Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works MEC Mr. Ignatius Jacobs

Mr. Ignatius Jacobs was born in Riverlea, Johannesburg. He has a degree in Social Sciences. He participated actively in the formation of youth, women and civic organizations during the apartheid years. He also played an active role in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the formation of the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO).

He was elected as a National Executive Committee member of the SAYCO in 1986. After the unbanning of the ANC and SACP he was appointed to the Internal Leadership to rebuild the SACP in Gauteng. He was also elected National Treasurer of the ANC Youth League from 1990 until 1994.

At that same time he served on the Provincial Executive of the SACP. He currently serves on the ANC Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee and Provincial Working Committee. Some of his other responsibilities in the province are to head the ANC's communication, research and media unit.

He became a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 1994, and was appointed the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Population Development. In 1996 he was appointed MEC for Welfare and Population Development.

After the 1999 elections he was appointed MEC for Education, and served that portfolio until deployed as the MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works in 2004.

He is married to Amelia and has three children, Kaylene, Ernesto and Olivia.