I am an ordinary member of the ANC and a true admirer of its gender-equity policy.

I am an ordinary member of the ANC and a true admirer of its gender-equity policy.

Imagine my horror, therefore, when I heard that the ANCWL had abandoned women leaders when they announced their chosen candidate for ANC president. What happened to their principled commitment to women? Why did they desert Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma after telling us she was their choice?

Were they threatened or are they truly convinced that their nominee is the best leader to lead their party and the country? Strangely, none of their commentators seem entirely comfortable with their choice.

I think they were intimidated or they are afraid to confess they have no faith in women leaders. Strangely, their action reverses all the progress made in the Mbeki era. They have truly failed us.

I have now put my faith in the conference delegates. I trust they will nominate Dlamini-Zuma, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and other women from the floor to ensure that we have a leadership that is representative of all the talent available in South Africa.

In fact, hasn't the time come to elect a woman president for the ANC? One of the oldest parties in the world should lead the way. Surely South Africa cannot fail to follow Liberia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which are all led by women.

Carmen Hey, Arcadia