Limpopo Premier Warns ‘Ben 10s’ Threaten Women in Leadership During Housing Ceremony
The remarks were made during the handover of a newly built home to Nokuthula Sithole, mother of conjoined twins, in Lulekani, Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.
Ramathuba emphasized that the 85m² house, funded by proceeds from her annual golf day, was intended to secure the future of Sithole’s children. This house is for your children. Nobody who has ever contributed to it should think they have a claim to it,
she said, urging Sithole to protect the asset for her family’s benefit. The premier also announced an unannounced follow-up visit to ensure the children’s well-being.
The house, handed over during the province’s Service Delivery Week, includes three bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, and two bathrooms. It was constructed by Risima Housing Finance Corporation, with Standard Bank pledging furniture donations.
Premier Links Women’s Leadership Challenges to ‘Ben 10s’ Relationships
Ramathuba’s remarks about “Ben 10s” — a term used to describe younger men who exploit women in power — drew significant attention. She stated, The downfall of many women in leadership is that we allow ourselves to be distracted. You are given power and responsibility, then someone comes into your life and everything changes.
The premier linked such relationships to the removal of women in politics, citing examples of “older women” whose careers were jeopardized by personal entanglements. It is our downfall… You are given power and then somebody who just arrived, somebody you saw growing up, changes you,
she said. She also warned Sithole that individuals who had not contributed to her family’s success might seek to claim the house, urging her to prioritize her children’s future.
Ramathuba shared personal anecdotes, recalling how men flattered her after her 2015 appointment as MEC for Health. They’ll praise you, not because you’ve changed, but because they want something from you,
she said. She emphasized that women must remain focused on their responsibilities, stating, The power is yours. We are not giving it to somebody who does not even know what door-to-door campaigning is.
Context of Conjoined Twins’ Tragedy and Community Impact
The twins, joined at the abdomen, were transferred to Mankweng for separation surgery in March.
The premier also reiterated her commitment to the family, noting that the house would serve as a story for many years to come.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Ramathuba’s comments sparked debate on social media, with some users supporting her warnings about the risks of personal relationships for women in power. However, critics questioned the appropriateness of addressing Sithole directly during the ceremony, given her recent trauma. The premier clarified that her remarks applied broadly to women in leadership, not exclusively to Sithole.
Her remarks also highlighted systemic challenges faced by women in politics, including exploitation and the need for institutional safeguards. Ramathuba’s own career as Limpopo’s first female premier, appointed in June 2024, underscores her position as a trailblazer in a male-dominated political landscape.
The incident underscores the intersection of personal and public life for female leaders, with Ramathuba advocating for vigilance against external pressures. As she stated, The way you say thank you is by protecting what has been given to your children.
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