Isabella Winkie Direko was a South African politician born in the Free State province of South Africa.
10 Facts About Winkie Direko
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Winkie Direko was a member of the African National Congress and served as Premier of the Free State from 1999 to 2004.
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Winkie Direko spent her childhood with her parents at her paternal grandmother's home.
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Winkie Direko started her primary education at the Anglican St Alban's Church School in Botshabelo and later attended St Patrick's Higher Primary School.
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Winkie Direko completed her training as a teacher at the Modderpoort Teachers Training Institution near Ladybrand.
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Winkie Direko then returned to Bloemfontein to take up a teaching post.
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Winkie Direko worked at Sehunelo High School as a teacher and then moved up the ranks as a deputy-principal and subsequently as the head principal of the school.
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Winkie Direko obtained her Master's in Education degree at the University of the Free State.
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Winkie Direko was sworn in as Premier of the Free State on 15 June 1999.
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Winkie Direko died on 17 February 2012 after suffering a stroke.