Studied medicine, University of Natal. 1981, National Correspondence Secretary, Azaso (now South African Student Congress - SASCO); 1982, President, Student Representative Council, University of Natal. Worked with all Mass Democratic Movements (MDMs) and trade unions in Natal and was a United Democratic Front (UDF) Leader in Natal. 1990-2008, Member, Provincial Executive Council, ANC Limpopo, serving twice as Deputy Chairperson of the province. 1994-97 and 2004-09, MEC for Education, Limpopo; 1998-99, MEC for Transport, Limpopo; 1999-2004, MEC for Agriculture, Limpopo; 2007, elected to ANC National Executive Committee; 2012, re-elected. Since 2009, Minister of Health. Since May 2009, Member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Member, ANC National Working Committee. Chair of the Board, Stop TB Partnership Co-ordinating Board.