"A good dancer knows when to leave the stage."

This was the sentiment of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in response to Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's decision to retire from Parliament later this year. 

The Youth League has also called on other older ANC members in Parliament to consider leaving the stage to make room for the youth.

As the ANC's elections committee sifts through nominations for its provincial and national lists for deployment in government, all eyes are on whether other older members of the party's caucus in Parliament will opt to retire from the National Assembly.  

Dlamini-Zuma was the first to decline an invitation to an interview for a role in the ANC's caucus in a letter to the elections committee chairperson, Kgalema Motlanthe. 

In the 12 January letter, Dlamini-Zuma wrote that while she was grateful for the opportunity to serve as a member of the ANC, she had decided to retire as a member of Parliament.

Dlamini-Zuma resigns at the age of 74. Other elderly MPs include Minerals and Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe (68), Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan (74), and Zweli Mkhize (67), among others. 

On Monday, she told News 24 that "Zisina zidedelane," which can be loosely translated to "You dance and leave the stage for others also to dance".

"There is nothing sinister about my retirement. I will remain a member of the ANC," Dlamini-Zuma said. 

In the letter, she wrote, "My sincere gratitude to the entire leadership of the [ANC] from national, provincial, regional, and branch levels for affording me the opportunity and support to serve the country and the people of South Africa as a public representative and as a member of the cabinet since 1994."

Dlamini-Zuma also thanked all the presidents under whose leadership she served as a cabinet member.

"I am eternally grateful for making it possible for me to serve the continent as the first woman at the helm of the African Union Commission and the first chairperson of the commission from the Southern African Development Community.

"It will not be necessary to schedule an interview for the 2024 national list because I have taken the decision to retire from being a member of the South African Parliament," Dlamini-Zuma wrote. 

ANC Youth League spokesperson Zama Khanyase said while they appreciate Dlamini-Zuma's contribution, they welcomed her exit.

Khanyase added, "While the Youth League appreciates the contribution that Dr. Dlamini-Zuma and others have made, we believe young people must enter and dominate the space."

"We are also cognisant that there needs to be a balance as the senior ANC members have to pass the baton," Khanyase said. 

Khanyase added that young people were "ready to take up the space as they are energetic and educated".

Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast said Dlamini-Zuma's decision to retire was not surprising, although it was complex.

"This is not straightforward because she did not say her reasons for retiring. The rationale is not clear," Breakfast said.

"One could say that she may want to give others who are up and coming a chance but because there are other elements at play, like the formation of the new [MK Party] it becomes complex," he said.

He said Dlamimi-Zuma's relationship with Cyril Ramaphosa should also be considered. 

"This person spoke out against the protection of Ramaphosa, and she has also been vocal about radical economic transformation.

"Her departure was, however, long overdue," Breakfast added. 

He said it was unlikely that more older members of Parliament would retire. 

"We know that the old guard will hold onto power even though they know that they have overstayed their welcome," he said.