MEC Motshekga Leads Women's League

Gauteng MEC for Education, Angie Motshekga has been elected the new African National Congress Women's League - ANCWL president. MEC Motshekga beat her rival Bathabile Dlamini at the national congress of the ANCWL, held in Bloemfontein at the University of Vista in Free State.

MEC Motshekga scooped 1 826 delegates in a hotly contested battle that saw her competitor, the leagues' secretary general, Bathabile Dlamini, getting 1 531 votes. In her acceptance speech, MEC Motshekga said unity and cohesion remained the guiding principle to achieving the organization's desired goals.

“Let us practice it in all levels of our organization and ensure that in everything we do, this remain our guiding principle,” the MEC said.

The newly elected President of the ANCWL told the delegates gathered at the University of Vista in Free State that the road ahead was filled with challenges.

“Those challenges include fighting poverty, unemployment, diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB and the safety and security of women. One challenge that remains an eyesore is the question of increasing our membership. If the ANCWL is to grow and develop to even greater heights, we as an organization have to prioritize the participation of young women. We have to allow them space to grow within the organization,” she explained.

MEC Motshekga urged the delegates that they should ensure the ANCWL remained a key voice inside and outside the ANC led government.

“We have to ensure that the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa – PWMSA, remains a unifying vehicle in uniting all women of South Africa ,” she commented.

She added that this movement should be used to organize women from all walks of life, including different political homes to forge strong partnerships to promote women issues.

Other members of the newly elected executive are: Nozipho Ntwanambi as the Deputy President, Sisi Tolashe is Secretary – General, Mpai Mogorosi is Deputy Secretary – General and Hlengiwe Mkhize, is the Treasurer General.

However, National Executive Committee additional members included .Nkosazana Zuma, Winnie Madikizela – Mandela, Thoko Didiza, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and North West Premier Bomo Edna Molewa.