New head of AU appointed
2012/07/16
On 16 July the African Union (AU) that Dlamini Zuma, one of South Africa's longest serving cabinet ministers, managed to garner the required 60% of votes and was named the new Chairperson of the AUC, the powerful executive arm of the AU.
Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma became the first woman to lead the powerful African Union Commission. Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj told reporters in Ethiopia that the confidence shown by the continent's Heads of State in Dlamini Zuma should not be "taken lightly but should serve as signal for a transforming continent".
"We are confident she will take many issues seriously and that includes the rights of women and children and ensuring that there is no more abuse of women and children on our continent, it's going to be a phenomenal task," Maharaj said.
Dlamini Zuma received 37 votes following a gruelling contest with Jean Ping who had served as AUC chairperson since 2008. Ping has since written a letter to Dlamini Zuma congratulating her on the appointment.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) had put forward the name of Dlamini Zuma as a candidate emphasising her strong leadership qualities and the fact that the region had never had a representative to the highest office of the continental body. Buanews
