Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba's Leadership Style Under Scrutiny

 Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.

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

The leadership style of Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba is facing intense criticism from some African National Congress (ANC) members in the province. Ramathuba's approach to governance has led to accusations of overshadowing colleagues and fostering division within the party.

Senior ANC figures have expressed concerns that Ramathuba's high profile and constant media presence are creating the perception that she is the sole leader of the province, undermining the collective ethos of the party and creating tension among members.

Critics argue that Ramathuba's leadership style is too dominant, leaving little room for other leaders to shine. "It's like she wants to be both premier and MEC for every department," one senior ANC activist said. "Rarely does an ANC-led government event unfold without her at the forefront." This perceived dominance has led to concerns that Ramathuba is not empowering her colleagues or allowing them to take ownership of their portfolios.

However, the ANC in Limpopo has dismissed the claims, with provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka saying that Ramathuba believes in collective leadership. "Premier Ramathuba is committed to empowering women in the party and working collaboratively with her colleagues," Machaka said. Despite this, the controversy highlights the challenges facing the ANC in Limpopo, where leadership dynamics are complex and often contentious.

The controversy comes amid speculation that Ramathuba may be positioning herself to succeed Stan Mathabatha as ANC provincial chairperson. The ANC in Limpopo is set to hold an early provincial conference, which is expected to see a heated battle for leadership positions. Ramathuba's leadership style will likely be a key issue in the conference, with some delegates potentially calling for a more collaborative approach.

Despite the criticism, Ramathuba has been praised for her tireless work ethic and commitment to improving the lives of Limpopo's citizens. She has been instrumental in driving the province's economic growth and development, and her leadership has inspired confidence in the province's ability to deliver on its promises.

As Ramathuba navigates the complexities of Limpopo politics, she will need to balance her own leadership style with the needs and expectations of her party colleagues. The ANC in Limpopo will be watching closely to see how Ramathuba addresses the concerns raised about her leadership style and whether she can maintain her reputation as a trailblazing leader.

The controversy surrounding Ramathuba's leadership style highlights the challenges facing the ANC in Limpopo. As the party prepares for its provincial conference, it remains to be seen how Ramathuba will navigate the complexities of leadership and whether she will emerge as a dominant force in the party. One thing is certain, however: Ramathuba's leadership style will continue to be closely watched and scrutinized in the months ahead.