Chris Hipkins vs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Hipkins succeeded Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister after her resignation. He became the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand, leading the Labour Party into the 2023 general election.

Hipkins led Labour to a decisive defeat in the general election, winning only 34 seats to National's 48. He resigned as Labour leader following the loss, ending his brief tenure as Prime Minister.

As Prime Minister, Hipkins oversaw the final stages of New Zealand's COVID-19 response, including the end of mandatory isolation requirements and the transition to living with the virus.

Hipkins' government coordinated the national response to Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused widespread flooding and damage in the North Island. The government declared a national state of emergency and allocated recovery funding.

Dlamini-Zuma was appointed South Africa's Minister of Health under President Nelson Mandela. She oversaw the introduction of free healthcare for pregnant women and children under six, and initiated the country's first antiretroviral treatment program for HIV/AIDS.

Dlamini-Zuma became South Africa's Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Thabo Mbeki. She played a key role in shaping South Africa's foreign policy, including mediating conflicts in Africa and promoting the African Union's formation.

Dlamini-Zuma was elected as the first female Chairperson of the African Union Commission. She led the AU's executive body, focusing on peace and security, economic integration, and institutional reform across the continent.

Dlamini-Zuma was appointed to this role by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She was tasked with overseeing government planning and performance monitoring, a position she held until 2019.