ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) president Bathabile Dlamini urged the party’s women candidate councillors to shatter the myth women do not have the capacity to rule effectively.
Dlamini said women were more than effective rulers because they are caring and thoughtful.
She was speaking at gender rights organisation Ilitha Labantu’s event to endorse 20 female ANC candidates at the Gugulethu Sports Complex yesterday.
The ANC aims for a 50/50 gender parity. It has more female leaders in government than many other countries.
ANCWL top brass, former premier Ebrahim Rasool, ANC mayoral candidate Xolani Sotashe and the MK Veterans Association were in attendance.
The hall was packed with hundreds of people, mostly women.
Ilitha Labantu executive director Mandisa Monakali said the organisation was not only endorsing and introducing candidates, but putting an end to women not being recognised for the leadership roles they can play.
Monakali said women had been undermined for centuries, and that it was high time they show society who were in the majority.
“If we don’t support these women, nobody will. Besides, we want them to rule in communities and prioritise women’s issues. We will use them to make sure the government attends to human trafficking and women abuse,” said Monakali.
Because of their caring nature, she said, there was a difference in areas where women rule. “Women gave birth to many NGOs. As you know, these NGOs are at the forefront fighting social ills. These fights need dedication and passion, and that is where these NGOs play a vital role.”
Dlamini said women must bring change in their communities. “There must be progress within your first five years. Bring activities to the youth to fight the scourge of drugs. As a councillor, you will be obliged to cater for everyone.
“There will be times when you will have to take money out of your pockets to fix an elderly person’s water pipe. That is what we call effective leadership. Do it when needs be,” she said.
Gugulethu resident Nomapha Lubambo, 87, said it was interesting to see an increase in women taking leadership positions traditionally considered to be for men.
“I am used to being ruled by men. We were taught it was normal. I have never imagined what I see here today – women ready to rule society.”
Tambo Village resident Babalwa Gcuwa, 23, said although she had been undecided about casting her vote, the candidates revived her spirit.
“There is no way I can miss putting my X next to someone I’ve known as a mother. I have hope that she will enforce by-laws to close illegal shebeens.
“Our candidate, Nondumiso Mfaka, knows that these shebeens have contributed, and are still contributing, to crime in the area,” she said.
Gcuwa said she hoped female issues would take priority.
“We have been crying about drug dealers operating in the area. We have lost our brothers and sisters through drugs. It is because of them most rapes and murders take place.”
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said the aim of the endorsement was to introduce the local women to the people, to familiarise them with their candidate councillors before going to vote.
In 2010, the ANCWL urged a 50/50 representation of women in ruling party structures and at all levels in society, which was a major step forward in achieving gender parity. In 1981, former ANC president Oliver Tambo said: “A system based on the exploitation of man by man can in no way avoid the exploitation of women by the male.”