By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has been appointed by António Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, to serve on his newly formed scientific advisory board.
Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, announced and congratulated Madonsela on her achievement during the first day of the two-day National Dialogue on Coalition Governments in Cape Town this morning.
Madonsela, who was among delegates at the gathering, beamed with pride, smiled and showed her gratitude at the accolade.
“I am delighted to announce that Madonsela, our former Public Protector, has been appointed to the Scientific Advisory Board. You have done our country proud, we are confident that you will fly the national flag even higher. Your appointment illustrates the fact that we are a nation that has everything to rise to greater heights. Well done,” said Mashatile.
Her foundation also joined a number of South Africans to applaud Madonsela.
“Congratulations to Prof. Madonsela on her appointment to the UN Scientific Advisory Board, whose primary objective is to provide independent insights on trends at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, governance and sustainable development,” they wrote.
The former public protector said she was humbled by her appointment.
“Supremely grateful to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for this appointment and opportunity to infuse our ubuntu ethics and justice into the global science and tech policy design space.
“This adds to evidence showing that a new inclusive world, where Africa is an equal partner, is emerging,” Madonsela said.
Madonsela said her appointment will assist in complementing and reinforcing efforts at mainstreaming social justice considerations in all policy work.
South Africans took to social media to congratulate Madonsela.
Madonsela is the former South African Public Protector and Law Commissioner and a member of the African Academy of Sciences. She was one of the drafters of the South African Constitution and the founder of the Thuma Foundation for Democracy Leadership and Literacy.