Know your Minister

Lynne Brown is the Minister of Public Enterprise, a position she has held since May 2014.

About the Minister

Prior to her current position Minister Lynne Brown served at the Western Cape Provincial Legislature for a period of 20 years. She has served as Premier of the Western Cape Province, a Speaker of the Western Cape Legislature and as Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

A teacher by profession, Minister Brown was active in the struggle against apartheid, with a particular emphasis on women’s issues. She taught at Beaufort West Salt River High and Mitchells Plain and she also taught what was then called ‘night school’ to Grootte Schuur Hospital staff and is a committed supporter of adult education.

She has served as chairperson of the Standing Committee on Community Services, Health and Welfare and on Finance and Public Accounts and was an ANC Chief Whip and Deputy Speaker, as well as the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and a leader of Government Business in the Western Cape.

Minister Brown holds a certificate in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of the Western Cape and obtained a certificate in Gender Development Planning Methodology from the University College in London.

About the Department

The Department of Public Enterprises is the shareholder representative of the South African Government with oversight responsibility for State Owned Companies in key sectors such as Defence, Energy, Forestry, Mining, Transport.