A Celebration of Cyprus in South Africa
by Anisha Pemjee
28 October 2024
A vibrant, colourful event marked the celebration of Cyprus national day in Pretoria, South Africa. High Commissioner of Cyprus Antonis Mandritis said that the relations between Cyprus and South Africa began even before the Independence of Cyprus in 1960 and the establishment of the new Democratic South Africa. Cypriots arrived in South Africa at the beginning of the 20th Century looking for a better future.
There are currently over 25,000 Cypriots living in South Africa. Deputy Director-General at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Adv Shireen Said and High Commissioner Mandritis agreed that it is this large and influential community who are an important political and economic link and who enhance people-to people relations between the two countries. The tourism and education sectors are of significance.
Shireen Said said that South Africa and Cyprus cooperate significantly in multilateral institutions and share a mutual interest in working together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter. Reflecting on the current state of the globe and the conflicts raging on in many parts of the world, Mandritis agreed that the solution is simply the implementation of the principles of the International Law and the Charter of the United Nations.
“The same applies to Cyprus – the Northern part of the Island, which is still occupied by Turkey since 1974, and for this reason, we shall continue our efforts for the re-unification of the Island despite the difficulties and the negative stance of the other side.
“Cyprus holds the chair of the Presidency of MED9 and in this context, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing key challenges in the Mediterranean region,” said Mandritis
Interestingly, Cyprus significantly contributed to the formation of the ancient and modern world through its philosophers who advocated for the ideals of democracy, justice, freedom and peace.
Mandritis cited three philososphers, Zeno, Demonex and Altheides. Zeno of Citium, a Hellenistic Philosopher from Citium Cyprus was the founder of the Stoic School of Philosophy. Based on the moral ideas of the Cynics, Stoicism laid great emphasis on goodness and peace of mind gained from living a life of virtue in accordance with nature.
Demonex was also a great cynical Philosopher, who lived and made a career in Athens during the 2nd Century AD. He was motivated by his love for philosophy and for higher values. He established himself free and spent his life living as an upright and an exceptional individual.
Altheides turned up in historical records with the founding of his school of Philosophy in Jerusalem in 1226 BC under the rule of al-Kamil, the nephew of Saladin and ruler of Jerusalem.
Guests at the venue in Irene, which included many Cypriots, were treated to the beautiful sounds of the very talented Kopano Chorus Choir who also delivered a beautiful rendition of South Africa’s anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Harvest tables were overflowing with delectable cuisine, both Cypriot and South African, for all to enjoy.
