IS SA READY FOR A WOMAN PRESIDENT?

Naledi Pandor regretted declining deputy president offer in 2017

- PULE MAKGALE

SOUTH Africa has never had a female head of state in its history, although the country has had female politicians in high-profile roles such as Deputy President and Speaker of Parliament, and Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri briefly served as acting president in 2005 and 2008.

Continentally, Ellen Eugenia Johnson Sirleaf (born 29 October 1938) has paved the way when she became the first elected female head of state in Africa. She served as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018.

The persistent question is, “Is South Africa is ready for woman president?”

Political analyst, Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe, agrees but says: “Let us begin here, we only have two women as premiers out of nine in South Africa, that is embarrassing. Thinking from the top of my head, I can only remember Patricia De Lille as the leader of the political party represented in parliament; otherwise, you only have a group of old men in parliament and cabinet who are clueless about what needs to be done.

“Also, looking at the parties’ executives is a bit worrying because there are a few women holding positions. All three or four biggest parties do not have a woman as the president or secretary general; the ones who are included were merely for ticking the boxes.”

Mokgatlhe’s top picks for a woman president would be the following:

Phophi Ramathuba - Despite the recent allegations of corruption in Mogalakwena, she has proven to be one of the few remaining ethical leaders of the ANC. She is on the ground, ensuring that people are doing their jobs. She values competence to the core.

Thoko Didiza - I have not heard any allegations or reports of corruption about her since 1994. She has carried herself with utmost dignity in every department or institution she was given. She, too, is very competent.