ANCWL statement on election of female leaders in eThekwini and Mpumalanga

13 December 2015

The ANCWL wishes to congratulate and celebrate the successful election of ANC’s eThekwini Regional Leadership in general and in particular the election of Comrade Zandile Gumede as Regional Chairperson. This is victory for women for being elected to lead for the first time one of the biggest ANC’s regions, following the Eastern Cape ANC’s Chris Hani Region led by Kholiswa Vimbayo and the ANC’s Amathole Region led by Cde Nomasikizi Konza.  

A quick glance in all the Provinces indicate that these are the only ANC Regions led by Women – which is shocking to us!  The ANC has invested in developing women cadres and it is high time that they be given opportunity to demonstrate their leadership capabilities by being elected to lead in the ANC and Alliance structures.Women Constitute about 60% of the entire membership of the ANC and members of the Women's League only join the League as fully-fledged members. Thumbs up to Ethekwini. 

We wish Cde Zandile Gumede and the entire leadership success in building the Organisation and ensuring an overwhelming victory for 2016 Local Government Elections. Malibongwe!

We also further congratulate the successful conference of the Mpumalanga Province and also celebrate the election of two women to the province’s Top 5 - the Deputy Chairperson Cde Violet Siwela and Deputy Provincial Secretary  Cde Lindiwe Mabona-Ntshalintshali. 

We are encouraged, invigorated and driven by the strong belief that emancipation of women is within sight in that women in their responsibilities will implement further programmes that will ensure a better life for all.

Issued by Toko Xasa, National Spokesperson, ANCWL, 13 December 2015