Former Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has been elected the province’s first female premier. The provincial legislatures and the National Assembly convened on Friday to elect South Africa’s leaders for the next five years of the 7th administration.
Ramathuba Becomes Limpopo’s First Female Premier
Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier – the first woman to hold the position in the province.
Ramathuba was elected during a sitting of the seventh Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday.
She takes over the reins from outgoing Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, who held the post during the fifth and sixth administration terms.
Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of Limpopo.
The newly appointed Premier committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.
“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity. I am recommitting the new administration to inclusivity, [and] access to qualify basic services,” Ramathuba said.
She also called on the Executives to carry out their duties with diligence.
“I call upon the members of this Legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence and dedication, ensuring that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,” the new Premier said.
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She acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.
Ramathuba’s election came as a number of provinces held their first sittings of their respective Legislatures on Friday.
Ramathuba Becomes Limpopo’s First Female Premier