Annelie Lotriet

Prof. Annelie Lotriet MP is a South African politician, a Member of Parliament with the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Shadow Minister of Science and Technology. She is also the provincial chairperson of the DA in the Free State.

Dr Lotriet was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and matriculated at the Hoërskool Linden. She is married to Pieter and they have four sons who all attend university. Dr Lotriet's philosophy is to never expect others to do what you are not prepared to do yourself. She continued her studies at the Rand Afrikaans University where she obtained a BA Languages majoring in English and Latin. Her passion for education, led Dr Lotriet to achieve a D.Ed with specialization in Higher Education.

Dr Lotriet then lectured in the Department of Education at Vista University in Bloemfontein from 1985 to 1994 before her appointment as senior lecturer at the University of the Free State, initially at the Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment, and later in the Department of Afroasiatic Studies, Sign Language and Language Practice. She progressed to initially associate professor in the department before her appointment as head of the department. During this time, Dr Lotriet participated in key projects, which included; the training and management of the interpreting service at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the training of interpreters for all levels of government.

Between 1985 and 2000 Dr Lotriet served on the OFM Board of Directors. She entered local politics in 2000 serving as a DA ward councillor in Mangaung for six years. Her current constituency is the Eastern Free State. Dr Lotriet has further applied her dedicated service to many provincial and national committees, boards and associations, and was a member of the Pan South African Language Board.

Dr Lotriet currently serves the DA as Shadow Minister of Higher Education and Training. She was earlier the Shadow Minister of Arts and Culture. Her passion for sport and public service was borne out in her service as President of Free State Aquatics.