Nomvula Mokonyane Signals Willingness to Contest Presidency in 2027, SA Shares Mixed Reactions
- Nomvula Mokonyane believes it's time for women in the African National Congress to stand up and be heard
- The Deputy Secretary-General of the party said she would be willing to contest the party leadership if nominated
- South Africans shared their thoughts on Mokonyane's plans, noting some of her previous comments
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Could the African National Congress (ANC) have a female president?
Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane is keen to step up to the plate if the opportunity presents itself. The party is expected to host the Limpopo conference in 2027, in which the new leaders will be elected.
Some within the party have called for early elections as frustrations grow with some members of the top six officials. While the various factions jostle for position, Mokonyane believes that it's time for women to make their voices heard.
What did Mokonyane say?
Speaking to Mike Siluma on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, Mokonyane said she would stand up and contest the position if her name was put forward.
She explained that women were often used by their male counterparts, who preached the issue of women’s rights to climb the party ladder.
“We’ve had the ANC being led by six men, or five men and one woman. I’m a proponent of women taking over the ANC,” she stated.
“Even if you are alone, make your voice known. Don’t be a drum majorette and don’t see a problem when there is an opportunity. Remain consistent. I’m one of those who says that when the right opportunity comes, women must embrace one another,” Mokonyane declared.
Mokonyane was the first female Premier of Gauteng, serving from 2009 to 2014, and so is no stranger to stepping up to the plate.
Source: Getty Images
Mokonyane says ANC failed to manage Government of National Unity better
During her appearance on the podcast, she also admitted that the ANC “failed to manage the Government of National Unity (GNU) better”, saying that the party assumed everyone understood that they would be serving at the behest of the president.
She added that she didn’t believe the GNU would collapse, despite the continual clashes between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ANC. Both parties have had meetings to iron out issues.
Mokonyane also predicted that the ANC would bounce back in the 2026 Local Government Elections, saying that the party’s polling indicated it would break through the 50% mark.
Mokonyane put this down to improvements in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where the party suffered devastating losses in the 2024 elections.
How did South Africans react to Mokonyane’s statement?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the statement. While some believed that she would do a worse job, noting her previous comments and controversies, others stated that the ANC’s time was up.
Lolo Moraka stated:
“Hehehe😁. We remember this one when she said she would pick up the rand if it fell. Imagine her as the President of the country, yoh, we will be like Zimbabwe in an instant. Shem.”
Six Guns Magidi Khuliso added:
“The ANC will be in the opposition benches by 2030.”
Franklyn William Barker asked:
“How can we take this lady seriously? She was willing to protect Zuma with her rear end😂.”
Rankalose Rankalose stated:
“She will be a President in the opposition benches.”
Dumo Ntanjana said:
“When ambition surpasses reality. She overrates herself. The ANC is where it is today because of people like her.”
T.J. Dludla added:
“I see nothing wrong with her becoming ANC president. After all, South Africa will not be governed by the ANC during her time as president. She'll be the president of an opposition party in Parliament as the ANC would have gained 5% votes.”
P Line P Line agreed:
“She can replace Ramaphosa as the ANC boss, but not as the SA president.”
Women's League advocates for female president
Briefly News reported that the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) National Executive Committee (NEC) is calling for a female president.
The ANCWL wants more women to emulate its former stalwart, Gertrude Shope, who passed away at the age of 99.
South Africans shared their thoughts on the ANCWL's calls, joking about who it would appoint as a candidate.
Source: Briefly News
