High Commissioner wins award

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

London - South African High Commissioner in London, Lindiwe Mabuza, has been honoured for her commitment to strengthening ties between the United Kingdom (UK) and her home country.

Diplomat Magazine has awarded Commissioner Mabuza the "Diplomat of the year from Africa award".

Ms Mabuza was recognised for representing the problems that South Africa and the continent of Africa faced regarding humanitarian work and AIDS and for her work in promoting African culture throughout the UK.

Presenting the award to Ms Mabuza at a ceremony this week, former BBC television news presenter and journalist Martyn Lewis said: "As a celebrated poet, it is no surprise that this Head of Mission has forged crucial relationships throughout the cultural and educational community here in the UK."

Ms Mabuza became High Commissioner of South Africa in the United Kingdom in 2001,

She said the award, which she was accepting on behalf of the continent of Africa and the African Union Heads of Mission in the UK, reflected their continued support of one another and determination to improve the lives of all people living across the continent.

Ms Mabuza further noted that under the objective of improving the lives of all on the continent, the AU Heads of Mission in the UK were currently engaged in preparations for hosting an Africa Infrastructure Conference in November this year.

"We are exhibiting the highest levels of collective responsibility towards meeting the objectives of developing infrastructure in all the regions of Africa," said High Commissioner Mabuza. -