Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Turns 76: A Look at Her Life and Career
- African National Congress (ANC) stalwart Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (NDZ) reined in her 76th birthday
- The former Home Affairs Minister celebrated her latest milestone on Monday, 27 January 2025
- Dlamini-Zuma served as Home Affairs Minister across three administrations, including that of Mandela
Source: Getty Images
African National Congress (ANC) veteran Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (NDZ) celebrated another milestone as she rang in her 76th birthday.
She is known for her political astuteness and, as a former anti-apartheid activist, one of its most recognised faces.
Early life: Dlamini Zuma was born in Natal
On Monday, 27 January 2025, Briefly News celebrated the former Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister's personal milestone by taking a look at her illustrious career.
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Born Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini to Zulu parents in the former Natal, on 27 January 1949, she is the eldest of eight children. She completed high school at Amanzimtoti Training College after matriculating in 1967.
Falling in love with politics while in university
Her 50-year run in politics reportedly started her degree in medicine at the University of Natal and she joined the underground South African Students' Organisation (SASO).
Despite the strenuous nature of her chosen qualification, NDZ made her political activities a priority and in 1976 she was elected the deputy president of the South African Students Organisation.
That same year, she was exiled and had to finish her studies abroad. NDZ completed her degree in medicine at the University of Bristol in the UK in 1978, African Union reported.
Becoming Mrs Zuma
Briefly News previously reported their union was blessed with four children before filing for divorce him in June 1998.
Gugulethu Zuma-Ncube, one of the children born in Zuma's house, got married to Zimbabwean politician and President of the Movement for Democratic Change's (MDC) Welshman Ncube's son.
The other children that Dlamini gave birth to in Zuma's house are Msholozi, Nokuthula Nomaqhawe and Thuthukile.
Even though their marriage ended, former President Jacob Zuma still showed his ex-Missus support when she ran for the ANC presidency.
Before his term in office ended, Zuma publicly endorsed NDZ as his successor, eNCA reported. Business Insider added that Zuma said his former wife was not easily fooled and could be trusted.
Climbing the ranks in the ANC
Nkosazana had served in various capacities in the country before assuming her current position. During Zuma's first term in office, she served as the Minister of Home Affairs, and while presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe were in power, she served in the same capacity.
At that time, Dlamini Zuma news filled the media with lots of criticisms because of her "quiet diplomacy" in response to the violent land invasions by Zimbabwe as well as anti-white racism.
More so, she had also served under President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission for Policy and Evaluation. In December 2007, Dlamini-Zuma was elected as one of the 80-member ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
Then, the election held at the 19th Session of the Assembly of the African Union on 15 July 2012 ushered her in as its chairperson.
Source: Getty Images
Her victory saw her becoming the first woman who would lead the Commission. In 2017, she contested for the office of President of South Africa but was defeated by Cyril Ramaphosa in her campaign during the African National Congress's 54th National Conference held in December 2017.
The competition between NDZ and Ramaphosa was widely seen as an example of the division within the ruling party.
In an attempt to salvage the public image of the ANC and to give the impression of a united party, Ramaphosa included Dlamini Zuma in his cabinet.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma municipality
The establishment of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality took effect based on the merging of Kwa Sani and Ingwe local municipalities after the local elections held in August 2016.
Politically, twenty-nine members make up the municipal council. They were elected by proportional representation of mixed members.
Even though there are no perfect leaders, the impact of Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma towards the development of South Africa will still be remembered.
Her level of boldness and belief in herself which makes to take giant strides are worth emulating.
Dlamini Zuma sparks outrage with ciggie ban
Dlamini Zuma was up front and centre during the hard levels of the Covid-19 lockdown. Many people, especially smokers and the tobacco industry, dreaded the nights she addressed the nation.
NDZ infuriated many when she told the National Coronavirus Command Council that the sale of tobacco and alcohol products should be banned until Level 1 lockdown. Dlamini Zuma's motion was supported by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi when she voiced her opinion.
The minister reportedly feels that allowing the sale of cigarettes and alcohol on June 1 when SA migrates to Level 3 would pose too much of a health risk, despite immense pressure to unban the products.
A part of her speech, where NDZ explained how smoking weed could spread the coronavirus, even went viral after it was remixed by muso Max Hurrel.
In the speech, the minister explained the increased danger that smokers, especially those who rolled their tobacco, faced from Covid-19.
“When people zol, they put saliva on the paper, and then they share that zol," she said.
Steenhuisen berates Dlamini-Zuma
The cigarette ban resulted in a lot of criticism directed at Dlamini-Zuma.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen went as far as to accuse Dlamini Zuma of benefitting the infamous Adriano Mazzotti.
The DA leader threw some shade at Dlamini-Zuma on Twitter, suggesting her decision might stem from a controversial relationship with Adriano Mazzotti.
The Agriculture Minister said he knew of "somebody" — referring to Mazzotti — who will be "smiling to the bank after his favourite minister shut down the legal tobacco sales.
Mazzotti was accused of selling tobacco illegally. In 2017, Zuma's ex-wife was accused of working closely with Mazzotti.
Photos of her meeting with the corrupt cigarette manufacturer resurfaced online after she banned the legal sale of cigarettes.
Zuma pictured with teen children
In related news, Briefly News reported that Zuma is as active in his duties as a father as in politics as the leader of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.
For this reason, Nxamalala sets tongues wagging, even away from the political arena, which he continues to be strongly involved in at age 82.
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Source: Briefly News
Maryn Blignaut (Head of Human Interest Stories Desk) Maryn Blignaut is the Human Interest manager and feature writer. She holds a BA degree in Communication Science, which she obtained from the University of South Africa in 2016. She joined the Briefly - South African News team shortly after graduating and has over six years of experience in the journalism field. Maryn passed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (Google News Initiative), as well as a set of trainings for journalists by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at: maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za
Tshepiso Mametela (Head of Current Affairs Desk) Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience writing for online and print publications. He is the Head of Current Affairs at Briefly News. He was a mid-level reporter for The Herald, a senior sports contributor at Opera News SA, and a general reporter for Caxton Local Media’s Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Joburg East Express community titles. He has attended media workshops organised by the Wits Justice Project and Wits Centre for Journalism, including crime and court reporting. Email: tshepiso.mametela@briefly.co.za
