ASEAN's IDSA Coffee Morning 

The ASEAN countries represented in South Africa, viz. Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam hosted a Coffee Morning for the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA). As Chair of the ASEAN Pretoria Committee, Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong of Vietnam welcomed the gathering as an opportunity for engagement as well as to showcase the rich culture and diversity of the ASEAN nations. 

Madam Erum Gillani, President of the International Diplomatic Spouses Association in South Africa (IDSA) was grateful for the collaboration and said that it was a testament to the power of compassion and generosity. Speaking about the activities of IDSA Erum said, “IDSA Pretoria is actively working to make a difference in the lives of the underpriviliged and disadvantaged around us. It's only a small gesture to give thanks to our host country, South Africa from all its diplomatic communities. Though it's a small organisation, we believe 'every little counts'. We heavily rely on the contributions of our own members to raise funds for all the charities done thus far. We are not just individuals; we are a community. We are a collective force for good, and together we can create a lasting impact. Let's celebrate our shared humanity, our empathy and our kindness.”

Currently IDSA is working with Potters House and Lerato House Pretoria who are both working with abused women and girls. IDSA has also joined hands with ACTS (Association of Catholic Tertiary Students) of University of Pretoria's social and outreach department who run a soup kitchen every Friday in Hatfield/Hillcrest. Students Kuziwa Mutowo, Panashe Madzikanda and Meron Berhane coordinate the collection and preparation for the soup kitchen. It is run from Saint Wilfrids Angelican Church with the support of Reverend Grant Thistle White, said Erum.  

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

MYANMAR

PHILIPPINES

SINGAPORE

THAILAND

VIETNAM