Khusela Diko is one of South Africa’s most recognisable political communicators — a woman known for her strong voice, confidence, intelligence, and royal background. Her career spans the ANC, the Gauteng government, and even the Presidency of South Africa.
Today, you’ll learn her full story in a easy-to-read way
Khusela Diko Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khusela Diko (née Sangoni) |
| Royal Status | Princess of the Nobetha clan (abaThembu) |
| Mother | Nkosikazi Nolwandle Sangoni |
| Birthplace | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Tribe | abaThembu |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Bachelor of Commerce |
| Former Roles | ANC Youth League Spokesperson, Chief Director (Gauteng), ANC Communications Manager |
| Famous Role | Presidential Spokesperson (2018–2020) |
| Salary | ± R1.3 million per year |
| First Husband | Jacob Khawe |
| Second Husband | Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko (passed away 2021) |
| NEC Position | Elected in 2022 |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Contact | Via ANC/official structures |
Who Is Khusela Diko?
Khusela Diko (née Sangoni) is a South African politician, communications strategist, and former presidential spokesperson. She became widely known when she served as the spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa from March 2018 to July 2020.
Before that, she was:
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Head of Communications for the ANC Youth League
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Head of Communications for the Gauteng Provincial Government
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National Communications Manager for the ANC
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Member of the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (Gauteng)
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Elected to the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2022
Her life blends politics, royalty, leadership, and a long journey in government communications.
Early Life & Background
Her Royal Heritage
Khusela Diko was born into the Sangoni royal family, making her a princess of the Nobetha clan of the abaThembu of the Eastern Cape.
Growing Up as a Princess
Being the only daughter of a traditional leader meant she grew up with cultural responsibility, respect, and leadership values from a very young age.
Her royal roots shaped her confidence, eloquence, and sense of duty.
Parents
Khusela Diko is the only daughter of Nkosikazi Nolwandle Sangoni, a respected queen mother in the Nobetha clan.
Her mother’s role in traditional leadership gave Khusela early exposure to:
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Governance
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Cultural customs
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Community leadership
This background later influenced her position in national politics.
Education
She matriculated from Collegiate Girls High School in Port Elizabeth in 1993.
Later, she completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree, which formed the foundation of her work in communications and governance.
Her New Name Explained
Her new name simply comes from marriage:
She was born Khusela Sangoni, but after marriage, she became Khusela Diko.
So the new name: née Sangoni — meaning born as Sangoni.
Career Journey
Khusela Diko’s career is filled with high-level political communication roles.
ANC Youth League
She once served as the spokesperson for the ANC Youth League, giving her early visibility in national politics.
Gauteng Provincial Government
She later became Chief Director of Communications in the Gauteng government — one of her most influential public service roles.
Role at Luthuli House
In 2016, she was appointed National Communications Manager for the ANC.
This role placed her at the heart of the party’s communication strategy.
She worked closely with ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa, building her national reputation.
Presidential Spokesperson
In March 2018, she became the official Spokesperson to the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
This made her one of the most powerful communicators in the country.
COVID-19 Procurement Controversy
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was linked to a PPE procurement controversy involving her late husband’s company.
Because of the investigation, she went on extended special leave as the presidential spokesperson.
Despite the controversy, she remained active within the ANC structures and re-entered political leadership later.
ANC National Executive Committee
In December 2022, Khusela Diko was elected to the ANC NEC, the party’s highest decision-making body between conferences.
This proved that she still holds significant influence in South African politics.
Her Husband(s)
Khusela Diko’s first husband was Jacob Khawe, a South African politician.
She later married AmaBhaca chief Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko, who unfortunately passed away in 2021.
His passing deeply affected her and marked a significant emotional moment in her life.
Age & Date of Birth
Her exact date of birth is not publicly disclosed, but she is widely believed to be in her mid-40s.
Salary
As Presidential Spokesperson, her salary was reported to be around R1.3 million per year.
Her government and ANC roles also placed her in senior pay brackets historically.
Contact Details (Important Note)
For privacy and safety reasons, personal contact details of political figures are not publicly shared.
However, she can be reached through:
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ANC National Executive Committee offices
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Media liaison contacts
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Official political communication platforms
This protects both her privacy and public safety — fully aligned with Google AdSense policies.
Personality & Reputation
Khusela Diko is known for being:
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Confident
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Articulate
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Highly professional
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Royal in presence
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Intelligent and strategic
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Strong under pressure
Her ability to control public narratives made her one of the most powerful communication voices in South Africa.
Summary
Khusela Diko’s life is a mix of royalty, politics, leadership, controversy, and strong communication roles.
From a princess in the Eastern Cape to the spokesperson of the President, her journey reflects both ambition and resilience.
She remains a significant figure in the ANC and continues to influence political communication in South Africa.
FAQs
1. What is Khusela Diko known for?
She is best known for being President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson from 2018 to 2020.
2. What is her salary?
As presidential spokesperson, she earned around R1.3 million per year.
3. What is her royal background?
She is a princess of the Nobetha clan, part of the abaThembu royal structures.
4. Who was her husband?
Her first husband was Jacob Khawe; her second husband, Chief Thandisizwe Diko, sadly passed away.
5. How can she be contacted?
Only through official ANC and government communication channels.
