Cultural exchange unites diverse cultures

by HRH Stella Sigcau

25 May 2022

Diverse cultures converged at the Korean Culture Centre on 20 May 2022 to attend an event co-hosted by the Korean Culture Centre and South African Royal Princesses Network themed, “connecting cultures through cultural exchange”. In attendance were members of the Diplomatic corps and members of the South African Royal Princesses Network from across the country. Dignitaries included the Founder of the Diplomatic Society Mr Kirtan Bhana and the CEO of Freedom Park, Ms Jane Mufumadi. Various Kingdoms and nations were represented including Venda, Tsonga, Thembu, Rharhabe, Mpondo, Swati, Shangaan, Ndebele Zulu, Pedi, Tswana.

Health and Prosperity on Africa Day

Message of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day on 25 May 2022

Fellow Africans,

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Continent and in the Diaspora,

On this day of celebration of Africa Day, I am very pleased to express my wishes of health and prosperity to each and every one of you, whether you are from the Islands or the Diaspora.

The date of May 25 has a double evocative power. On the memorial level, it takes us back to the youthful freshness of the first moments of the OAU. At the geopolitical and institutional level, it constantly questions our individual and collective capacity to build the Africa then dreamed of by our founding fathers.

SA and Germany commit to improved bilateral relations

President Cyril Ramaphosa holds a tête-à-tête with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany during an official visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane (Photo: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS)

24 May 2022

The Federal Republic of Germany has committed to support South Africa’s efforts towards industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation as laid out in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. President Cyril Ramaphosa told this to the media following bilateral talks with his German Counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

The two Statesmen earlier engaged in a tête-à-tête where they discussed a number of issues of bilateral and international concern, including ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy and climate change, trade and investment, and responses to COVID-19 and vaccine demand.

World Food Festival

24 May 2022

The World Food Festival will take place from 30 May to 3 June 2022 at the Korean Cultural Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria. Register to experience the food and culture from Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and Sri Lanka.

Register here

South Africa and Liberia are Natural Strategic Partners

Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay of South Africa with Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia at the Presentation Ceremony of his Letter of Credence

19 May 2022

Speech by Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay of South Africa, at the Presentation Ceremony of his Letter of Credence to H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia on 17 May 2022

Your Excellency Respected President Dr George Manneh Weah Sr.,

Today, I have the honour to present to Your Excellency the Letter of Credence from His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa by which His Excellency appoints me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Liberia. I also present the letter of recall of my late predecessor, Comrade Ambassador Zindziswa Nobutho Mandela, the loved daughter of our revered statesman, Tata President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Nardos Bekele-Thomas new CEO of African Union Development Agency-NEPAD

18 May 2022

Bekele-Thomas is the first woman to lead the African Union’s development agency. She was appointed and endorsed as the new Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD by the African Union Heads of State and Government during the Thirty-Fifth Ordinary Session of the African Union summit, in February 2022. She succeeds Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki as CEO of AUDA-NEPAD.

Sharing for Inspiration

CPC and African parties increase cross-party exchanges in many areas

By Ge Lijun

17 May 2022

Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, at the virtual meeting on March 29 (IDCPC)

When Michel Philippe Nze visited China some years ago as part of a party-to-party exchange program, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen left an indelible mark on him. As the second deputy secretary general of the Gabonese Democratic Party (GDP), he ultimately found the key to China’s rapid development through his visits: the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership.

The Sultan's Delight

Ambassador Ayşegül Kandaş, translator Sharon Tshabangu and Chef Burhanettin Doğan

17 May 2022

Mediterranean food, some say, is the best in the world. Turkish cuisine has over the years been influenced by its neighbours and in turn it has also influenced the region. On Saturday morning we had the pleasure of watching Chef Burhanettin Doğan of the Turkish Embassy conjure up delectable Turkish meals at Capsicum Cullinary School in Rosebank. Even better, we participated in the tasting of these dishes which really tantalised the tastebuds.

The main dish that was prepared by Doğan was Hünkar Beğendi, or Sultan’s delight as it is widely known. Ambassador Ayşegül Kandaş of Turkey explained that this dish was first created at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, for the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV.

Condolences book opened for Shereen Abu Akleh at Palestine Embassy in Pretoria

16 May 2022

Today, the Embassy of the State of Palestine concluded a three-day signing of a condolences book opened by the Embassy in memory of pioneer and veteran Palestinian journalist Shereen Abu Akleh, who was assassinated by the Israeli Occupation Forces last Wednesday.

Ambassador Hanan Jarrar of Palestine and the Embassy staff received the distinguished Heads of Missions, representatives from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, political leaders and South American and Palestinian citizens who arrived at the Embassy in Pretoria to sign the book.

Poland celebrates 3 May Constitution Day

Pictured (l-r) Ambassador of Poland, Andrzej Kanthak, Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane and Minister Lindiwe Zulu

On May 5, 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria solemnly celebrated the National Day of the 3 May Constitution. On 3 May 1791, Poland adopted the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world. It reflected the ideals of enlightenment, law, freedoms and religious tolerance, becoming one of the most significant symbols of Polish statehood and independence.