DIPLOMACY
30 years of South Africa’s democracy commemoration ends on a high note in Hong Kong
South African Consulate in Hong Kong
3 August 2024
The 30 years of South Africa’s democracy commemoration activities hosted by the South African Consulate in Hong Kong concluded on 31 July 2024 on a high note with a successful and well attended over a month-long Mandela legacy and 30 years of democracy exhibitions held at the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong. The exhibition was at the courtesy of Freedom Park and was held from 17 June until 31 July 2024.
The 30 years of democracy celebrations commenced with the South Africa week hosted by the Consulate led by Consul General Mojalefa Mogono that took place in Hong Kong on 17- 21 June 2024, which showcased South Africa’s arts, craft, culture, clothing, paintings, heritage and promotion of South African products including wine and tea products. The activities of the week included South Africa story telling session hosted by the Baptist University of Hong Kong on the 17 June 2024 which included discussions on story telling between the representatives of Freedom Park, the Consulate, the visiting authors from South Africa and representatives of the University. This was unprecedented as 3 South African stories adopted into the context of Hong Kong across time were showcased. Participating and in attendance were also Koleka Putuma, author of “No Easy Sunday for Queen” and , Irene Stephanou author of “Meze, Mira and Make up”. The third story was based on the book “My dear madam”, by Ms Gcina Mhlophe.
Other activities during the week included the screening of the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a public lecture on the 30 years of South Africa’s democracy presented by the CEO of Freedom Park, Dr Jane Mufamadi, entertainment by South African musician Tshego Mhlongo , tourism and trade promotion activities including promotion of South African products including tea.
The attendees of the program included students, members of the diplomatic corps, other academic institutions notably the Baptist University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Heritage Museums of Hong Kong, members representing government, business stakeholders, members of the public to mention a few.
The Exhibition was displayed until 31 July 2024 to also honour the legacy of the late President Nelson Mandela during Mandela month.