Buyisiwe Nzimande

Buyisiwe Maureen Nzimande (m. Pheto) (born 31 October 1952) is a South African politician and diplomat who was the Deputy Minister of Public Works from 1999 to 2001 under President Thabo Mbeki.

She represented the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the National Assembly from May 1994 until March 2001, when she resigned to join the diplomatic service.

[2] Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi later said that Nzimande was "like a daughter to me"; they were cousins, with their paternal grandmothers both members of the Mtshali family.

She used this as an opportunity to shape future leaders and upright citizens through exemplary work ethic, dedication and full responsibility.

[2] She served in that office until January 2001, when Mbeki announced that Musa Zondi would replace her in a reshuffle; it was reported that she would become ambassador-designate to Thailand.

[10] As first resident Ambassador / High Commissioner in this region, she introduced successful strategies and programs focusing on promotion of trade and tourism to South Africa.