Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has been elected unopposed as the first female provincial chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo.
She was elected in the early hours of Saturday at the Polokwane Cricket Club. Polokwane Municipality mayor John Mpe was also elected unopposed as deputy chairperson.
Reuben Madadzhe was re-elected as provincial secretary, also unopposed, while Pule Shai was elected deputy provincial secretary and Eddie Maila as provincial treasurer.
Ramathuba’s election follows a ruling by the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane, which on Friday dismissed an urgent application to interdict the provincial elective conference held this weekend (Read more here). The conference therefore proceeded as planned from Friday, 27 March, to Sunday, 29 March.
Regional leaders reportedly encouraged Ramathuba and Mpe to agree on a unity slate to prevent further divisions in the province. ANC president and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said unity was possible if leaders were not driven by personal interests. He congratulated the newly elected leadership and expressed confidence that they would serve the movement with humility and distinction.
“As we choose leaders, let us put leaders that we know are going to put the interests of this province ahead of themselves,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that all party members, including those from the South African Communist Party (SACP), must vote for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections. He also warned that factional infighting negatively affects communities.
The newly elected chairperson said the provincial leadership would focus on strengthening local government and improving service delivery.
“We need to ensure that our municipalities are delivering the needed services to the people,” Ramathuba said.