Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is described by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as one of the pioneers in the liberation of oppressed people and women in South Africa and throughout the continent.
GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi has saluted brave women.
On Thursday, Lesufi recognised the role played by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Dr Naledi Pandor during the State of the Province Address (Sopa) at Change Bible Church in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
“As we celebrate this month of August, allow me to pay tribute to two outstanding women who influenced us in the cause of freedom, and to date, they remain pillars of inspiration. I want to acknowledge an outstanding woman and leader who has joined us today, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma,” Lesufi said.
“Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is one of the women pioneers in the liberation of oppressed people and women in South Africa and throughout the continent.”
He said Dlamini-Zuma defied odds at a time when it was largely unheard of for young African women to launch themselves into revolutionary politics.
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“Her courageous activism inevitably attracted the perilous attention of the authorities, leading her to flee the country into exile. She completed her medical education in the United Kingdom and temporarily settled in Swaziland, where she continued to practice medicine as an ANC activist,” he said.
Lesufi said Dlamini-Zuma was appointed to Cabinet by President Nelson Mandela and she had served under all democratic presidents, holding key portfolios in building the democratic society.
“She holds the distinguished record of being the first woman to lead our continental organisation, the African Union. She’s exemplified a life of selfless service to the people of our country and continent, and for that, we want to express our deepest gratitude,” added Lesufi.
He said Pandor lived a life of unwavering activism, staunch opposition to injustice, and passion for education.
“Her educational accomplishments remain inspirational to all of us. After serving in various positions in the nation’s legislative arm of government, she joined the executive branch in 2004. When everyone was retreating and quietly watching the Israeli regime committing genocide in Gaza, she spoke out on behalf of South Africa and the world.
“She championed South Africa’s push for the International Court of Justice to act against Israelis with conviction. We’ll convene a special legislature sitting later this month to bestow these women with special awards.”
Happy Mnguni
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