Mar 16, 2017 | News

Agenda 2063 will work because it is about changing mind-sets

Midrand – “Agenda 2063, Africa’s vision for peace, security and prosperity will work because it is about changing mind-sets,” Outgoing African Union Commission Chair, H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma stated during a reception in Midrand, South Africa.

Dr Dlamini Zuma pointed out that Africa’s vision for the next fifty years is bound to work as it was put together by the African people themselves through an inclusive continental, consultative process.

The NEPAD Agency held a reception to ‘welcome home’ outgoing African Union Commission Chair, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on March 15. Dr Dlamini Zuma officially handed over to the new AUC Chairperson, H.E Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat on March 14, 2017.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency lauded Dr Dlamini Zuma for her dedication and professionalism during her tenure at the African Union Commission.

“Dr Dlamini Zuma served with distinction as Chairperson of the African Union Commission for four and a half years from October 2012 until March 2017. The importance of her leadership at the AU Commission can never be underestimated. Her stewardship of Agenda 2063 has ensured that Africa has an implementable vision for the present and for the future,” Dr Mayaki stated.

Dr Dlamini Zuma maintained that the NEPAD Agency has not been ‘supporting’ the work of the African Union on the continent, but has actually been working alongside it in ensuring that the lives of Africans are transformed for the better.  She also stressed that as outlined in Agenda 2063, the greatest resource that Africa has is its people.  Dr Dlamini Zuma therefore called for an ardent need to invest in the youth.

Speaking at the same event, Mme Bineta Diop, AUC Chairperson’s Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, described Dr Dlamini Zuma as an exemplary leader who has made African women proud to be who they are and to always aspire for more.

Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E Mr Emmanuel Mwamba, spoke on behalf of the African diplomatic corps in South Africa. Mr Mwamba also pointed out the need for the continent to invest more in its people, and also to put the necessary infrastructure in place in order to continue to move forward.

The event at the offices of the NEPAD Agency was attended by representatives from several embassies in South Africa, representatives from Women in Maritime, the ANC Women’s League, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Pan-African Parliament and numerous other organisations. 

Source: NEPAD Agency