Currently, there is a noticeable disconnect between some female Cabinet ministers and certain party structures. The ministers come from various political parties within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), whilst others have yet to clarify their affiliations publicly. This has led to confusion over whether the members are directly part of the UDC. At present, the BNF is represented by just one woman in Parliament. During the BNF Women's League gala dinner held atbthe Cresta Lodge on Saturday, several speakers emphasised the need for the Women's League to take a firm stance on various matters. They stressed that the voices of the women in the UDC, especially those holding ministerial and parliamentary positions, would not be heard if they continued to operate independently from party structures. The deputy secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), Nomvula Mokonyane, addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of balancing government and party responsibilities. "If ministers and Members of Parliament forget that they were voted in by party members, they will face challenges in the next general election. Therefore, party structures are essential, and women need the support of their leagues. They cannot operate in isolation," she said.
The deputy secretary-general further pointed out that failure by women who are in power to engage party structures may lead them to lose power and also fail to get support from the league. She stated that it would be inappropriate for female MPs from the ruling party to propose motions or Bills without first consulting their respective leagues, especially the women’s leagues. Moreover, she emphasised that it would be wrong if there were differing positions between the ministers of the ruling party and the women’s structures on various matters. According to her, party activities and other platforms should serve as avenues to unite them. "From time to time, they should be seen collaborating so that, in the end, they remain united. Structures hold power at the party level, whilst ministers and MPs wield power in government. Both structures and MPs rely on each other to effectively govern," she explained.
