Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the Baobab tree province has not had a female head of the provincial government until now.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba was selected by her political party, the African National Congress ( ANC), in 2024.
The appointment comes after the former premier Stanley Mathabatha reigns to power came to an end.
It’s that time of the season where branch structures are mandated to determine the fate of Top 5 leadership in the province.
Is the province ready to be governed by a woman?
We have seen in the past that the top 5 leadership are dominated by men, and only one position is open for a female.
Premier Ramathuba was well known for her hard work, enthusiastic, and passionate MEC for health in the province.
But, is she executing her task as a head of the provincial government?
She seems to work extremely well with the following Executive Members, MEC for Public Works and Roads Infrastructure Ernest Sebataola and Cogsta Biskop Makamu.
As the province prepares for the provincial elective conference, the Waterberg region has already endorsed Ramathuba as the party’s chairperson candidate.
Sekhukhune region has not yet publicly declared support for any specific individual candidate for the upcoming 2026 provincial and local government elections.
Instead, they are focused on party unity, renewal, and ensuring service delivery.
Their primary objective appears to be presenting a united front and selecting capable individuals for councilor and leadership positions who can effectively address community needs like water provision road and jobs.
“In Politics, there’s no permanent enemy, no permanent friend,” said an Independent Political Analyst, Johannes Mushwana
Mushwana said we are likely to see Vhembe region pronounce Florence Randzilani or Dr. Phophi Ramathuba for Chairperson candidate.
“Ramathuba will need Waterberg, Vhembe, and Sekhukhune to secure the position.” said Mushwana
The Mopani Region has endorsed Pule Shayi as their preferred candidate for any Top 5 positions.
“Biskop Makamu played a very significant role during the ANC Mopani regional conference. When Pule was elected for 3rd term. In reality, it was supposed to be Pule, who must now support return the favor, not contest for Provincial Top 5” He said
What could happen if Pule Shayi, John Mpe, and Dr. Phophi Ramathuba contest for Chairperson position?
Mushwana is admant that, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba will win if Florance Randzilani is not in the equation.
So far, the Vhembe region has endorsed Secretary Ruben Madadzhe for the second term.
While Capricorn endorsed John Mpe.
Mushwana said in the current politics of the ANC, General Secretary Fikile Mbalula is the king maker.
“Whoever is on his side will make the conference in March 2026”
In his conclusion, he emphasized that Shayi can only make it as a deputy chairperson, not the chairperson.
The 11th Provincial Elective conference is scheduled for from the 27_29 March 2026.