Source: News 24
The ANC Woman's League had its fingers crossed on Sunday for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's election as the first chairwoman of the African Union Commission.

Spokesperson Troy Martens said the woman's league was standing ready to celebrate the upcoming victory, alongside other women in the continent.

"We wish her well and convey a message of unwavering support from the women of South Africa," Marthens said in a statement, on the eve of the AU election at the summit in Ethiopia.

"The women's league is confident Dlamini-Zuma will bring a fresh outlook to the position and bring women across the continent together in a united effort, towards the struggle for the emancipation of the African woman."

Strong, capable

Martens described Dlamini-Zuma - who is the country's home affairs minister - as a strong, capable female figure who at the helm of the AU Commission would greatly enhance the international women's struggle.

"We are proud of our sister who takes with her to the AU a wealth of experience, she has an intimate knowledge of the factors affecting African politics and was integral in the establishment of SADC (Southern African Development Community)," she said.

AU's 54 heads of state and government held a secret ballot at the summit in Addis Ababa on Saturday and Sunday to decide whether Jean Ping , who has held the post since 2008, will get a new term.

The South African government was optimistic that Dlamini Zuma will receive the necessary votes to unseat Ping.

Martens said Dlamini-Zuma was a "shinning" role model to the political community with her "unblemished" track-record of service excellence in government and in the African National Congress.

"We are confident she will carry this track-record with her to the AU. Should she win Monday's AU election it will not only be a victory for South Africa and the women of this country, but for women across the continent."