‘Our loss will be continent’s gain’

[iolsa]

The government's loss will be Africa's gain.  

This was the message from ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga on Monday in response to the election of Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to the powerful position of chairwoman of the AU Commission.  

President Jacob Zuma said he was humbled by the confidence Africa had shown in the SA candidate.  

His office said in a statement that SA would "make the necessary adjustment" to enable Dlamini Zuma to begin her new duties as soon as possible.  

Political parties across the spectrum joined SA diplomats in hailing the election of Dlamini Zuma, who is the first woman to head the commission, with the ANC Women's League (ANCWL) saying it was "beaming with pride" and thrilled with her success.  

Describing Dlamini Zuma as one of the ANC's veteran parliamentarians and longest-serving cabinet ministers, Motshekga commended the AU states – "particularly the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region" – for showing confidence in Dlamini Zuma and the people of SA.  

He said the continental body had gained "a seasoned diplomat and a hard worker with extensive experience in governance and pan-African issues".  

Motshekga said in a statement that while she would be lost to the government, "which she served in various capacities with excellence and dedication for many years", Dlamini Zuma would be "assuming a higher calling – serving the entire African continent".

Dlamini Zuma has been credited with turning around the Home Affairs Department, which achieved its first unqualified audit in 16 years last year.

The ANCWL said it was confident she was the most capable person for the position.  

"This is not a South African victory, or even an SADC victory, but rather a victory for the women of the African continent who have long suffered under the oppression of colonialism, wars, poverty and patriarchy.  

"Dlamini Zuma is a long-standing member of the ANCWL and has always had a strong focus on women empowerment and the gender equality agenda," said league spokeswoman Troy Martens.

"We are confident that she will continue on this path and carry the struggle for gender equality to the AU and throughout the African continent."  

Martens said Dlamini Zuma's election as the first woman to hold the most powerful position in the AU spoke volumes for the gains made in fighting patriarchy on the continent.

Calling on Dlamini Zuma to repair regional rifts, DA spokesman on international relations and co-operation Ian Davidson said her election would give SA the opportunity to revive the image of the AU as a principled advocate for peace, democracy and human rights.

"Dr Dlamini Zuma will be at the helm of an organisation that has been deeply divided by the race for its top job in a global arena where regionalism is fast overtaking continentalism as a basis for multilateral action."  

Davidson said Dlamini Zuma would have to take a strong stand on some sensitive issues to achieve a turnaround in the AU's "general lack of coherency and purpose".  

She would also need to display decisive leadership in ridding Africa of its "human rights blind spot" relating to the denial of basic rights and freedoms based on intercourseual orientation.  

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa joined African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe and IFP spokesman on international relations and co-operation Ben Skosana in congratulating Dlamini Zuma, describing her as a strong leader and a good administrator who would "add a lot of value" to the commission.  

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj could not comment on who would replace Dlamini Zuma as home affairs minister, saying he was still awaiting a formal announcement from the AU on her appointment.

POLITICAL BUREAU



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