Late Night Talk

As South Africa commemorates Women's month, what is the role of Women's organisations and are they doing enough to champions for women's rights.

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) has been accused of being an obstacle to gender equality.

Commentators say it has been preoccupied with being mascots of patriarchy and chauvinism, many say it has failed women in the country.

I believe that the Women's league has an agenda that goes far beyond what we are seeing today.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

I believe the Women's League has done enough and is doing enough.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

Africa Melane probed Ndwayana on the controversial statements the ANCWL has made when addressing issues affecting women.

She responded by staying that the gender struggle is not one that can be won overnight.

Ndwayana further stated that the Young Women's desk has been involved in influencing the ANC NEC.

When we are making this analysis of the Women's league and this narrative that is being driven that President Bathabile Dlamini failed, we must pay attention to material conditions and realities because when you look at the generation of comrade Bathabile Dlamini, is the generation that actually fought for women to have representation in the ANC and government.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

Their form of protest and activism is very different from the current generation. Their approach has been that we are fighting against gender-based violence; we have a justice system; we will support victims of gender-based violence because we believe that through the economic emancipation of women, therefore we will reach a society where women are able to exercise their agency fully.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

And then you have our generation who want to speak out and have a different understanding of activism and how it should be approached.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

What we should appreciate the leadership from Bathabile Dlamini is that her leadership said this is how we've been fighting for women but now let's make sure we get the voice of young women who are going to influence the women's league.

— Feziwe Ndwayana, ANCWL Young Women’s Desk

Ndwayana says when it comes to Mduduzi Manana the ANCWL said let justice take its course but they come in as the young women's desk to say the matter needs to be intensified.

Melane further probed Ndwayana on why it took a year for Manana to resign and she said she cannot engage in such an interview and ended the call.

Callers shared their views on the matter...