JOHANNESBURG – The ANC in Limpopo has successfully held its provincial elective conference, during which Dr Phophi Ramathuba was named chairperson.
Ramathuba made history when she was elected as the first female premier of that province, and now she has done it again as the first ANC chairperson in Limpopo.
There was a hiccup before the elections where a disgruntled branch member approached the courts to stop the conference from sitting due to concerns about the legitimacy of a digital device used to verify delegates. That bid was dismissed, and the elections went ahead without interruptions.
The newly elected leadership also includes John Makoro Mpe as deputy provincial chairperson, Musanda Reuben Madadzhe as provincial secretary, Pule Shayi as deputy provincial secretary, and Eddie Maila as the provincial treasurer.
Speaking at the gathering, Ramathuba outlined their mandate as the new leadership.
“Those of you who think we are going to struggle with local government [must know] Limpopo is going to show South Africa that we are capable,” she said.
Independent political and governance analyst Sandile Swana welcomed Ramathuba’s election.
READ | Limpopo SOPA | In conversation with Premier Ramathuba
“It is always significant when underrepresented groups such as women appear, no question about that. In South Africa as a whole, we’ve never been short of competent women. However, being competent and talented has never meant much.
“Phophi has been seen by those who support her as a representative of superior competence in a sea of mediocrity and a clear history of non-performance in Limpopo,” Swana said.
Sifiso Dube, the program officer for women and youth at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, said Ramathuba’s election should not just be a tick-box exercise.
“We should look at the founding values of the ANC to see their policy regarding gender equality. This election is a step in the right direction.
“South Africa is more than ready to have a female president. We need more female leaders across the board. South Africa needs multiple female voices at the political decision-making table,” she said.
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