Limpopo gets mother premier: An opportunity to redefine leadership and governance
The winds of political change have swept through Limpopo, ushering in a historic moment as the province welcomes its first woman premier, Dr. Phophi Constance Ramathuba.
Her appointment is a landmark victory, not just for gender equality, but for the socio-political landscape of Limpopo.
Amidst fierce competition from strong candidates like the MEC of CoGHSTA, Rodgers Basikopo Makamu, whose intellectual and administrative prowess was on full display, and the somewhat underwhelming MEC of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana, Ramathuba emerged as the favoured candidate of the ANC, its leagues and alliance partners.
Ramathuba’s acceptance speech resonated deeply with many, as she highlighted the persistent challenges facing women and the ever-present spectre of unemployment.
It was a speech that conveyed a profound understanding of the obstacles ahead and a commitment to addressing them head-on.
This is critical because Limpopo struggles with severe socio-economic issues, marked by poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Her immediate trip to Cape Town, to address the inaugural sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), reinforced her readiness to engage at all levels of governance.
This also marked a dual victory for women leaders, with Mpumalanga’s former premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, taking the role of chairperson at the NCOP.
This convergence of powerful female leadership signifies a progressive shift towards inclusivity and gender-based reform.
Moreover, Ramathuba’s intention to have a female-majority executive council, with six women and four men, demonstrates her commitment to gender parity.
This decision, while celebrated by many, did not come without its internal battles. Influential groups within the province, including the Youth League, the SACP, COSATU, and the Veterans and Women’s Leagues, all vied for representation.
The Youth League’s chairperson, Tony Rachoene, notably made significant efforts to sway support through strategic community engagements and contributions to traditional leaders.
Ramathuba thus faced the daunting task of balancing these powerful interests while forming an effective team to govern the province.
As she steps into this role, Ramathuba faces the arduous task of combating the entrenched issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality that plague Limpopo.
Her administration’s success will hinge on her ability to navigate this complex socio-economic landscape while fostering inclusive development.
The region, often lagging in national socio-economic metrics will need innovative and bold solutions to uplift its communities.
Critics and opposition parties remain sceptical, some even cynical, about her potential to instigate meaningful change. To silence these detractors, Ramathuba must implement policies that yield tangible improvements in the lives of her constituents.
Her tenure will need to be marked by not just ambition but demonstrable results, particularly in enhancing the socio-economic status of women and marginalized communities.
The appointment of Ramathuba is a beacon of hope for many in Limpopo. It is an opportunity to redefine leadership and governance in the province.
If her initial actions and promises are any indication, she is poised to lead with empathy, strength, and a vision that encompasses all layers of society.
In doing so, Ramathuba can transform Limpopo from a region struggling on the socio-economic periphery to a province that leads with progressive, people-centric governance.
(Molebatsi Masedi is a writer with interest on evolving local and national political landscape)
