The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) is preparing to confront one of its own after Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba’s blunt remarks about “Ben 10s”.” and the downfall of women leaders sparked a political storm and divided opinion across social media.
What began as a speech during a housing handover in Phalaborwa has snowballed into a national debate about women, power and relationships, with Ramathuba claiming that younger romantic partners have played a role in bringing down some women in politics. The comments have now landed squarely on the ANCWL’s agenda, with the organisation publicly distancing itself from the premier’s remarks and signalling that it wants answers.
The controversy was formally discussed during the league’s recent two-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where members took issue with Ramathuba’s comments and resolved to engage her directly over remarks they believe could damage both the organisation’s unity and the broader image of women in leadership.
During her address, Ramathuba cautioned women in positions of power against allowing younger partners to influence their personal lives or leadership decisions.
“I wish that when we are done, we can even look at registering this house in the names of all the children and not the mother,” she said.
Image: IOL Graphics
She warned that women in leadership often become targets for people seeking to benefit from their influence.
“I know ourselves as women. I’m also a woman. The day I was appointed MEC, one of my brothers warned me about this. People will suddenly tell you how beautiful you are,” she said.
Ramathuba served as Limpopo MEC for Health from 2015 to 2024 before making history as the province’s first female premier when she was appointed in June 2024.
She said some men use flattery to gain access to influential women.
“You will even think, ‘I have not done any plastic surgery. I’m still Phophi.’ They will say you are the most beautiful woman. That’s men when they want to run the budget of the Department of Health,” she said.
Ramathuba said she had experienced similar situations but had refused to be manipulated.
“So, knowing me, that’s why I’m still here. It’s not easy. Don’t lie to me,” she said.
She urged women to remain focused on their responsibilities and not allow personal relationships to interfere with their public duties.
“If you want to grow up the ladder, people must know you and your work. The power is yours. We are not giving it to somebody who does not even know what door-to-door campaigning is.
“We campaign door to door, but when we give you power, you give it to somebody else. You sit there and call the HOD and say a tender must go to a particular person. No nonsense. I’m not going to allow that. We should stop this,” she said.
Ramathuba who is a member of the ANC and ANCWL, argued that younger romantic partners had contributed to the downfall of some women in politics.
“Especially us women in politics, I felt I must say this and take it off my chest. The downfall of us women – look at all the women. Why are we removed? Some of us are very old because of Ben 10s. That’s what is happening. Am I lying? I’m not,” she said.
“It is our downfall. You are given power and then somebody who just arrived, somebody you saw growing up, changes you.”
The term “Ben 10” is commonly used to describe a younger man involved in a romantic relationship with an older woman who is typically the more financially secure partner.
Ramathuba’s comments prompted mixed reactions on social media and within the ANCWL.
In a statement issued on July 28, weeks after her remarks, the league publicly distanced itself from her comments.
“The NEC takes exception to public statements made by the ANC chairperson of Limpopo, who is also a member in good standing of the ANC Women’s League, on her remarks on women in romantic relationships with younger partners or ‘Ben 10s’,” the statement said.
ANCWL secretary general Nokuthula Ngaba said the remarks were inappropriate and risked undermining both the organisation’s unity and the image of women in leadership.
“The remarks by Cde Phophi Ramathuba are deemed inappropriate and the NEC will reach out to her and have an engagement, as these comments might be detrimental to the unity of the organisation and drive a narrative about women in leadership,” Ngaba said.
