Kumalo named CEO of Thabo Mbeki Foundation

Former ambassador Dumisani Kumalo has been appointed CEO of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation with effect from March 1, the TMF announced on Monday.

Kumalo recently retired from the international relations and cooperation department after more than 14 years of service in government, including a decade as South Africa's representative to the United Nations in New York, the foundation said in a statement.

During 2007-2008, he was South Africa's representative during the country's inaugural term as a non-permanent member of in the UN Security Council.

The TMF is a non profit Pan African organisation formed to continue promoting the African renaissance after former president Mbeki left office.

It works in partnership with other like-minded institutions throughout Africa, and elsewhere in the world, for the renewal of the continent.

The foundation said Kumalo had vast experience in popular mobilisation and multilateral diplomacy.

He had extensive knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing the African continent.

"He enjoys high standing among an extensive network of opinion-makers in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

"He is a tried and tested African patriot and has an established record as a combatant for the success of the African Renaissance.

"The Thabo Mbeki Foundation is confident that ambassador Kumalo is the right person to lead its team into the future," the foundation said.