Barend Jacobus du Plessis was born on 19 January 1940 in Johannesburg. Matriculating first class in 1956 at Voortrekker High School, Boksburg with a distinction in mathematics. Head Prefect and cricket captain. Also played rugby throughout school and tertiary careers, and thereafter, mostly as captain. Keen debater at school events. Passed courses in first aid.
Thereafter, studied at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and Potchefstroom Teachers Training College. Awarded BSc in Mathematics and Statistics and Transvaal Higher Education Diploma (cum laude). Full colours for academy, leadership and cricket. Briefly taught Mathematics at Helpmekaar Boys High School and in evenings, at Johannesburg Technical College. Played recreational tennis and golf.
Moved to SABC in 1962, appointed to Chief Engineer’s Administrative Office. After tuition at IBM, he designed, programmed and implemented SABC monthly salary payment system. Captain of SABC cricket and rugby teams. Transferred to Director General’s office as speech writer, report writing and secretary of Committees. Joined IBM in 1968 as systems engineer, later marketing, in Banking and Finance branch. Attended advanced courses in banking and Finance at IBM in the USA.
He is a member of Dutch Reformed Church and served as Deacon and Elder.
Elected Town Councillor of Roodepoort in 1972, Deputy Mayor in 1973 and Mayor in 1974. In April 1974, elected MP for Florida. Became Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information in 1982, Minister of Education and Training in 1983 and Minister of Finance in 1984.
In February 1989, he was narrowly defeated by FW de Klerk in the election of successor to PW Botha. He Remained Minister of Finance until leaving politics in 1992, returning to the private sector. He was awarded the then highest civil award, Decoration for Meritorious Service (Gold).
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