Eid al-Adha - A Celebration of Devotion, Sacrifice, and Solidarity

By Kirtan Bhana, Editor, The Diplomatic Society

10 June 2025

On the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Faisal Al Harbi, hosted a reception in Pretoria on 9 June 2025 to mark one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar which was observed on June 7. The gathering brought together diplomats, faith leaders, civil society representatives, and prominent South African figures, including Dr. Naledi Pandor, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in a spirit of unity, faith, and global fraternity.

Promoting Dialogue Among Civilizations to Build a Better World

Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China at the Event to Celebrate The International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations

June 10, 2025 is the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations of the United Nations. I am delighted to celebrate this special day together with friends all over the world.

Empowering Tradition, Shaping the Future: The Launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network 

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

9 June 2025

In a resounding affirmation of South Africa’s rich traditional heritage and the central role of women in reshaping the future of the continent, the official launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) took place at Freedom Park, Pretoria on 31 May 2025 — a venue steeped in the symbolism of history, healing, and the continuing struggle to correct the colonial narrative. This historic occasion marked a significant moment for African identity, womanhood, and indigenous knowledge systems, as the nation finds its voice amid a rapidly shifting global paradigm.

RUSSIA–UKRAINE AND THE FUTILITY OF MODERN WAR 
A Mirror to Humanity’s Moral Crisis
By Kirtan Bhana

9 June 2025

In an era defined by breathtaking technological progress, instant global communication, and boundless access to knowledge, it is nothing short of tragic that war remains one of humanity’s most persistent expressions of power. The Russia–Ukraine conflict, now a grinding and protracted geopolitical disaster, is not just a regional issue—it is a global indictment of how deeply broken our systems of diplomacy, truth, and leadership truly are.

RUSSIA–UKRAINE AND THE FUTILITY OF MODERN WAR 
A Mirror to Humanity’s Moral Crisis
By Kirtan Bhana

9 June 2025

In an era defined by breathtaking technological progress, instant global communication, and boundless access to knowledge, it is nothing short of tragic that war remains one of humanity’s most persistent expressions of power. The Russia–Ukraine conflict, now a grinding and protracted geopolitical disaster, is not just a regional issue—it is a global indictment of how deeply broken our systems of diplomacy, truth, and leadership truly are.

China committed to building South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship, cooperation: report

BEIJING, 9 June 2025 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Sunday released a report highlighting China's commitment to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

SA to participate in Ministerial Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference

6 June 2025

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande is set to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Second Ministerial Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference in China next week. “The Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference presents South Africa with a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in key technology areas such as artificial intelligence, future energy, transport systems, and traditional medicines.”

Extreme winter weather expected to start this weekend

6 June 2025

A particularly intense cut-off low system, associated with severe and extreme winter weather, is expected to affect South Africa in the coming days. It will persist until at least the middle of next week over the eastern provinces, said the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The weather service indicated that this system will begin affecting the Western and Northern Cape early on Saturday morning, 7 June 2025.

South Africa and Finland launch groundbreaking Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme

6 June 2025
   
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, today launched the South African leg of the South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme. This pioneering initiative, co-implemented by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aims to empower a new generation of peacebuilders to advance global conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

Economic Watch: China's equipment renewal program effectively drives domestic demand

 
BEIJING, 6 June 2025 (Xinhua) -- Since the beginning of the year, Jiangsu Tengsheng Textile Technology Group Co., Ltd. has been a hub of activity. Their participation in a national initiative has set the textile manufacturer on a promising path for a brighter future.

China's policy synergy sustains growth, stabilizes employment

BEIJING, 6 June 2025 (Xinhua) -- Amid mounting global uncertainties and a complex external environment, China is reinforcing its commitment to high-quality development to bolster economic stability and resilience.