Press Release Nº286/2015

‘Forbes Africa Person of the Year’ and ANN7 ‘South African of the Year’ are among additional awards H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma is nominee for in 2015

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 16 October 2015: Inspirational as an advocate for development and sustainable growth on the African continent, working diligently to promote the empowerment of women and youth in Africa and striving for African integration, are among the remarkable efforts that have earned recent nominations and awards for Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, as ‘Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2015’ and ANN7 ‘South African of the Year’.

It is rather awe-inspiring that the leadership of the continental organisation (OAU/AU) is being acknowledged for such notable actions, both in her country of origin and on the continent, but Dr. Dlamini Zuma maintains an air of modesty through it all. “I am deeply honoured that the prestigious magazine, Forbes Africa, has chosen me as an hopeful for the Africa Person of the Year 2015”, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said after learning of this latest nomination.

“It is especially humbling to be included on a list with other Africans who are contributing tremendously to much needed progress, especially in terms of social, political and economic development on the continent”, she further added. In response to her ANN7 nomination, she said: “[I]thank you, South Africa, for your encouragement and relentless support. We owe you all that has been achieved and will continue to be achieved.”
Dr. Dlamini Zuma leverages her position as the Chairperson of the AU Commission to elevate the African voice, raising the need for Africa to write its own narrative, to tell its story. Her interventions have always been punctuated by bold statements about her vision for women's empowerment, youth engagement, Africa’s development, the defense of democracy, the realization of peace and security on the continent and the sustained relationship between Africa and its overseas partners.

“Africans have a common vision to transform our continent. We all have a stake in Africa’s future, a future which is outlined in our continent’s long-term vision – Agenda 2063. The stimulus for my daily tasks is to contribute towards building the Africa we all want”, the AU Chairperson stated, with conviction in her voice.

Since it was launched in 2011, Forbes Africa Person of the Year Award has recognized the efforts of individuals of the highest calibre across the continent. The public is invited to voice its opinion and vote for both awards. The Forbes African of the Year Award will be presented in November 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya.

The first ANN7 South African of the Year (SATY) award was held in 2014. In that year it was won by Advocate Thuli Madonsela, a renowned lawyer and Public Prosecutor of South Africa.
In this year alone, Dr. Dlamini Zuma has been the recipient of a number of other awards, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Platinum Order Award (second person to receive such an award in the history of CAF); the 2015 Gülen Peace Award; the 2015 eThekwini Living Legends Award; African Foremost Heroines Living Legends; the African Achievers Awards (Excellence in Leadership Award in the female category);

Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication
Information and Communication
African Union Commission

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