Khusela Diko Biography: Age, Salary, Parents, New Name

Khusela Diko is one of the most recognisable names in South African politics and public communication. Known for her years of work within the ANC and the Presidency, she became a national figure for both her influence and the controversies that shaped her career. Her life reflects strong cultural roots, a firm educational background, and a long journey in political communication.

This biography takes a detailed look at her early years, family heritage, career milestones, marriage, earnings, and the significant turns in her public life.

Khusela Diko Biography

Early Life and Family Background

Khusela Diko, born Khusela Sangoni, comes from one of the highly respected royal lineages of the Eastern Cape. She is the daughter of Princess Nolwandle Sangoni, making her a princess of the Nobetha clan of the abaThembu people.

Growing up as the only daughter in a culturally rooted family shaped much of her confidence and leadership style. Her upbringing emphasized community service, responsibility, and upholding family traditions — values that would later influence her political career.

Education

Diko completed her high school education at Collegiate Girls High School in Port Elizabeth, where she matriculated in 1993. She later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree, preparing her for a career in strategic communication and public administration.

Career Beginnings

Her journey into public life began long before she became a national figure. She first gained attention as part of the ANC Youth League, where she served as a spokesperson. Her ability to communicate clearly and handle political messaging set her apart as a rising strategist.

She later worked as:

• Chief Director of Communications in the Gauteng provincial government

• Senior communications officer within the ANC

• National Communications Manager at Luthuli House from 2016

By 2018, she was seen as one of the most influential communicators inside the ANC.

Rise to National Prominence

In March 2018, Khusela Diko was appointed spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa. This role positioned her at the centre of government communication and made her a familiar face to the South African public.

Her responsibilities included:

• Coordinating presidential media briefings

• Communicating government decisions

• Managing crisis communication

• Representing the Presidency in official statements

She became a key player in shaping public understanding of national policy during her tenure.

The COVID-19 Procurement Controversy

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Diko stepped into the spotlight for a different reason. She was linked to a procurement controversy involving medical supplies in Gauteng. Although she was not criminally charged, the matter led to her taking extended special leave from her position.

This incident significantly shifted public perception and marked one of the toughest periods of her career.

Return to Politics

Despite the controversy, her political career remained active. In December 2022, she was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), one of the party’s most powerful decision-making structures. This demonstrated her continued influence within the ANC and her long-standing networks.

Age and Date of Birth

Although she has never publicly revealed her exact birth year, available information places her birth around 1979, which puts her in her early to mid-40s.

Parents and Cultural Identity

Khusela Diko’s heritage is an important part of her identity. Her mother, Princess Nolwandle Sangoni, belongs to one of Eastern Cape’s notable royal families. Being the only daughter in the family, Khusela’s upbringing emphasised respect for tradition and leadership.

Her connection to the Nobetha clan of the abaThembu is a foundation she often referenced in her public life.

Her New Name (Maiden Name)

Her maiden name is Sangoni. After marriage, she became known publicly as Khusela Diko, but the name Sangoni still reflects her lineage and royal roots.

Husband

Khusela Diko was previously married to Jacob Khawe, a well-known South African politician who served as the mayor of Emfuleni and later became the Gauteng ANC secretary.

Their marriage received public attention due to both individuals being prominent political figures. They later separated, but details of the separation remain private — in line with her preference for keeping her personal life away from media scrutiny.

Salary

During her time as Presidential Spokesperson, her estimated annual salary was around R1.3 million, consistent with senior government salary structures in South Africa.

This figure reflected the level of responsibility and the sensitive nature of her role in national communication.

Net Worth (Unofficial Estimate)

Although not publicly confirmed, her net worth is estimated to fall between R5 million and R10 million, based on:

• Her government positions

• Consultancy work

• Income from communications strategy roles

• ANC leadership responsibilities

It is important to note that these figures are speculative, as she has not declared her assets publicly.

Contact Details

For privacy and security reasons, Khusela Diko’s personal contact details are not publicly available. Her communication is typically handled through official ANC and government channels.

Conclusion

Khusela Diko’s biography reflects a woman shaped by heritage, ambition, and political influence. From a royal family background to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable government communicators, her journey is filled with both achievements and challenges. Whether in government or within the ANC, she remains a notable figure whose voice continues to carry weight in national discussions.

FAQs

1. Who are Khusela Diko’s parents?

She is the only daughter of Princess Nolwandle Sangoni of the Nobetha clan of the abaThembu.

2. What is Khusela Diko’s salary?

Her salary as a government spokesperson was approximately R1.3 million per year.

3. What is Khusela Diko’s new name?

Her maiden name is Sangoni, making her full name Khusela Diko (née Sangoni).

4. Who is Khusela Diko’s husband?

She was previously married to Jacob Khawe, a South African politician.

5. How old is Khusela Diko?

She is estimated to be in her early to mid-40s, born around 1979.