Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Date: 22 June, 2005

Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Phumizile Mlambo - Ngcuka was appointed as first woman Deputy President in South Africa. She replaced Jacob Zuma, who had been fired from his position by President Thabo Mbeki on 14 June 2005 for his alleged corrupt relation with Schabir Shaik. Shaik had been found guilty by the Durban High Court and the testimony had implicated Zuma.

Mlambo-Ngcuka is the wife of the former controversial head of the National Director of Public Prosecution. Her appointment has been well received by the business sectors, parliamentarians, opposition parties and most African National Congress (ANC) constituencies.

Sources:

1. Phumzile hailed amid caution, website: news24.com
2. Excitement abounds at the Mlambo residence, website: news24.com