Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and leaders working to build SA Inc inspire hope
ARE you still a proud South African? Are you passionate about the country we live in, where our kids go to school and universities, where we produce food, mine diamond, gold and many other minerals, build houses, roads, bridges and shopping malls, host world-class business summits and strategic events? Reality is, some of “us” aren’t.
Where and when did we lose our magic, our “Rainbow Nation Proudly South African” status?
Did we perhaps allow foreign forces to determine our journey, steal our resources, and create perceptions of junk – only to fill their own pockets?
Yesterday I was invited to interview the executive management team of the New Development Bank, previously referred to as the Brics Bank.
Before that, I attended a book launch for Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who spoke about her book, African Union Commission 2012-2017.
Do you know her, or do you also refer to her as “Zuma’s ex-wife”. Nevertheless, she is a strong women and respect is due to her as an individual. Take the time to read about her and do research and this will be apparent. Her career as a Struggle activist and politician is testimony to her indestructible and courageous spirit.
She obtained her BSc degree and started her medical studies at the University of Natal, where her involvement with the Struggle began.
After the 1994 elections, Dlamini Zuma was appointed as Minister of Health in the cabinet of then-president Nelson Mandela. During her tenure, she de-segregated the health system and championed radical health reforms.
She was later appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she actively championed South Africa’s foreign policy, which centred on the promotion of human rights, stability, peace, collective development and the advancement of the African continent.
In 2009, she was appointed Minister of Home Affairs and brought about radical change in the department.
In July 2012, Dlamini Zuma was elected chairperson of the African Union Commission by the Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
But Dlamini Zuma is not alone in her efforts to build South Africa.
Anyone present yesterday at the launch of the New Development Bank should salute President Jacob Zuma, ministers Malusi Gigaba, Naledi Pandor and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane for their combined efforts to secure funding for needed infrastructure investments in our country.
Zuma hailed the launch as “a critical milestone, not only for South Africa, but for the African continent as a whole”.
Yesterday was a truly great day for Proudly South Africa and its leadership.
I am also a prouder South African than I was yesterday.
I attended many meetings with foreign and local business and political leaders this week; I experienced feelings of hope, trust and value.