The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has received the Platinum Order of Merit of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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In congratulating her, the South African Football Association (SAFA) applauded Dlamini-Zuma for the role she played in the development of football on the continent.
"The South African Football Association (SAFA) has congratulated the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for receiving the Platinum Order of Merit of the Confederation of African Football on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Cairo.
"This was during the 37th Ordinary General Assembly of CAF which officially opened on Monday evening in the presence of the FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter," read a statement from SAFA.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, said Zuma has always been enthusiastic about football.
"Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma's prominent role in the development of football on the continent is well documented. She played a key role in South Africa getting the rights to host the 2010 World Cup, the first African country to do so and was on the board of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.
"She has been a supporter of football through and through and this award is testimony to the work she has put in the sport," said Jordaan.
CAF President, Issa Hayatou said there was no better person deserving of this award than the AU chair.
"Through this award, the Confederation of African Football recognizes the immense contribution of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union for an emerging Africa, particularly through its vision, Agenda 2063, but mostly importantly show gratitude for the support she has always been able to demonstrate with CAF since she took office.
"Since 14 June, 2012 CAF and the African Union have partnered in dealing with a number of social responsibility campaigns through our competitions, particularly in the fight against AIDS, Ebola, malaria, and the promotion of education and the culture of peace on the continent," said Hayatou.
