Phophi Ramathuba has been elected as the new Premier of Limpopo, making her 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.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also women. Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
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In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of “this great province”.
She committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.
“I am humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to me as the Premier of this great province. I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity,” Ramathuba said.
The former Health MEC 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.”
She took the opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.
