Politics and Society
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Former chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has been awarded a $30,000 Lifetime Achievement Award for Inspirational Leadership at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF). She gave the cash prize to the women in Guinea Bissau in honour of the great Pan African leader Amilcar Cabral. This Is Africa wishes congratulate her on the award, and wishes her all the best in her endeavours.
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma former chairperson of the African Union Commission has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Inspirational Leadership at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma played a key role in formulating the AU 2063 vision, where economic growth and free movement are key components.
The introduction of an African passport during her tenure showed a seriousness towards that vision.
According to the organisers of AEF, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma was presented the award for her “undisputable [role and as a] trailblazer in the upliftment and empowerment of women across the African Continent”
Read: 28th AU Summit: Promoting women’s rights the highlight of Dlamini Zuma’s legacy
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma had served in the Gender Advisory Committee during the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations in 1992. A gender activist, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma has served in various ministerial capacities since the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The outgoing AUC chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma during the launch of the DotAfrica domain name. Photo: Dlamini Zuma/Twitter
In a release published on her website the organisers said, “The theme of the award is ‘Inspirational Leadership’ and reflects a career which has risen from the Kwazulu Natal Region of South Africa to the Chair’s seat of the African Union Commission where she presided over the Agenda 2063 and was champion of equal rights and the empowerment of women’s leadership.”
The award comes with a cash prize of $30,000 which will be made in the name of the awardee to finance a community energy access project in the country of the winner’s choice. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma gave the money to the women of Guinea Bissau, which she said was a forgotten country and also in honour of the great Pan Africanist Amilcar Cabral.
Read: 28th AU Summit: Are you ready to fill Dlamini Zuma’s shoes?
The Africa Energy Forum holds an annual event that focuses on global investment meeting for Africa’s power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. Currently in its 19th year, AEF brings together senior-level representatives from governments, utilities, regulators, power developers, financial institutions, technology providers, consultants, law firms and large energy consumers to form partnerships, identify opportunities and collectively move the industry forward. AEF has a loyal following of credible players working in the power space, and a track record of delivering a valuable networking experience.
The African National Congress (ANC) sent its congratulations to Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, praising her progressive role on the continent, which elevates South Africa, and the continent at large, to higher standards in terms of uplifting and empowering women.
We at This is Africa congratulate her and wish her all the best in her endeavours.