Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to Retire from Parliament

Minister in the Presidency responsible for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has communicated her decision to retire from parliament during the next term to the African National Congress (ANC).

Dlamini-Zuma conveyed her retirement plans in a letter addressed to the ANC electoral committee head, Kgalema Motlanthe, on Friday. The letter, dated January 12, was also copied to the party’s secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and provincial secretaries.

In her letter, Dlamini-Zuma informed Motlanthe that there was no need for an interview as part of the public representative list process ahead of this year’s elections, as she will not be available.

The 74-year-old, nominated by ANC branches to return to parliament on the national list, declined the nomination, stating, ‘It will not be necessary to schedule the interview for the 2024 national list because I have taken a decision to retire from being a member of the South African parliament.’

Having served as an ANC MP since 1994, Dlamini-Zuma is one of the longest-serving members of the National Assembly. She has also been a cabinet member under all five presidents since Nelson Mandela.

Expressing her gratitude, Dlamini-Zuma wrote, ‘My sincere gratitude to the entire leadership of the ANC from national, provincial, regional, and branch levels for affording me the opportunity and support to serve the country and the people of South Africa as a public representative and as a member of the cabinet since 1994.’

If the ANC retains power after the elections, Dlamini-Zuma’s retirement from parliament would mean she ceases to be a member of the cabinet, as ministers are appointed from MPs.

The news of her retirement comes amidst the ANC’s consideration of disciplinary action against Dlamini-Zuma for disregarding the party line in parliament. She had voted in favor of the adoption of the section 89 report last year, which recommended an impeachment process for President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, despite the party’s instruction to vote against it.

Furthermore, Dlamini-Zuma defied the party again by voting against the creation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the Phala Phala saga. Her absence during the vote to impeach the former public protector also landed her in potential trouble.

As she steps down, Dlamini-Zuma’s tenure leaves a lasting impact on South African politics. Her work and contributions have spanned over three decades, making her one of the influential figures in the ANC and the South African government.