By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – The ANC Women’s League Limpopo (ANCWL) has strongly condemned tribalistic comments circulating on social media following the appointment of Masindi Raliphada as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Greater Giyani Municipality.
In a statement, the ANCWL said it has noted with deep concern the reckless and offensive remarks seeking to undermine Ms Raliphada’s appointment on tribal grounds.
The organisation described the sentiments as backward and contrary to the values of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
The ANCWL stressed that appointments to senior government positions must be based on merit, competence, qualifications and proven track record. It said Ms Raliphada, a qualified Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor, meets all these requirements, adding that her credentials clearly justify her appointment.
The league further expressed concern that a young, capable and accomplished woman is being subjected to such attacks at a time when society should be celebrating the advancement of women into leadership and decision-making roles.
According to the ANCWL, such conduct discourages women, particularly young women, from aspiring to positions of leadership.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white. Tribalism remains a dangerous tool used by those who fear progress and transformation, and it has no place in a democratic society,” the ANCWL said, calling on the public to reject divisive narratives and unite behind capable leadership that can deliver services and improve lives.
Masindi Raliphada was officially appointed as CFO of the Greater Giyani Municipality with effect from 01 February 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Science (CTA), and brings extensive executive experience from institutions such as SANBI and the Auditor-General of South Africa, where she served in roles including Chief Audit Executive, Audit Manager and Material Irregularity Specialist.
The municipality has expressed optimism that her broad experience across national, provincial and local government audits, as well as the private sector, will help steer the municipality towards achieving a clean audit outcome. Raliphada is also the fourth woman to join the municipality’s senior management team, reflecting efforts to improve gender balance.
Mayor of Greater Giyani Municipality, Cllr Thandi Zitha, congratulated Raliphada on her appointment, saying the council looks forward to benefiting from her expertise and leadership.
The appointment has also been supported by the Giyani Progressive Party, which issued a statement condemning what it termed “malicious and ill-informed attacks” against the new CFO.
The party emphasised that Raliphada is a highly skilled South African professional appointed in line with the Municipal Systems Act, and urged residents to reject tribalism and embrace scarce skills brought in to strengthen the municipality’s financial management.
Both the ANCWL and other stakeholders have reiterated their call for unity, respect and support for capable leaders, warning that divisive rhetoric undermines transformation and service delivery.
