Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC), has communicated her decision to retire from Parliament following the 2024 general elections. The veteran ANC member, aged 74, conveyed this news through a letter to the party, indicating her intention not to seek a return to Parliament.
While Dr Dlamini Zuma was nominated for the ANC’s 2024 national list, she has informed the party’s electoral committee that she will not be participating in the upcoming interviews related to the nomination. In her letter, she expressed sincere gratitude to the entire leadership of the ANC at various levels for providing her with the opportunity and support to serve the country and the people of South Africa as a public representative and Cabinet member since 1994.
Notably, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has been a consistent presence in Parliament since 1994, playing a significant role in the country’s democratic administration. She holds the position of Minister in the Presidency responsible for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Throughout her political career, spanning almost three decades, she has served in the Cabinets of all five democratically elected presidents in South Africa.
In a unique chapter of her political journey, Dr Dlamini Zuma took a hiatus from domestic affairs between 2012 and 2017 to become the first woman to chairperson of the African Union (AU). This period showcased her commitment to broader continental issues.
As she announces her retirement from Parliament, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma leaves an indelible mark on South African politics, having contributed significantly to the country’s governance and leadership for nearly three decades.