VEREENIGING. – As the Democratic Alliance in the Vaal heads toward its Regional Congress in June, Ward 15 councilor Prudence Hlanyane (35) will be seen as one of the contenders who have joined the race to become the party’s chairperson in the region.
Hlanyane is the first woman in the region to gun for the position. Speaking to Ster North recently, she said that it’s high time that women show that they also have the capabilities needed to fulfill leadership roles.
“I have served in the past two executive committees and I think it is high time that I gun for the highest position in the region. I am the very first woman to contest for this position in the DA in Sedibeng. This is quite a challenge for me because there has never been a ward councilor who has served in this position. It has always been someone higher up.
“One might even say that all odds are stacked against me but I’m taking this opportunity to run, not only for myself but for other women as well. I am inspired by Mpho Phalatse because she proved that it can be done. I would also like to show another young female that it is achievable.”
Hlanyane says that it’s time that someone who is on the ground and understands the challenges that people face daily takes the position.
“I aim to be the voice of the voiceless and to challenge some of the things that are happening in our municipality with a stern voice.
“People often say that women lead with their hearts and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. A leader that can feel and sympathize with her people will always aim to do what is in their best interest. I want to lead an executive that will play its role as the official opposition in Emfuleni. Having a leader that fully understands challenges on the ground makes it easier to come up with solutions and ways that those problems can be combated.”
