By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Phophi Ramathuba has been elected the first female premier of Limpopo for the seventh administration in the province where the party holds a majority.
Ramathuba and 63 other members of the provincial legislature were sworn in by the Limpopo Judge President George Phatudi.
During her maiden speech, the newly elected premier called upon members of the legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence.
“We must ensure that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,” Ramathuba said.
Makoma Makhurupetje and Tebogo Mamorobela were elected speaker and deputy speaker of the Limpopo provincial legislature, respectively.
Ramathuba, a medical doctor and former health MEC, garnered significant support from party branches, surpassing rivals Basikopo Makamu and Naledi Kekana to lead the province.
Close sources within the provincial executive indicated that the national executive committee was also impressed by her performance and credentials.
Known for her proactive leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and her involvement in assisting the families of the 45 Botswana nationals who died in a tragic car crash near Mokopane, Ramathuba has gained widespread admiration, as reflected in her social media interactions.
Meanwhile former MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Maqueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae has been elected as the Premier of the Free State.
Letsoha-Mathae replaces Mxolisi Dukwana who was last year elected as the Free State provincial chair.
She said that she hoped the country could work together to embark on this new chapter in SA’s history and progression of democracy.
“The issue of corruption will be prioritised. That has been the enemy of progress in the Free State. We are here to serve the people,” said Mathae.
Zanele Sifuba was again elected as the Speaker of the Legislature, while Julia Maboya has been elected and sworn in as the Deputy Speaker.
Outgoing Premier Dukwana has wished his successor well.
“She’s proven to be good in what she does. Now, what’s important is to hit the ground running and, in this movement, we are all tasked to work for people. I have confidence in her.”
The ANC has emphasised the importance of gender representation in its appointments. The NEC’s directive states that where a male Premier is appointed in a province with an ANC majority, the Speaker should be a woman, and a majority of MECs should also be female.
The ANC Women’s League hailed the nominations as a ‘historic milestone’, celebrating the potential elevation of a female leaders to the premier positions.