By IANS,
Johannesburg : South African President Jacob Zuma has been awarded the title of ‘Best African President’ for his role in the country’s struggle for liberation and his contributions for the continent at large, a media report said.
Zuma was felicitated Tuesday evening at the Africa Consciousness Media Leadership Awards organised to honour African individuals who have contributed towards the liberation and development of the continent.
Speaking at the event, which the veterans of African struggle attended, Zuma encouraged fellow leaders to keep their promises made to the people and work together to ensure sustainable development, a Bua news report said.
“As Africa’s leaders, we have pledged to our people that we will strive for the eradication of poverty, disease and conflict. We have pledged to promote trade, investment, economic growth, skills development and stability on the continent,” he said.
He urged African leaders to use partnership agreements as the instruments to advance the cause of the continent and work for the unity of the African people at all times.
He was referring to pacts such as African Peer Review Mechanism which was established to promote good governance as an effort to better the situation in Africa and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) which fosters economic integration and development.
“If we deviate or if we falter, we expect all of you – ordinary citizens, civil society, academics and the media – to sound the warning bells,” he said.
Zuma is not the only South African recipient of an award. The late Afro-Pop legend Miriam Makeba was awarded the ‘Great Daughter of Africa’ for her artistic role in addressing the challenges faced by the Africans during the colonial era.
The Pata-Pata songbird, who was exiled for years after she was banned by the apartheid government travelled all around the world not only performing but also spreading the message about the challenges posed before the Africans.
The late First Lady of Nigeria, Stella Obasanjo, was honored with ‘Best African First Lady’ of the Year.
Zuma said the awards served as a reminder that nothing can be achieved without the confidence, trust and support of the fellow Africans.
“A true leader is guided by the needs and the collective wisdom of his or her people. These awards should therefore not be about status or prestige. They should be about service and sacrifice. Let us work together to ensure that they (awards) achieve these goals,” he added.
Kenneth Kaunda, the first Zambian President and legendry African leader, also attended the event. He wished South Africa all the best in hosting a successful FIFA 2010 World Cup.
He said it was Africa’s turn to show the world what she was capable of, adding that he was confident that the tournament would be a turning point for Africa’s economic and tourism development.
Kaunda urged the African leaders to emulate the likes of former president Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kanyata, Oliver Tambo and Kwame Nkrumah, who fought tirelessly for the liberation and development of Africa.