President Zuma congratulates Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on her UN appointment

Athenkosi Mvane
12 July 2013

President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Former Deputy President of the Republic Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, on being appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender and Empowerment of Women. 

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South Africa's first female deputy president was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday to head the UN agency promoting equality for women. 

Presidency Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Mlambo-Ngcuka replaces the former President of Chile who stepped down a few months ago.

“On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we congratulate the former deputy-president on this crucial appointment; it is the true virtue of direct recognition of the advancement of women in South Africa.

“It is also an acknowledgement of the considerably influential and progressive role that South Africa and its people continue to play in global affairs” Maharaj added.

Maharaj also said the President wished Mlambo-Ngcuka well in her in her challenging task.