Dlamini-Zuma meets Madiba, heads to AU

2012-10-03 17:17

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. (AFP)

Johannesburg - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma paid a farewell visit to Nelson Mandela on Wednesday before leaving to take over as African Union Commission chairperson, her office said.

Dlamini-Zuma travelled to the icon's rural home town Qunu in the south of the country.

"The visit comes ahead of her scheduled departure for Addis Ababa on 12 October, to officially assume her duties as Chairperson of the African Union Commission," her ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma announced Science Minister Naledi Pandor would take over from Dlamini-Zuma to head home affairs, a ministry which issues identity documents and residence permits, and which is the custodian of public records on citizens.

Derek Hanekom would take over from Naledi Pandor as Science Minister.

Dlamini-Zuma is widely respected for turning the department into a success story after she took over the chaotic portfolio in 2009.

A trained medical doctor, she served under Mandela as South Africa's first health minister after all-race elections in 1994.

The vote ended apartheid and brought Mandela to power as the country's first black president.

- AFP