Since leaving politics six years ago, Former SA deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has been out of the limelight, at least in South Africa. However, this did not stop the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) from honouring her a few days ago.
AWCA honoured Mlambo-Ngcuka with the Woman of Substance Award. Justifying the decision, AWCA president, Lesego Sennelo, said: “Throughout her illustrious career, Mlambo-Ngcuka has worked tirelessly to diminish gender stereotypes that continue to impede the development of women in South Africa. She is continuing where she left off in South Africa to champion the cause of women development on an international stage. The judicious leadership she provides has made her the worthy candidate for the 2014 Woman of Substance Award.”
Mlambo-Ngcuka is currently the United Nations undersecretary-general and executive director of UN Women. Her career in leadership positions has been most notable. It includes distinguished roles as deputy minister of Trade and Industry, minister of Minerals and Energy, the first female deputy president of South Africa including the current Chancellorship at Tshwane University of Technology. She has served as executive director and head of United Nations Women since 2013.
The Woman of Substance Award, in its 10th year, is presented to an exceptional woman who has played a significant role in uplifting the role of black women in the accounting, audit and financial professions; or a woman who has consistently demonstrated substantial and innovative leadership in areas of governance and business aimed at realising gender parity.