Africa’s First Ladies
South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, is marrying his third wife today. It’s his 5th wedding. His two current wives will be involved with the ceremony and attend along by various distinguished guests and dignitaries. Mr Zuma is a Zulu and polygamy has throughout been a cultural tradition. In fact, it’s rumored that a 6th wedding will not be far off. I’m curious about how these first ladies decide to divide their authoritative duties. I bet there are some other first ladies out there who wouldn’t mind a break or two from attending events.
Like first ladies the world over, Africa’s first ladies are a smart and motivated clump of women. There are first ladies who work hard to improve the situation in their country — others seem to spend a lot of time shopping for shoes in Europe. Sia Nyama Koroma, Sierra Leone’s first lady, has a Masters degree in organic chemistry, is a mother of 5 children and works to reduce infant and maternal mortality. Senegal’s first lady, Viviane Wade, is an elegant French woman who has spent 40 years moving on health and woman’s issues in Senegal. Mrs Ana Paula Dos Santos of Angola is a former fashion model and flight attendant, with a healthy interest in her country’s diamond mines. Mrs. Penehupifo Pohamba of Namibia practiced as a midwife and registered nurse up until she became First Lady. Grace Mugabe of Zimbabwe is known being of the class who “the First Shopper”" and spends her country’s meager fortunes on designer clothes, Hong Kong apartments and fancy shoes. She’s also half her husband’s period of life and that makes her an easy target. Just ask Chantal Biya, Cameroon’s first lady.
I came across a photo of a group of African first ladies who got together in Los Angeles last year for a soundness summit. Their aims were admirable, but I have to say I found myself gawking at the unbelievable mane sported by Chantal Biya. She’s quite famous for her hair and flamboyant style (she wore a giant pink and white hat with crosses all over it when she met the Pope.) She’s also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion and has a Facebook page.
More photos of Africa’s First Ladies can be found on Sahara vibe’s blog.