government — episodes that have featured in media reporting and oversight reviews. Those controversies have formed part of the public record and shaped both criticism and defence of her public service.
Personal life
Pinky Kekana is often identified in public records as Pinky Sharon Kekana (born 14 July 1966). She is originally from Bela-Bela and has family ties in the Limpopo region. Public sources mention that she has at least one child who has pursued a professional career; her son Grant Kekana is known as a professional football player. Beyond basic family details, Kekana tends to maintain a standard public official profile.
Leadership style and public image
Kekana’s leadership style reflects a mix of grassroots sensibility — emerging from a teaching background — and the pragmatic demands of cabinet-level work. She communicates often on the need for effective service delivery, skills development, and the role of digital policy in economic transformation. Her public image has included both respected policy advocacy and the scrutiny that accompanies senior office.
Legacy and impact
Pinky Kekana’s legacy will likely be assessed in terms of two linked contributions: her role in early efforts to frame South Africa’s digital and communications policy at national level, and her later work on government planning and the public service. Her movement from provincial executive positions to sustained national office shows a trajectory of increasing influence and responsibility, marking her as an example of a provincial leader advancing to shape national governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Pinky Kekana’s full name and date of birth?
Her full name is Pinky Sharon Kekana, born on 14 July 1966.
What positions has Pinky Kekana held in the South African government?
Kekana has served as Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Deputy Minister in the Presidency (including the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation portfolio), and (as of mid-2024) Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration. She has also been a Member of the National Assembly and previously served in the Limpopo Executive Council.
Where is Pinky Kekana from and what was her first job?
She is from Bela-Bela in Limpopo and worked initially as a secondary school teacher after earning a BA in Education.
Has Pinky Kekana been involved in controversies?
Yes — during her time in provincial office and in public life she has faced scrutiny and investigations reported in the media. These episodes form part of her public record.
What are Pinky Kekana’s main policy interests?
Her main interests have included communications and digital policy, public service modernisation, and government planning and evaluation.
Conclusion
Pinky Kekana’s journey from teacher to senior national official demonstrates a sustained commitment to public service and political leadership. Her roles across communications, the Presidency and public service administration reflect a career focused on governance, policy coordination and, in recent years, the challenges of digital transformation and public administration reform. While her career includes controversies — not uncommon in long public careers — she remains a significant figure in South African politics, particularly as a woman leader who has bridged provincial and national responsibilities. For readers interested in South Africa’s governance and digital policy, Kekana’s career offers a useful case study in political advancement and the practical challenges of implementing national change.
