SA, Lesotho Cooperate on Local Government, Disaster Management

Ministers Dr Dlamini Zuma, and her counterpart from Lesotho, Moshe Leoma at the signing ceremony (GCIS)

30 August 2022

South Africa and Lesotho have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of decentralisation and local government. The MoU was signed by SA Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Dr Dlamini Zuma, and her counterpart from Lesotho, Moshe Leoma, during a ceremony in Pretoria.

A Historic Mission

A scholar devotes himself to opening a new window for Chinese people to know the real Africa

By Xia Yuanyuan

29 August 2022

Li Xinfeng and African journalists pose for a photo with former South African President Nelson Mandela on June 1, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa

Back in 1405, a huge fleet consisting of 208 ships set sail in the ocean. The commander of this fleet was Zheng He, a famous Chinese admiral. Carrying porcelain, silk, tea and other numerous treasures from China, the fleet passed through the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, traversed the Indian Ocean and docked in many countries along the way.

MOWCA visits Togo’s Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection

by ORU Leonard

24 August 2022

The Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection, Mr Edem Kokou Tengue received in audience Dr Paul Adalikwu, the Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), on 22nd August, 2022.

An integrated Africa - 30 years of Korea and South Africa

Ambassador Chull-Joo Park of Korea addressing delegates

25 August 2022

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in December 1992, the Republic of Korea and South Africa have signed 16 bilateral agreements covering cooperation in sectors such as air transport, protection of investments, taxation, science and technology, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, ICT, vocational training and energy. In 30 years, relations have strengthened in all aspects which has seen South Africa become Korea’s largest trading partner on the continent with trade volumes reaching over US$ 2 billion. This trend has continued its upward trend despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the geo-politic instability of recent months.

Recover Faster, Rise Stronger – Indonesia at 77

Pictured (l-r) Ebrahim Patel, Indonesian Honorary Consul in Durban, Sindisiwe Chikunga, SA Deputy Minister of Transport and Victor J Sambuaga, Chargé d’Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy

25 August 2022

This year Indonesia celebrates its 77th anniversary of Independence. Victor J Sambuaga, Chargé d’Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria was happy to host a celebration after two years of interruption dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. For Indonesia, this year is all about getting back on track and so they have come up with a national slogan for this year’s commemoration - “pulih lebih cepat, bangkit lebih kuat” – meaning ‘recover faster, rise stronger’.

Food for thought – TICAD8 in Tunisia

21 August 2022

Food, in all its facets, is the pivot of the fulcrum that economics, society, peace and stability revolve around. At a press briefing on TICAD 8, the Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development, which is set to take place in Tunis, Tunisia from 27-28 August, was hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Miyashita Tadayuki, Deputy Director-General Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr Kato Ryuichi, Vice-President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) laid out the framework for the eighth instalment of the conference which was first held in 1993 in Tokyo.

19 August 2022

“….the Golden age of Indian sport has just begun!” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Contingent of athletes who had participated in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games. India finished fourth on the medals table. As India concludes its 75th year of Independence from almost 200 years of British colonial rule, it has made remarkable strides and is today one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Celebrating India’s Independence in Pretoria, High Commissioner Jaideep Sarkar quipped at chief guest South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, “we promise to share some of the secrets of the IPL and how to defeat England in upcoming test matches if you promise to teach us Rugby!”

SADC elects new leadership at 42nd Ordinary Summit

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in a family photo at SADC’s 42nd Ordinary Summit held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (photo: Elmond Jiyane)

18 August 2022

The 42nd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has elected the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, as chairperson of SADC.

Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has been elected as the incoming chairperson of SADC.

One-China Principle Must Be Respected

Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to China’s Taiwan region is raising tensions across Taiwan Strait

By Kirtan Bhana

18 August 2022

A rocket is launched during the joint combat training exercises of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army around the Taiwan Island on August 4 (XINHUA)

The condemnation by the international community of the visit of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to China’s Taiwan region shows how the U.S. has muddled its foreign policy. The Chinese Government has, through various channels, sternly and categorically communicated that this visit would be regarded as a provocative and defiant act that flagrantly violates the United Nations recognition of one-China principle, with Taiwan as an integral part of China. The visit is contradictory to the U.S.’ own acceptance of the one-China policy when diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. were established in 1979.

A Green and Sustainable Gabon

By Ambassador Andre William Anguile of Gabon to South Africa

Gabon is committed to the preservation of its biodiversity and the struggle against climate change

17 August 2022

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of Gabon’s Independence.

Gabon and South Africa have been enjoying excellent and ever increasing relations since Presidents Nelson Mandela and Omar Bongo Ondimba decided to make of this fraternal bilateral link an example for the rest of the continent. Today, South Africa is a reliable partner for the Gabonese Republic, but of course more needs to be accomplished in the near future, most notably in the quest for green energy solutions, climate change, ecotourism and sustainable mining.

Ruto elected Kenya's new President

South Africa’s Message on the Kenyan General Elections held on 9 August 2022

17 August 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has conveyed his congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto for his victory in the elections of 9 August 2022 to become the next President of Kenya.

These elections marked the third General and the fourth Presidential election held in Kenya since the 2010 constitutional referendum.