ANC Women’s league advocating for a female President

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) NEC member, Boitumelo Moiloa, says the league is now actively advocating for a female President.

Speaking at a memorial lecture in Akasia, Pretoria, in honour of the late ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope, who would have turned 100 this year, Moiloa says the search for a female leader will not be limited to the league but will consider women across South Africa.

ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane says women in the party must be given the opportunity to lead metropolitan municipalities not only as Speakers but as mayors.

Mokonyane says women in the ANC should now seize the moment in leading strategic positions in honour of Mme Shope.

“To make women, to be honest, like Ma Shope in defending and speaking truth to power within the ANC. And to also decide that you can lead the ANC yourselves. And to also decide that we shall have mayors and not speakers only in the coming local government elections. To commit that metropolitan municipalities are not a domain of men. Le rona re batho.”

‘Carry Shope’s legacy forward’ 

ANC veteran Dr Naledi Pandor pays tribute to the late Gertrude Shope as a ‘fearless leader’ who dedicated her life to women’s equality and South Africa’s freedom.

Pandor reflects on Shope’s role in the historic 1956 Women’s March, saying she never sought accolades or wealth, only liberation. She notes that Shope was aware of the government’s current failures but remained committed to accountability and dignity.

Pandor urges young women to carry Shope’s legacy forward, reminding them that women are key drivers of society and must continue shaping Africa’s development agenda.

Live video | Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture:

📍 The Memorial Lecture in honour of Isithwalandwe/ Seaparankoe Mme Gertrude, Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria North.#RIPMmeGertrudeShope pic.twitter.com/JhRPEsEbB6

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) August 24, 2025