One of South Africa’s former longest serving cabinet Minister and the first female woman to serve as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has been honoured by the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) at the AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dlamini-Zuma retired from parliament last year, following the May 29 general elections.
She served ministerial positions, including that of Health, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs amongst others.
She was honoured alongside former Ethiopian president Zahle-Work Zewde, former Mauritian President Dr Ameenah Fakim-Gurib, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, former Liberian President Dr Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Deputy Chairperson of AU Commission, Dr Monique Nsanzabagangwa.
Meanwhile, the ANC has congratulated Dlamini-Zuma and fellow recipients who contributed immensely as women in politics and whose leadership has strengthened governance, peace, and development across the continent.
Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said ANC is delighted with the former minister’s achievement.
“As a movement committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment, the ANC is particularly proud to see Dr Dlamini-Zuma among those recognised.
Her visionary leadership at the AU Commission, championing Agenda 2063, advancing women’s representation, and strengthening continental unity, remains an inspiration,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
In addition, Bhengu-Motsiri said the party is equally ecstatic with the work done by Co-Chairs of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South Africa’s first female Deputy President and renowned Senegalese activist Bineta Diop.
This for advancing the women’s leadership agenda and ensuring that the voices of women remain central to Africa’s development trajectory.
“The ANC reaffirms its commitment to the advancement of women in leadership and governance, as envisioned in its policies and the Freedom Charter’s call for equality.
We celebrate these women as trailblazers who have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations.
Their recognition at the AU Summit is a testament to the growing influence of African women in shaping the continent’s future,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
