[1] Cjiekella was born into a family of Xhosa background and grew up in Pabalello Township in Upington.
She afterwards completed the following courses at the University of the Free State: Research and Management, Law Making and Oversight, Strategic Planning, Capacity Building in Committees and House proceedings and Local Government (MFMA) Integrated Performance Management Act.
Cjiekella’s involvement in politics, many have recalled, dated from her school days when she was a “vibrant and outspoken” SRC member.
In 1986 she was elected branch chairperson of the ANC Youth Congress in Upington, a role she fulfilled until 1988.
Concurrently and up to 1990 she was a member of the Civic Organisation; becoming branch chairperson of the ANC Women's Congress in Upington (1988-1989).