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Mr Derek Hanekom is the recently appointed South African Minister of Science and Technology. He has held the position of Deputy Minister of Science and Technology since 2004 when he was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki, until October 2012. He was reappointed in the position of Deputy Minister of Science and Technology by President Kgalema Motlanthe in September 2008, and again by President Jacob Zuma in May 2009.

He has a strong ANC history having served 2 years in prison for the work he did for the ANC, during apartheid, with his wife Dr Trish Hanekom who served three years for her involvement.

He is also the former Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs under the Nelson Mandela government. He is currently the chairperson of the disciplinary committee of the African National Congress. He has served as a member of the African National Congress's National Executive Committee since 1994.