The South African Government on Sunday announced that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC ), 2nd Wing Building at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is to be named after Former AU Commissioner, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Dr. Nkosazana is a member of the Advisory Council of the United Africa Royal Assembly. 

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a trailblazer for women in politics and a dedicated advocate for a united and prosperous Africa, she continues to inspire future generations. Born on January 27, 1949, she has served as a South African politician and diplomat known for significant contributions to her country and the African continent. Dr. Nkosazana hails from a politically active family and is the sister of the exiled anti-apartheid activist, Thabo Mbeki.

Dlamini-Zuma’s journey into politics began during the struggle against apartheid in the 1970s. She joined the African National Congress (ANC) and played a crucial role in the fight for freedom and equality. Her commitment to the cause led to her involvement in various political activities, including underground work and organizing protests.

After the end of apartheid, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma continued her dedication to public service. She served as Minister of Health from 1994 to 1999 in Nelson Mandela’s government, focusing on addressing the healthcare challenges facing the newly liberated South Africa.

Her career took an international turn when she became the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1999, serving under President Thabo Mbeki. During this time, she played a key role in promoting South Africa’s diplomatic relations and advocating for African unity on the global stage.

One of Dlamini-Zuma’s most significant achievements came when she became the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in 2012. In this role, she focused on issues such as peace and security, economic development, and gender equality across the continent. Her leadership at the AU was marked by efforts to strengthen the organization’s role in resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable development.