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Zuma hails JB’s ascendancy

South Africa’s President Jacob Juma on Friday hailed the coming to power of Malawi’s President Joyce Banda, saying it was an indication that Africa is embracing change.

Zuma was speaking in Pretoria, South Africa, during celebrations marking Freedom Day at the Union Building Park.

The day commemorates South Africa’s first democratic elections held on April 27 1994.

Banda arrived in South Africa on Friday for a two-day official visit during which she held talks with her South African counterpart, among other engagements.

Zuma said with Banda, Africa now has two female Heads of State.

Liberia’s leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first woman to lead a country in Africa when she assumed office in 2006 before she was re-elected in November 2011. Banda, who was Vice-President of Malawi, took office on April 7 2012 after the death of Bingu wa Mutharika on April 5.

From South Africa, Banda headed to Liberia where she met Johnson Sirleaf. Banda is expected back home this Monday.

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