The unknown story of Valliamma Munuswami Mudliar, a South African heroine

The Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, in association with the Tamil Federation Of Gauteng, commemorated the 108th death anniversary of Valliamma Munuswami Mudliar at Braamfontein Cemetery on 20 February 2022. Indian Consul General Anju Ranjan stressed the need to remember the sacrifices of these courageous unsung heroes. (CGI Joburg)

by Selvan Naidoo and Kiru Naidoo

22 February 2022

The telling of a truly inclusive South African history can only be complete when the names of Valliamma Munuswami Mudliar, Sara ‘Saartjie’ Baartman, Charlotte Maxeke, Dorothy Nyembe, Phila Ndwandwe, Poomanie Moodley, Harriet Bolton, Victoria Mxenge are known to the majority of South Africans. Until their sacrifices are acknowledged and commemorated for the freedoms we enjoy today can we claim that our work as historians, archivists, filmmakers, journalists and writers is done.

International Mother Language Day

Image: pixabay.com

21 February 2022

The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.

UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.

Multi-billion defence industry a core area of Self-Reliant India

21 February 2022

In terms of sheer size, India's 1,5 million defence forces give it great world rankings: Third for the Army, the Air Force coming in at number four and the seventh largest Navy in the world. The human figures are matched by equally impressive backing in terms of financials as well as military hardware and software.

Recognising the growing demand in the Defence sector spurred by increasing global and internal security concerns, the Government of India has identified the Defence Industry as one of the core areas of focus towards ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ or Self-Reliant India.

Key Technologies Currently Exported

17 February 2022

On the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the 28 year relations of South Africa and Iran, Mr Mahdi Agha Jafari, Ambassador of Iran to South Africa announced that planning is underway for the visit of President Ebrahim Raisi to South Africa which will take place this year. Ambassador Jafari was speaking at the opening of a seminar at Freedom Park in Pretoria, in the City of Tshwane, to mark February 10th, the National Day of Iran.

Ottoman Consul General reburied in Johannesburg

Ayşegül Kandaş, Ambassador of Turkey(l) with Bey’s granddaughter, Mignon Gatcke and her spouse

16 February 2022

This year marks the 106th commemoration of the passing away of the last Ottoman Consul General, Mehmet Remzi Bey in Johannesburg. The reburial of his mortal remains took place during a solemn ceremony at Braamfontein Cemetery on 18 January and his restored original tombstone was unveiled on 14 February 2022.

Ms Ayşegül Kandaş, Ambassador of Turkey to South Africa talked about the life and achievements of the Ottoman diplomat.

43rd Anniversary of the Iran Revolution

10 February 2022

Today we have arrived at this day through years of dedication and sacrifice. Our revolution in 1979 strived to return to the people the right to choose their destiny in how best to participate in political, economic, and social make-up of their own country. I’m sure South Africa share the very same emotions of joy and excitement, when remembering their victory in 1994.

In this respect, self-reliance and progress in education, agricultural and industrial products and advancements in areas of Nano-technology, Aerospace, water management, civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in particular healthcare and clean energy are very paramount. Data and statistics released by credited international institutes also indicate the comprehensive progress and development of Iran, in particular in the scientific and technological areas.

Awareness, education, empowerment key to fighting Gender Based Violence: Royal Princesses speak out

by HRH Stella Sigcau

South African Royal Princesses gathered on 5 February 2022 at Baphiring Game Lodge, Mabalstad, North West for the North West South African Royal Princess Network Gender based Violence awareness program

10 February 2022

South African Royal Princesses from various parts of the country gathered on 5 February 2022 at Baphiring Game Lodge in Mabaalstad for the Gender Based Violence (GBV) activation program organised by the North West Province, South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN).

The coordinator of the program Princess Lerato Mabalane informed that key to fighting GBV is to create awareness, educate on GBV and empowerment as socio economic conditions can lead to women staying in abusive relationships. Women need to be empowered to be independent and take charge of their lives, she said.

Unisa International Strings competition ends on a high note

Pictured (l-r) Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa Prof Puleng LenkaBula, winners Mark Lewandowski and Bryan Cheng, Former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki and Director of Unisa Music Foundation Prof Karen Devroop

8 February 2022

Unisa has been presenting international music competitions since 1982, including piano, strings, voice, flute, clarinet and organ.

This year the opening ceremony of the 6th Unisa International Strings competition took place on 24 January 2022 with a performance by the Unisa Big Band. Jazz and classical strings players from over 20 countries competed in this year’s edition which was livestreamed.

President Xi Jinping's address at the Opening Ceremony of the 139th IOC Session

4 February 2022

President Xi extended a warm welcome to IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC members who have gathered in Beijing, the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, during the Spring Festival, and held the 139th IOC Session.

President Xi pointed out that the world today, under the combined impact of changes unseen in a hundred years and a once-in-a-century pandemic, is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation and facing multiple challenges to humanity.

Sri Lanka celebrates National Independence Day amidst economic challenges

By Kelum Bandara

4 February 2022

Sri Lanka celebrates its National Independence Day today (February 4) on a grand scale as usual amidst unprecedented economic challenges confronting the nation.

The Indian Ocean island nation gained Independence from colonial rule on February 4, 1948. Beaten by the pandemic, the country is grappling with the worst ever economic challenges in its post –independence era.

The shortage of foreign exchange has compelled the country to reach out to the regional countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China for credit arrangements even to buy food, fuel and pharmaceuticals.