Nomvula Mokonyane says ANC is ready for a female president and would stand if nominated

THE ANC's first deputy secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane, says the party is more than ready for a female president, and she is prepared to stand should her name be put forward ahead of the 2027 elections.

- HOPE NTANZI

In an interview, Mokonyane said the African National Congress remains a deeply conservative organisation, where patriarchy is still entrenched and often reinforced by divisions among women themselves.

"The ANC is a very conservative organisation. Patriarchy works stronger when women are used against one another," she said.

She agreed with recent comments by Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, who criticised the lack of support among women in the ANC. Mokonyane said the issue of women's leadership is often manipulated by individuals, including women, who are not genuinely committed to the advancement of other women.

"They will sneak in, because they are the right tool to be used by men against others. That's our problem," she said.