Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba has set tongues wagging on social media after warning that the downfall of women in leadership positions is often linked to their younger romantic partners, commonly referred to as ‘Ben 10s’.
Ramathuba made the remarks on Wednesday during the official handover of a newly built house to the family of conjoined twins in Lulekani, under the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality in the Mopani district.
During her address, the she cautioned women in leadership positions against allowing younger partners to influence their personal lives and 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.
Ramathuba said women in positions of power often become targets of people seeking to benefit from their influence.
“I know ourselves as women. I’m also a woman. The day I was appointed member of the executive council (MEC), one of my brothers warned me about this. People will suddenly tell you how beautiful you are,” she said.
Ramathuba served as the Limpopo MEC for health from 2015 until 2024.
She made history when she was appointed the first woman premier of the province in 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 such situations but did not allow herself 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 decision-making or 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.”
The premier then said the downfall of many women in politics was often linked to younger romantic partners.
“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.”
Addressing the mother of the surviving twin, Ramathuba said people who had not contributed to the family’s success might seek to benefit from their new circumstances.
“From today, you will be more beautiful than former Miss South Africa Basetsana Khumalo. Why? Because you have a house. You have this asset and those who never contributed towards it will want to own it. So this is for your children,” she said.
Ramathuba’s remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some users supporting her comments and praising her for saying what they believe is the truth.
The house was handed over to the family of the conjoined twins who were born on 28 January at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital, outside Polokwane.
The twins, born to Nokuthula Sithole (29) were initially found to be joined at the abdomen and were transferred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital in Namakgale for specialised treatment.
In March, a team led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo successfully performed an eight-hour operation to separate the twins at Mankweng Hospital.
The surgery began at about 07h45 and concluded shortly after 15h00.
However, one of the twins died in April after suffering multiple organ failure.
Announcing the child’s death during a media briefing at Mankweng Hospital, Ramathuba said she had received a call on Good Friday informing her that one of the babies had developed complications.
“One of our twins was experiencing multiple organ failure,” she said.
“A follow-up call later confirmed that, despite the team’s best efforts, the baby had sadly passed away.”
Ramathuba said doctors had closely monitored both babies following the operation and had become concerned about a possible infection on the fifth day after surgery.
“In neonatology units, sepsis is a common and serious complication. Many newborns succumb to infections, particularly in the critical first two weeks after surgery,” she said.
The affected twin underwent further procedures as doctors attempted to identify and treat the cause of the complications.
“The baby showed signs of recovery, and after two and a half weeks we believed the danger had passed. However, in the past two days, the condition worsened significantly,” she said.
Despite the tragedy, Ramathuba praised the medical team.
“The surgery itself was a success. The babies were separated successfully, which is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, infection set in,” she said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
– IOL Politics
