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Africa: Africa's past both dark and glorious - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

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Africa: Africa's past both dark and glorious - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

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Lecture by incoming AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the ANC Women's League

t is with honour and humility to have been invited to address this gathering on the issue of the African Union. Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to all of you for your good wishes both, during the run up to the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and following my successful election as the new Chairperson.

This election poses a greater responsibility on women in general since it is the first time that a woman has been elected to this position in 49 years. It is also the first time that the incumbent is from the Southern Africa region.

I was asked to speak about the African Union itself.

But before we can speak about the African Union, it might be important to pause and recall the history of our Continent. This will allow us to local the African Union and its people in a historical context.

Our history has both the positive, bright and proud side and the dark and painful history.

Our history also speaks of an Africa that valued the matriarchal family, where women were the economic backbone of the continent in which the values of peace, justice and social well-being was promoted. In many communities and kingdoms, women spearheaded development and led their countries with great vision.

 

Read the complete speech at Politics Web, published 29 July 2012.

News

Lecture by incoming AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the ANC Women's League

t is with honour and humility to have been invited to address this gathering on the issue of the African Union. Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to all of you for your good wishes both, during the run up to the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and following my successful election as the new Chairperson.

This election poses a greater responsibility on women in general since it is the first time that a woman has been elected to this position in 49 years. It is also the first time that the incumbent is from the Southern Africa region.

I was asked to speak about the African Union itself.

But before we can speak about the African Union, it might be important to pause and recall the history of our Continent. This will allow us to local the African Union and its people in a historical context.

Our history has both the positive, bright and proud side and the dark and painful history.

Our history also speaks of an Africa that valued the matriarchal family, where women were the economic backbone of the continent in which the values of peace, justice and social well-being was promoted. In many communities and kingdoms, women spearheaded development and led their countries with great vision.

 

Read the complete speech at Politics Web, published 29 July 2012.

News