Early Life & Background

Khusela Diko was born into a distinguished family in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, as a princess of the Nobetha clan of the abaThembu. She matriculated from Collegiate Girls High School in Port Elizabeth in 1993 and later attended the University of South Africa (Unisa), where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Growing up, she was influenced by a family background rooted in law and justice, with a longing to “use her skills, energies and education to be of benefit and service to others.”

From an early age, Diko was drawn to communications and public service. Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of duty, shaped by a lineage that valued activism and integrity — a foundation that would later guide her political journey.

Data

• Full Name: Khusela Diko (née Sangoni)
• Born: 1979
• Birthplace: Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: Politician, public servant, communications strategist
• Education: Bachelor of Commerce, from University of South Africa (UNISA)
• Parents: Mother — Masivuye Sangoni; Father — reportedly associated with a legal background (some sources name George Bizos)
• Siblings: Two (she is described as one of three children)
• Spouse: The late Thandisizwe Diko (also styled Bhaca King Madzikane II) — he died February 2021. She was previously married to Jacob Khawe (divorced).
• Children: 1 child (born August 2021)
• Religion: Christian (raised in a Christian family)

Political Career & Rise

• Provincial Government Role: Before rising to national prominence, Diko served as Chief Director of Communications in the provincial government of Gauteng.
• Role in the Party: In June 2016, she became National Communications Manager for the African National Congress (ANC), heading the party’s department of information and publicity at Luthuli House in Johannesburg — a position she held until early 2018.
• Spokesperson to the President: On 2 March 2018, the Presidency announced that Diko would become the spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, effective 12 March 2018. This marked a major milestone — she went from party communicator and provincial government to a national, high-visibility role.

Diko described the opportunity as an honour and an essential step to being part of the renewal Ramaphosa’s leadership promised. According to her, working close to the President offered a unique chance to learn “statecraft” and make meaningful contributions.

Scandal & Controversy: COVID-19 Procurement Probe

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diko’s career took a dramatic turn. In July 2020 she took special leave after media reports alleged that her late husband’s company, Royal Bhaca Projects, was awarded a large contract (R125 million) by the Gauteng Department of Health to supply PPE — at inflated prices.

The investigation, carried out by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), found that some contracts had been awarded irregularly and at inflated prices — though the SIU did not find evidence that Diko directly participated in the irregular awarding.

In April 2021, an internal disciplinary committee of the ANC found that Diko had brought the party into disrepute by failing to disclose her financial interests — a requirement for public officials. The Presidency later concluded its process and issued Diko a written warning for nondisclosure, but acknowledged she would return to public service in a different role rather than resume as presidential spokesperson.

Because of the scandal, Diko lost her acting role at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Return to Politics & Later Developments

Despite the controversy, Diko remained active in party politics. In July 2022 she was re-elected to the ANC Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee. Later in December 2022, she gained a five-year term on the ANC’s National Executive Committee — a powerful body within the party.

Her resilience and return sparked debate among observers: some view her comeback as evidence of political survival and influence, while critics argue the scandal should have ended her public-service career.

Personal Life

Khusela Diko was born to Nkosikazi Nolwandle Sangoni. She was previously married to politician Jacob Khawe. Later she married Thandisizwe Diko, styled King Madzikane II of the amaBhaca of kwaBhaca in the Eastern Cape. Their union — legally in 2016 and through a traditional royal wedding in December 2018 — attracted widespread media attention.

Tragically, Thandisizwe Diko died in early 2021 after a short illness, leaving Khusela Diko widowed. In August 2021, she gave birth to their only child. In public statements, she fondly described her late husband as her “best friend, safest place, biggest cheerleader, and honest critic.”

Her personal journey — from royal heritage, through political highs, scandal, and personal loss — makes her story deeply human and complex.

Legacy, Criticism & Public Perception

Many regard Diko as a skilled communicator, and her appointment as presidential spokesperson was seen as breaking barriers — especially for women in South African politics. She herself has spoken about patriarchy and the pressure on women to constantly prove their worth, even when men are assumed competent by default.

However, the PPE-tender scandal cast a long shadow. Critics argue that allowing her return to significant party power (e.g. a seat on the NEC) sends a message of weak accountability, especially in the context of public corruption concerns. On the other hand, supporters say she was never personally implicated in wrongdoing, and disciplinary proceedings concluded.

Her story embodies both the potential for influence and the fragility of public trust in political life.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Khusela Diko?

A: Khusela Diko is a South African politician, communications strategist, and former spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa (2018–2020).

Q2: What was her role in the government and the ANC?

A: She served as Chief Director of Communications in Gauteng provincial government, then became National Communications Manager for the ANC, and later was appointed as Spokesperson to the President.

Q3: Why did Khusela Diko step down from her role as spokesperson?

A: She took extended leave in July 2020 after allegations surfaced that her husband’s company had secured an irregular PPE contract during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q4: Was she found guilty of corruption?

A: The investigation by the Special Investigating Unit did not find evidence that she awarded contracts. However, she was given a written warning for failing to disclose financial interests — a breach of public-service regulations.

Q5: What is her current political status?

A: As of December 2022, she was elected to a five-year term on the ANC National Executive Committee.

Conclusion

Khusela Diko’s biography is a testament to ambition, resilience, and complexity. From her roots in Mthatha to the upper echelons of South Africa’s political communication apparatus, she carved a path that few achieve. Her appointment as spokesperson to the President marked a breakthrough for women in politics; yet the COVID-19 PPE procurement scandal and subsequent disciplinary action have raised enduring questions about ethics and accountability.

Despite controversies and personal tragedy, Diko’s re-election to powerful party structures suggests she remains a significant player in South African politics — a reminder that public trust and political redemption can coexist, albeit uncomfortably. Her story is far from over.