ANC Women’s League to engage Phophi Ramathuba over ‘Ben 10’ remarks

The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) says it will engage Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba after publicly distancing itself from her recent comments linking the downfall of women in politics to relationships with younger men, commonly referred to as “Ben 10s.”

Remarks sparked debate

Ramathuba made the remarks earlier this month during the handover of a newly built house to the family of conjoined twins in Lulekani, Phalaborwa in Limpopo. Her warning to women in leadership about allowing younger partners to influence their personal lives or leadership decisions drew wide discussion on social media.

What Ramathuba said

In her address, Ramathuba cautioned that women leaders often become targets for people seeking to benefit from their influence and described how flattery is used to gain access.

“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.

She also reflected on her own experience and urged women to keep their focus on work.

“So, knowing me, that’s why I’m still here. It’s not easy. Don’t lie to me,” she said.

Ramathuba 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.

ANCWL response and planned engagement

At its two-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last weekend, the ANCWL considered Ramathuba’s comments. In a statement issued on July 28, the league said it “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’.”

ANCWL secretary general Nokuthula Ngaba described the remarks as inappropriate and potentially harmful to the organisation’s unity and the image of women leaders.

“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.

Background

Ramathuba served as Limpopo MEC for Health from 2015 to 2024 and was appointed Limpopo’s first female premier in June 2024. The term “Ben 10” is commonly used to describe a younger man in a romantic relationship with an older, typically more financially secure woman.

What happens next

The ANCWL said it will reach out to Ramathuba for an engagement following the NEC’s deliberations. The league’s statement followed mixed reactions to her remarks on social media and within the ANCWL.