Outgoing African Union chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has been endorsed as the next leader of the African National Congress (ANC) by the ruling party’s women’s division.
The ANC will pick a new leader at a conference in December to replace her former husband Jacob Zuma.
“After careful consideration and opening our eyes as wide as possible, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is the only suitable candidate,” the Women’s League said in a statement on Sunday. “Her legacy and influence is known and well documented throughout the history pages of the republic and beyond.”
Dlamini-Zuma is expected to have the backing of President Zuma who is facing numerous scandals. Zuma has previously said that South Africa is ready for a female president.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is viewed as Dlamini-Zuma’s most likely rival after receiving the support of various trade unions last year.
The ANC held a rally in Soweto to commemorate its 105th birthday. Sunday’s celebrations also commemorated the 100th birthday of former ANC president Oliver Tambo who died in 1995.
