Helen Zille - World Mayor of the year

[Dave A]

The mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, has been awarded the 2008 World Mayor prize by City Mayors, an international urban affairs think tank, a statement said on Monday.

Editor of City Mayors, Tann vom Hove, said Zille had dedicated her professional life to improve the well-being of South Africans.

"Helen Zille was the judging panel's unanimous choice for the 2008 World Mayor Prize. This amazing woman was making a difference and giving people hope.

"Her only equals in South Africa are Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela," the statement said.

The runner-up for the award is Emar Ledergerber, mayor of Zurich.

Hove said Ledergerber had been successful in "building bridges between the privileged and less privileged communities in his city."

The third place was awarded to the mayor of Chacao, Leopoldo Lopez, who was cited for his work as a hands-on mayor and a national politician who fought for democratic openness and fairness in Venezuela.
full story from IOL here

[Chatmaster]

What can I say? We are proud, truly proud!

[Vincent]

I'm not one of her greatest supports, but she does come out with 'guns-a-blazing', when she needs too.

[Dave A]

I'm curious. What puts you off, Vincent?

[Vincent]

Dave, difficult question to answer. I have been sitting here for the past 45 minutes, not writing anything but thinking how to answer your question, and I haven't come up with a compelling answer. Lots of trivial thoughts of how I could answer the question, but nothing substantial. I'm unable to pin it down at the moment. That's the best I can do.

[Dave A]

Well I hope you don't mind me challenging your thinking.

Historically "strong" women have often attracted a similar dis-ease, interestingly amongst both men and women. Hilary Clinton and Maggie Thatcher are classic examples. A lot of people end up respecting them without ever becoming fans - so you (and Helen) are far from alone.

I don't know if knowing that helps with this kneekerk reaction, but there seems little doubt it's a very real hurdle for women over-achievers to overcome.

I find it quite a wierd feeling facing stuff buried deep in our psyche. But interesting and at times useful too.