An organisation promoting the human rights and empowerment of women and girls has commended the appointment of new Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga and Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike to the portfolio.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Chikunga and Letsike’s appointments in an address to the nation on Sunday night. The Minister and Deputy Minister are members of the national executive of the seventh administration under the principles of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
A former Transport Minister, Chikunga takes over the reins from former Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who was appointed as the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities from 6 March 2023.
Letsike is the founding Executive Director of Access Chapter 2 (AC2), a non-profit organisation (NPO) and public benefit organisation (PBO).
AC2 was initiated to promote the human rights and empowerment of women and girls, and LGBTI+ people (Lesbian, G
ay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) in all their diversities, facilitating participation of civil society organisations at a local, national, regional and international level by creating space and coordinating platforms for engagement on governance, policy and accountability processes.
Access Chapter 2 commended the appointment of the two principals, noting that Letsike’s appointment as a Deputy Minister is a testament to her expertise, passion, and commitment to public service.
‘We have no doubt that they will bring the same level of dedication and innovation to their new role, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have on policy making and decision-making at the highest levels of government.
‘We are confident that [Letsike] will continue to be a strong voice for diversity, equality, and justice in her new role, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career,’ AC2 spokesperson, Clement Mampane, said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Women, Youth a
nd Persons with Disabilities has also welcomed Chikunga and Letsike’s appointment, noting its mandate to lead on socio-economic transformation and the implementation of the empowerment and participation of women, youth and people with disabilities through mainstreaming, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.
‘Guided by the principles of partnership and collaboration, the incoming administration, will continue to advance, progressive laws to address the legacy of apartheid by confronting gender Inequalities perpetuated by the lack of meaningful economic participation and representation across several socio-economic domains,’ the department said.
Source: South African Government News Agency