A special envoy of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, ambassador Welile Nhlapo, called on President James Michel at State House yesterday to seek the support of Seychelles for a South African to be the next chairperson of the African Union Commission.

South Africa's candidate is Dr. NkosazanaDhlamini - Zuma, the current Home Affairs Minister. 

Elections for her post will take place in January.

President Michel has reassured Seychelles' support for the South African candidate, considering the close bonds between Seychelles and South Africa, on both bilateral and multilateral levels.

"We need a strong candidate to take the mantle of the AU, to bring reform where necessary... Dr.  Dlamini- Zuma understands the challenges and difficulties of the AU with an innovative approach in reshaping this institution and the African continent," said President Michel.

Dr. Clarice Dlamini - Zuma has held different other ministerial positions in the South African government. During her tenure as Minister of Health, she pushed for the enactment of the Tobacco Products Control Bill in 1999, which made it illegal to smoke in public places.

"For us we believe she should be the right candidate for the job, because of her knowledge of the AU. She was very active in her post as Minister for Foreign Affairs, then in the process of the transformation of the OAU  to the AU, so she understands very well what are the challenges and what the continent is seeking to address,"  said Ambassador Nhlapo during an interview with the press.