This was confirmed by a lobby group consisting of members from all three regions, Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande, during the Human Rights Day celebrations at Nsikazi Stadium on Sunday.
The premier confirmed to Mpumalanga News that she will be standing for the position of provincial chairperson.
The conference is set to take place on May 14 at a venue still to be disclosed. During the celebrations, a call was made to the ANC Women’s League to rally behind Mtshweni-Tsipane.
“Women must unite and fight for their rights and space in the ruling party. It is a woman’s right to elect and be elected without fear or favour. Comrade Refilwe is one of the most fearless women the ANC has ever produced in Mpumalanga. Women in the province have the responsibility to support her. The Women’s League must rise and defend and support her,” said a PEC member, Sibusiso Sigudla.
“Since we are celebrating the life of Charlotte Maxeke this year, it is befitting that we rally behind one of our own who symbolises the values that Maxeke stood and died for. The time has come for us to support and be led by a female leader,” continued Sigudla.
Peter Nyoni, a known member of the ANC, reminded the ruling party how he was castigated and his membership suspended for speaking up.
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“We want to thank God and the Nkangala region for giving us a present in the form of Comrade Refilwe MtshweniTsipane. She has proven to be the only woman among men who is willing to unite this organisation. We look at her to take us out of Egypt and lead us to the promised land, the land of milk and honey. Pharaoh’s time is up and it is Moses’ time now to lead,” said Nyoni.
“Today is Human Rights Day and we must champion the aspiration, desires and values of women. Separated by a decade, I want to draw a parallel between the life of Charlotte and Refilwe, just like lions both comrades are fearless, both have a commitment to bring about change. Let us change the political landscape of the province and I have no doubt that Comrade Refilwe has the capacity to influence all of us. We want to put our weight behind her. The time is now and she is responding to the question that is being asked during our lifetime,” said Nyoni.
Sasekani Manzini, provincial MEC for health, also threw her weight behind Mtshweni-Tsipane saying women are now ready to lead.
