Finish off the year with Extraordinary South African, Dr Dlamini-Zuma

"The individuals we have selected display an unparalleled ability to inspire and influence others. They are individuals with proven demonstrable leadership qualities who continue to shape the course and direction of history. They live a life committed to a greater good for all and are all we aspire to emulate," explains Teresa Jenkins, MD of Litha Communications.

"It is vital that conversations around Africa and its plights, such as Ebola, should be addressed by the private as well as the public sector. Sponsors of this event will have the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with Dr Dlamini-Zuma."

Profile

Dr Dlamini-Zuma is an undisputable trailblazer in the upliftment and empowerment of women across the African continent. Her career as a struggle activist and politician is testimony to her indestructible and courageous spirit. She was born on 27 January 1949 in KwaZulu-Natal, a time when black women's career expectations did not go beyond domestic work. She, however, was not to be limited.

She completed her high school studies at Amanzimtoti Training College in 1967. After a four-year gap, she started her studies in Zoology and Botany at the University of Zululand in 1971. She obtained her BSc degree and started her medical studies at the University of Natal, where her involvement with the struggle began.

Dr Dlamini-Zuma became an active underground member of the ANC. She was also a member of the South African Students Organisation and was elected as its deputy president in 1976. During the same year, she fled into exile, completing medical studies at the University of Bristol in the UK in 1978. After the 1994 elections, she was appointed as Minister of Health in the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela.

During her tenure, she desegregated the health system and championed the radical health reforms, which introduced access to free basic healthcare. In 1999, President Thabo Mbeki appointed her as Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this role, she actively championed South Africa's foreign policy, which centred on the promotion of human rights, stability, peace, collective development and advancement of this continent. It was during her tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs that peace and stability was achieved in Burundi and the DRC for example, and it was during her time that the African Union was launched in 2002.

In 2009, she was appointed Minister of Home Affairs and brought about radical change in the department, which subsequently achieved a clean audit for the first time in many years in 2011.

In July 2012, the Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia elected her Chairperson of the African Union Commission. She is the first woman to lead the continental organisation, including its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity.

Powerful networking

The audience of the series is the top one-third of South African society, who is accustomed to or wishes to seek meaning and inspiration from others who have taken the road less travelled. Age and experience barriers break down in the face of such powerful motivators.

"As one of this group, you want to redesign the 'what' and 'how' South Africans think about themselves and others in order to build and share in its extraordinary future. Obsessed with creating win-win scenarios, you are a decision-maker who wants to broaden your horizons through impactful interchange of ideas and thoughts with other free thinkers," adds Jenkins.

"This inspiring time with an Extraordinary South African offers you the opportunity to be stirred into action by the speaker and the interchanges that follow. The connections you make and extend will motivate you to share this knowledge and encourage more people to think beyond the obvious to the extraordinary," concludes Jenkins.

Benefitting 'Nelson Mandela - Champion Within'programme

The proceeds from the Extraordinary South Africans Series events go to the 'Nelson Mandela - Champion Within' programme, developed by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and Life College - all not-for-profit organisations. The programme is based on the book, Conversations with Myself, by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who said, "Thinking is one of the most powerful weapons in dealing with problems."

The programme provides organisations, universities and youth with an experiential, highly engaging learning experience in critical thinking, reflection, legacy-making and the power of self-directed question - all of this in the company of the life work of Nelson Mandela. It teaches one that the root of greatness is purpose-centred, critical consciousness, to better understand and build one's own champion mentality, which can be applied to all aspects of one's life.

The cost is R450 per person (inclusive of VAT). Booking is essential; to reserve your seat, call Vuyo Sigonya on +27 (0) 11 484 7663 or email az.oc.snoitacinummocahtil@oyuv.