Bitter-sweet farewell to stalwart Dlamini Zuma
“I THANK YOU, South Africa, I love you, South Africa, and now I know you love me too.”
Those were the parting words of an emotional and at times tearful Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as she bade farewell to her colleagues in Parliament yesterday.
She takes up her position as head of the AU Commission in Ethiopia next month.
In a series of touching tributes which spoke of her ability and willingness to listen – especially to the opposition – MPs and cabinet ministers sketched a picture of a hard-working, ever-competent public servant, dedicated to a vision of a united African continent.
“I must admit it was not easy for us to let go of one of our senior and dedicated ministers, but I’m confident we are all in agreement that it is for the greater good of the African continent,” said President Jacob Zuma, who is also Dlamini Zuma’s former husband.
Dlamini Zuma served in the country’s first democratic cabinet as minister of health, during which the public healthcare system was desegregated and free healthcare for pregnant women and children under the age of six was rolled out.
She was appointed minister of foreign affairs under Thabo Mbeki, also serving in the cabinet of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe when he was head of state for eight months from September 2008.
Since 2009, Dlamini Zuma has served as Home Affairs minister, and was again praised by opposition parties for turning around the department once derisively referred to as the “department of horror affairs”.
Reflecting on her diplomatic experience, (President) Zuma said she had led SA in “cementing the African agenda, enabling South Africa to humbly lead the African renaissance and the renewal of the continent”, also often as “a lone woman in meetings dominated by men in institutions of African governance, and among a few in United Nations circles”.
“Assuming this responsibility of leading the AU Commission is a continuation of that tradition of breaking barriers, opening doors and proving the capability of women in any responsibility or portfolio.”
Zuma hastened to add that Dlamini Zuma was embarking on her new position not as a South African head of the AU, but as a representative of more than 50 member states.
“We will have to compete for her ear and attention like every other nation. But we know that her vision for the African continent is one we all share.”
DA spokesman on international relations Ian Davidson said her departure was “bittersweet”, as the country was losing one of its “better ministers”.