Women’s League Push for 50/50 Representation in eThekwini

Why the League is Acting Now

The ANC Women’s League in eThekwini wants more young women to vote for the party in the upcoming local elections. League chairperson Sinegugu Sishange says that getting women into real decision‑making seats will motivate them to show up at the polls.

What the 50/50 Policy Means

The ANC adopted a rule long ago that half of all candidates for public office should be women and half men. In eThekwini the rule has not been fully applied, so the League is demanding total implementation of this 50/50 gender split for councillor selections.

Current Numbers: A Reality Check

• In 2011 the ANC had 44 women councillors – the highest ever.
• Since then the number has fallen.
• After the 2021 elections the party won 76 ward seats but only four went to women.
• Out of 96 proportional‑representation seats, women hold less than 30.

These figures show a big gap between the policy and what actually happens on the ground.

How Women Can Lead the Change

Sishange urges women to nominate other women as ward‑councillor candidates. By putting forward female names themselves, women can help shape the party’s list and push the 50/50 goal forward.

Teaming Up with Local Groups

The League is working with:

• Stokvels and other women’s savings clubs
• Women‑led civil society organisations
• Groups that combat abuse of women and children

Volunteers are asked to attend meetings, share information, and be visible leaders in their wards.

Fighting Gender‑Based Violence

Besides pushing for more seats, the League wants its members to be first responders when violence occurs. Volunteers will:

• Visit victims and their families
• Offer comfort and support
• Help connect survivors with services

Sinegugu Sishange: A Quick Bio

• Grew up in KwaMashu, north of Durban
• Became politically active in high school around 1990
• Helped rebuild ANC structures after the party was unbanned
• First Youth League chairperson in Ward 45
• First branch secretary of the Women’s League
• Zone secretary in 2002, then deputy secretary of the regional Youth League
• Elected regional Women’s League chairperson in 2023
• Also serves as the party’s chief whip in eThekwini Municipality

What the ANC Task Team Says

Thabani Nyawose, convener of the ANC regional task team, agrees with the League’s push for 50/50 representation. He adds that any woman put forward must also be capable and qualified to do the job well.

Conclusion

The Women’s League is using a clear plan: demand full 50/50 gender representation, get women to nominate women, partner with local groups, and stand against gender‑based violence. If these steps succeed, more young women may see a reason to vote ANC and help keep eThekwini under the party’s control.