Pretoria - Government has reiterated its support for Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma's candidature for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) ahead of her departure for Ethiopia on Wednesday.
"The government reiterates its unflinching support, sponsored by SADC, for the candidature of Minister Dlamini Zuma for the position of the African Union Commission, while expressing its conviction that she possesses both the capacity and the will to help the continent in its endeavours to create a better life for all Africans while taking its rightful place among nations of the world as an equal and partner for sustainable development," the Department of Home Affairs said.
Dlamini Zuma will leave for Addis Ababa on Wednesday where she will join the government delegation, led by President Jacob Zuma, for the upcoming AU Summit.
The elections for the AU Commission's chairperson, deputy chairperson and other commissioners are scheduled for 15 July.
SADC has nominated Dlamini Zuma as the candidate of the Southern Region for the position of the chairperson of the AUC.
"This comes in the context of the view that now is the time for the Southern Region to be afforded an opportunity to lead the AU Commission. History has recorded that since its formation, the AU Commission has never been led by a candidate from the Southern Region. This applies equally to the history of its predecessor, the OAU," the department pointed out.
Dlamini Zuma's candidature also coincides with the African Union Heads of State and Government's declaration of 2010-2020 as the "Decade of Women".
"Accordingly, her successful candidature will help communicate a positive message that women, acting jointly with their menfolk, have a meaningful and fundamental role to play in the political and economic renewal of the continent," it added.
