Dr Ivan Meyer
Minister of Agriculture
About Ivan
Minister Ivan Meyer grew up in Bishop Lavis, Cape Town. In his teenage years, his family moved to Vredenburg on the West Coast, where he attended Western Secondary School.
“I was a hardworking, conscientious pupil and was certainly fortunate to be taught by a group of committed, hardworking teachers,” he said.
Ivan completed his BA and BA Hon Public Administration degrees at the University of the Western Cape in 1984 and 1987, respectively. He also holds a Master's degree and a PhD degree from Stellenbosch University which he received in 1990 and 1996, respectively.
“My interest in Public Administration was inspired by my late father, a former Minister and diplomat. As a child, I remember him returning from his then ‘day job’ changing into a tie and jacket, and then going off to attend a council or community meeting,” he said.
Ivan’s first job was as a Housing Officer with the then Divisional Council in Cape Town. He was a senior lecturer in Public Policy and Local Governance at Stellenbosch University at the time of his election to the Provincial Legislature in April 2009. He joined former Premier Helen Zille’s Cabinet following the 2009 election as the Minister of Social Development. Since then, he has served as the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport (September 2010 – May 2014) and Minister of Finance (May 2014 – April 2019). Premier Alan Winde appointed Ivan as Minister of Agriculture in 2019.
After turning 60, he believes he’s a lot wiser and more mature to help improve the lives of others. Ivan said he had parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic. He adds that he believes in balance and therefore is a family man.
“Nothing keeps me more balanced and grounded than my family. I also believe that one must live life to the fullest, and each day is an opportunity to do so."
"My goal is to serve the people of the Western Cape and South Africa. I confirmed this when I took my oath of office, and I always have a copy of South Africa’s Constitution to remind me of my commitment to serve," he said.