Too much ‘mess’ for woman president

King Sigcawu says men have plunged SA into turmoil and must clean it up first

AMAXHOSA King Mpendulo Sigcawu said he believes South Africa was not ready for a woman president – because men had caused a mess that would set a woman up for failure.

Sigcawu, speaking at the Let It Rain Association (Lira) community builder awards at Water Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha on Monday, said the nation was in turmoil.

“We have plenty of women who are skilled and politically mature with diverse leadership skills to take the country forward … But that does not mean we must set them up for failure and clean up the mess caused by us men.

“We can not dig holes for women, but we must ensure that we protect them and create a conducive environment for them to lead,” he said.

However, some women at the event were overheard saying they believed women were more than ready to lead and it was time they be given the opportunity.

Eighteen community builders recognised by Lira for their contributions to society included Venda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, prominent Eastern Cape gynaecologist Dr Zweli Mbambisa, WSU Mthatha campus rector Jay Jadezweni, Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, premier Phumulo Masualle and Unitra Community Radio reporter Nkosomzi Bavu.

Sigcawu urged the community to assist youth involved in Lira in sustaining the initiative.

Touched by the efforts of the students who, despite a lack of resources, hosted the awards, Mbambisa and his wife Dr Pinkie Mbambisa pledged R10 000 to help sustain the awards.

Last year the couple donated R15 000, while recipient Dr Meshack Radebe, the KwaZulu-Natal legislature deputy speaker, pledged a further R12 000.

Lira chief executive Sinoyolo Nokutywa, a fourth-year BA student, said: “We want more patriotic people to be identified and honoured while they are still alive.”

Lira, a registered non-profit organisation, was established in 2010 by 10 students from WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha.

● Disclosure: Daily Dispatch bureau chief and traditional affairs correspondent Lulamile Feni, the author of this report, was a recipient of an award.