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Former President Thabo Mbeki has conveyed his congratulations to Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, on her election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

He expressed confidence in Dr Dlamini-Zuma’s leadership and her capacity to help mobilise the continent to address its challenges of underdevelopment, unity, peace and security.

Mr. Mbeki called on the Continent and the African Diaspora to support the AU Commission as neither Dr Dlamini-Zuma and her fellow Commissioners alone can achieve the AU’s objectives without the support of all Africans, especially the governments of the member-states.

“Like all intergovernmental institutions, the AU can only be effective to the extent that its member-states and all organs of our societies rally behind its objectives and programmes,” he said.

The former President also congratulated outgoing Commission Chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, for his diligence and dedication to the AU during the four years of his term.

He said: “Dr Jean Ping lead the AU Commission during the most challenging period of the development of the Union. Together with his colleagues, the Commissioners, he discharged his duties with diligence and dedication.

“Dr Dlamini-Zuma will build upon the firm foundation of her predecessors.”

He wished Dr Ping well in his future endeavours and expressed the hope that as an African patriot, he will, like before, continuously avail himself to the service of Africa and her peoples.”