S’thandiwe Duze
Parliamentary Officer: Office of the Minister

S’thandiwe joined the Department of Transport, Ministry Directorate in January 2001 as the Parliamentary Officer. She comes from a Social Science background but did not stop there. She also has Post Graduate Human Resources, Honours in Psychology and recently completed her Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Durban-Westville. As part of her social responsibility she is an executive board member to the Mobeni Further Education and Training College and Regent Graduate School of Business.

As Parliamentary Officer, S’thandiwe attends the Portfolio Committee meetings and has to report progress with regard to legislation and give feedback to both the Department and the Portfolio Committee. She works hand-in-hand with the MEC, S’bu Ndebele, answering questions and responding to concerns posted to the MEC. She reports departmental legislation issues to the Legislature, both Provincial and National, so that they can be passed and published in the gazettes. She also prepares Cabinet Memoranda.

Explaining the challenges in her work sphere, she says, "The difficult thing is to be strong in an environment that can be filled with political tension, and bring cool headedness in the office when emotions run high." However, her work challenges do not bring her down as she strives to be the best person she can be at all times. S’thandiwe enjoys working in the Ministry although it is very demanding and challenging, but it is also exciting and rewarding. She says "Working for the Minister is challenging, especially when you have to make sure that he has everything he needs, all the information, all the facts but it is also rewarding because he is very appreciative. He appreciates everything that one does whether it is small or big." Working hours are sometimes a bit awkward, especially during parliamentary sittings or special functions and meetings, but she takes this in her stride as "It comes with the territory."

S’thandiwe recently got married on 3 May 2003. She says "Married life is very enjoyable and opens a new page of responsibilities and growth prospects as well. I would enjoy welcoming a new member to the Duze family in 2004 if God wills it. This would make me feel very important and complete in a way. Imagine someone to look up to you."

Her message to other women is -

Know yourself first, know who you are and what you want to be in life and where you are going. In this way you will be focused and be the best person you can be whilst adding value to the collective. But do not forget to have fun and do no compromise your happiness.

 

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