What Does it Take to be Named “African of the Year”?

Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki was recently named the winner of the 2012 "African of the Year" award. The award, established by the Nigerian Trust Newspaper, seeks to recognize contributions of Africans at home and in the Diaspora and is awarded to an African who has made the most impact on Africans in the past year.

Mr. Mbeki was selected as the recipient of this year’s award for his “persistent and consistent efforts to avert war between Sudan and South Africa.”

As the head of the African Union’s High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP,) Mr. Mbeki was acknowledged by the award committee for leading peaceful and successful negotiations between the two countries and for reviving Southern oil exports through the north. He was also credited for stimulating cross border trade and enforcing the spirit of African brotherhood.

The nomination for the “African of the Year” award is open to the public. To find out more on how you can nominate an African who has made an impact, visit The Daily Trust.