ANCWL Limpopo Leadership Fails Women, Sparks Outrage

ANCWL Provincial Chairperson Mamedupi Teffo, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and ANCWL Provincial Secretary Tebogo Mamorobela.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) in Limpopo is reeling from a major blow, with its leadership failing to secure another top five official position for a woman in the upcoming 11th ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference,taking place from March 27-29,2026.

The league, led by Provincial Secretary Tebogo Mamorobela, who is also Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Provincial Chairperson Mamedupi Teffo, who is Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, has been accused of factionalism and prioritizing self-interest over the advancement of women.

This caught the attention of ANCWL national secretary general Nokuthula Nqaba, who expressed discontent with the Limpopo leadership's failure. The Azanian spoke to Nqaba, who said, "The ANCWL Limpopo couldn't bring another woman candidate to be in the ANC top official... it means ANCWL in Limpopo has lost another sit in the ANC Limpopo top five officials... from 2 sits to 1 sit."

Despite this, Nqaba noted that the position of Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba being touted for the ANC provincial chairperson gives hope, but emphasized that losing another seat is not okay. She is optimistic that in future, things will improve.

Sources within the ANCWL questioned the leadership's failure, asking, "Does this suggest a bankruptcy of leadership in the ANC Women's League, given that there are capable women like Dr Makoma Makhurupetje, Florence Radzilani, and Nakedi Sibanda Kekana who could have been considered for the top positions?" The sources said the leadership's focus seemed to be on protecting their own interests rather than advancing the interests of women.

The league had approached Mina Bahula, ANC Sekhukhune Region Chairperson and Sekhukhune District Municipality Executive Mayor, but she declined the nomination, citing comfort with her current position. ANCWL members are questioning why the leadership didn't consider other capable women, and are accusing Mamorobela and Teffo of being more interested in protecting their own interests.

The Azanian sent questions to Mamorobela and Teffo regarding the allegations, but they chose not to respond.

Nqaba emphasized the need for women to believe in themselves and prioritize the organization's and women's interests. "Women must trust themselves, build the ANC Women's League, and advance women's interests so they can participate in positions just like men," she said.

The failure of the ANCWL Limpopo leadership to secure another top position is a stark reminder of the challenges facing women in politics. The league's inability to support its members and prioritize their interests is a betrayal of the trust placed in them.