Jenkins elected as Northern Cape premier

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Pretoria - The Northern Cape Provisional Legislature has elected Hazel Jenkins as the new premier of the province.

The outgoing Deputy Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Ms Jenkins will take over the reigns from Dipuo Peters.

She will be one of the new five women premiers in the country's provinces. She will join Gauteng's newly elected premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Eastern Cape's Priemer Noxolo Kiviet, North West Premier-elect Maureen Modiselle and the Western Cape Premier Helen Zille.

A teacher by profession, Ms Jenkins was also the Executive Mayor of the BoKaroo District Municipality. She was also a councilor in the De Aar, Bo-Karoo, Emthenjeni and Karoo District Municipalities in the Northern Cape.

Ms Jenkins has been described by many as a woman who has served in the political arena with distinction and in the process advanced the cause of women liberation.

She has been an active member in the liberation struggle and has played a prominent role in advocating for women's development in South Africa.

Meanwhile, in Parliament today proceedings are underway in the first sitting of the National Assembly where members are meeting to, amongst others, elect the country's new President.