Press statement by Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the Chairpersonship of the African Union Commission, 18 January 2012, Bela-Bela Municipal Chambers, Bela-Bela 

It is now public knowledge that the South African Government has presented the candidature of the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

Key issues that inform this candidature include, amongst other things, the urgent need to:

1. Consolidate the institution of the AU as a formidable, premier, Pan-African institution. 
2. Ensure that Africa's developmental agenda is collectively advanced and that issues relating to integration (as per the Abuja Treaty), the operationalisation of the African Peace and Security Architecture and enhancing cooperation between the AU and UN in conflict resolution.
3. Ensure that NEPAD programmes particularly in the areas of rail and road; energy; water and sanitation; information, communication technologies (ICT); As well as agriculture and food security are given the necessary impetus as drivers of Africa's development goals. 
4. Further ensure, in the context of the AU having declared 2010-2020 as the Decade of Women, full implementation and consolidation of programmes aimed at ensuring the emancipation of women.
5. Ensure the health, education and skills development of children and youth in Africa so as to ensure adequate future human resources for Africa's economic development.
6. Remain vigilant on Africa's continued advocacy for reform of the global governance architecture. In addition, Africa's advocacy for a global deal on climate change and redoubling efforts towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals ahead of the 2015 deadline.  The role of international partnerships on these and other issues cannot be negated and as such must be continually strengthened and must be given the necessary attention.

South Africa's candidature for the position of AU Commission Chairperson is informed by the country's continued commitment to the political and socio-economic development of the continent and its promotion of AU principles, goals and objectives.

I do not intend, at this briefing, to read out Minister Dlamini Zuma's CV, save to indicate that here we are talking of a high caliber cadre with extensive knowledge and experience of the AU and the African continent in general. 

You are all aware of Minister Dlamini Zuma's personal achievements as well the outstanding contributions she has made - and continues to make - to the National Executive and to the betterment of the lives of all South Africans. 

This candidature enjoys SADC endorsement (at Heads of State level). South Africa's candidature for the position also enjoys support from countries in other regions of the continent.   

South Africa acknowledges the contributions made by the incumbent Chairperson of the Commission, Dr Jean Ping, and his predecessors, former President Alpha Konare and others, in their efforts towards enhancing the renewal of Africa.

We believe that Dr Dlamini Zuma can build on the good work done by previous leaders as well as consolidate achievements made in the last ten years.

Statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, January 18 2012

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