Gauteng Legislature honours Dlamini-Zuma, Pandor

Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature have honoured and celebrated Dr. Naledi Pandor and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for their vital role in shaping South Africa’s democracy as well as their contributions to diplomatic affairs.

They were honoured at a special sitting at the Selbourne Hall in the Legislature in Johannesburg yesterday.

[HAPPENING NOW]: As pronounced by Premier @Lesufi during the #GPSOPA2024, today a Special House Sitting is taking place to honour two outstanding women, Dr @DlaminiZuma and Dr Naledi Pandor at the @GPLegislature. #GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/CwMnVW339M

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) September 3, 2024

Pandor and Dlamini-Zuma were also afforded an opportunity to address the House in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Legislature.

Gauteng Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe says the special House sitting to honour the two former members of Cabinet is only the beginning and will not be confined to one party.

Mosupyoe says, “We are also going to afford them an opportunity to address the sitting of the legislature, which is something that has never been done by the Gauteng province. These are two ladies who contributed to the freedom that we are enjoying now. We are also sending a message to young South African girls that they too can achieve what these two ladies have achieved. So it’s a very important occasion for us.”

Dlamini-Zuma said she was pleased that the Legislature had begun honouring women, adding that women tend to be edited out of history.

“Gauteng leadership, you have a big responsibility. During our struggle, Gauteng played a very big role in the revolution. So you can’t drop the ball. In the economy, you are the heart of our economy. All the poor people aspire to come to Gauteng. And of course, Gauteng has cities that are not endless, so it’s up to you to work with other provinces so that they also develop. You must give the next generation a better Gauteng and a better South Africa than the one you have.”

Democracy

Pandor expressed gratitude to the Legislature for acknowledging her contribution to shaping the country’s democracy, adding that the honour was special since it was linked to Women’s Month which ended last week.

Pandor encouraged Gauteng to work closely with the African continent to create a momentum for growth and development.

“This is a really difficult challenge to address, however, we should confront it to resolve the problems of our continent. I have been really thrilled at the efforts of the Gauteng government to empower young people. I believe these efforts and initiatives have been insightful and they offer hope to our youth,” she adds.

During the sitting, the former members of the Cabinet shared their respective journeys in legislation.

They encouraged members of the Provincial Legislature from various political parties who were present to continue serving the province and South Africa as a whole, with dignity for future generations. Reporting by Puseletso Mokoena.

VIDEO | Gauteng Legislature honours Naledi Pandor and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: