On behalf of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, I would like to congratulate Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for being elected to the position of chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. This is a clear testimony of the confidence Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa has in South Africa to take the lead of the continental body.
With her many years of service for South Africa, armed both with a clear vision and dedication to the African continent, she is indeed well capacitated to lead the African Union forward as it grapples with a range of challenges. At every level she has served her government, she has excelled and proven herself more than capable of effectively dealing with whatever challenges she has been presented.
The African Union plays a very important role as an organ of governance and peace within the African continent. The African Union is the ultimate stage through which issues can be discussed and resolved in a consultative manner which recognizes the voices of each distinct region of Africa. Ultimately, the African Union is intended to serve as a mechanism whereby peace and stability can be achieved for people of Africa.
The position of chairperson requires both a clear understanding of the challenges facing the continent and a clear vision of what will be required to deal effectively with those challenges.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has shown a great deal of respect for the democratic processes of the African Union and displayed both grace and poise in accepting the trust that has been given to her by both the Southern African region as the processes unfolded, and the continent as a whole as the processes concluded.
I would like to once again congratulate Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for being elected to the position of African Union Commission chairperson.
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