Savenaca Draunidalo

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Savenaca Uluibau Draunidalo, known sometimes by his chiefly title of Ratu, is a Fijian politician, who served in the Cabinet from 2001 to 2006, when a military coup ended his ministerial career.

Draunidalo is from the chiefly family of Naroi, Moala, in the Lau Islands. He was a career soldier who rose to the rank of Colonel and, was Commander of the largest battalion in the Fiji Army. He was honoured for his services to the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission. Draunidalo also served as Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs before entering the political field.

In the election held in September 2001, Draunidalo, won the Lau Taveuni Rotuma Open Constituency. Though elected as an independent candidate, he was appointed to the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL)-dominated Cabinet as Minister for Works and Energy.

On 18 March 2006 it was announced that he would contest the upcoming election under the SDL banner. In the election, duly held on 6-13 May, he went on to win the seat with a large majority, and was subsequently appointed to his present ministerial portfolios.

Draunidalo was the first husband of the late Adi Kuini Speed, a paramount chief and Deputy Prime Minister in the Chaudhry government of 1999-2000. They had two children: Roko Tupou, a lawyer and Vice President of the Fiji Law Society, and Ratu Qoro, a Commissioned Officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Draunidalo is now married to Salasia Mataitoga, with whom he has two daughters - Illeyah and Gavidi, who are both being educated at New Zealand universities.