The first and second deputy secretary-general positions will be occupied by Nomvula Mokonyane and Maropene Ramokgopa, respectively, while Gwen Ramokgopa becomes the party's first female treasurer-general. 

Gender activist and economic analyst Phelisa Nkomo says "after 100 years of existence, it was time".

"The women of South Africa should really celebrate this. For the first time, we have three women in top positions in the ANC. 

"The ANC is part of or influences the microcosmic makeup of South Africa, so in essence, what the ANC does will have an impact in South Africa. It actually elevated the role of women.

"These women were elected in such critical positions. If you think about the role of women in terms of the division of labour in society, women are anchors, both at the family level and in communities, and now women are going to be anchors in the rebuilding and renewal of the ANC."  

eNCA