Resolution of conflict in Ukraine must be durable and lasting

7 March 2021

In his weekly letter, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa writes, "There have been some who have said that in abstaining from the vote condemning Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, South Africa has placed itself on the wrong side of history. Yet, South Africa is firmly on the side of peace at a time when another war is something the world does not need, nor can it afford. The results of these hostilities will be felt globally and for many years to come.

A Financial Catalyst for the Future
China and Rwanda sign an agreement to avoid double taxation and tax evasion

By Ge Lijun
China and Rwanda sign the DTAA in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 7, 2021 (XINHUA)

China and Rwanda signed the Agreement on the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and its affiliated protocol on December 7, 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The goal of this agreement is to make it easier for investors to invest in the two nations by lowering the barriers to entry, while also strengthening commercial ties. According to Rao Hongwei, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, tax cooperation is critical for the healthy and steady growth of bilateral economic and commercial relations.

Adwa an African Victory
Commemorating the 126th Anniversary

7 March 2022

“Prior to the victory at Adwa, Africa was, to the European interest, an object of conquest and domination. This was combined with contempt and racism,” said Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to South Africa, Mr Mulugeta Wuletaw Wodajie at the 126th commemoration of the battle of Adwa.

“Ethiopia has stood for African freedom, African independence, African dignity and African self-respect.” His remarks were a reflection of the current geo politic and the need for unity among African nations by adopting complimentary and conciliatory policies for inter Africa relations.

Launch of the new partnership on the Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme

High Commissioner for Canada Chris Cooter, Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Governance Avril Williamson, German Deputy Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz and GIZ Country Director Thomas Schaef at the launch

4 March 2022

High Commissioner for Canada, His Excellency, Mr Chris Cooter, German Deputy Ambassador, Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, and Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Ms. Avril Williamson participated in the launch of the new partnership on the Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention (VCP) Programme held on the 3rd of March 2022 at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens.

All Aboard

New bus fleet partnership will help transform Zimbabwe’s transport system

Reporting from Zimbabwe by Problem Masau

Golden Dragon buses in Harare, Zimbabwe (Problem Masau)

4 March 2021

It was a parade the likes of which had never been seen in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare.

As its name suggests, Harare is a city that never sleeps or stops moving; but recently it came to a standstill when hundreds of buses drove along one of its main streets, Samora Machel Avenue, for a colorful parade which heralded the dawn of a new transport era.

Kuhluka Movement and South African Royal Princesses Network sign an MoU on Gender Based Violence advocacy

by HRH Stella Sigcau

4 March 2022

The South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) signed an MoU with Kuhluka Movement (KM) cooperating on the GBV Advocacy and Awareness on 25 February 2022 at Mhulu Boutique Hotel in Pretoria, Gauteng. The aim of the MoU is to find ways and means to contribute in the fight against GBV working with Traditional Leaders and rural communities.

Expanding Access to Quality Education

Botswana students excel at schools built with China’s grants

2 March 2022

While the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted education across the world, the impact of school closures has been much worse in developing countries where most pupils lack access to quality education.

It is said that improving access to quality education, particularly in Africa, is the panacea and permanent cure for socio-economic ills on the continent.

1 March 2022

International Mother Language Day is annually celebrated on 21 February to honour the linguistic and cultural diversity in the world. The High Commission of India in South Africa this year hosted the third edition of Mataram where Indian diaspora groups showcased the linguistic culture of their regions through various forms of cultural performances.

Ireland launches Irish Tech Challenge South Africa

Minister Colm Brophy and Ambassador Fionnuala Gilsenan with the panelists

1 March 2022

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa together with the Department of Science and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency launched a new innovation fund to nurture entrepreneurship and technology partnerships between South Africa and Ireland.

The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa aims to encourage mutually beneficial partnerships between leading Irish technology experts and South African entrepreneurs to support innovation, technology development, technology deployment and commercialisation in South Africa.

Russia-South Africa: 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Achievements and Prospects

This year Russia and South Africa celebrate an important anniversary, as on 28 February 1992 our countries have established diplomatic relations. We would like to congratulate our South African friends on this occasion – for thirty years our countries have been walking together on the path of mutual understanding, respect and friendship.

The Time for Women to Lift the Glass Ceiling on Leadership has Come

Nkosikazi Nomandla Dorothy Mhlauli, Chair of the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi San leaders (NHTKL), South African Deputy President David Mabuza and Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, Deputy Chair of NHTKL at the 6th Annual Opening of the NHTKL on 24 February 2022 (Photo: Elmond Jiyane/GCIS)

24 February 2022

“Some men and women still believe that women cannot lead, but the time for women to remove the imaginary limitation has arrived, the time for women to remove the glass ceiling on leadership has come, the time for women to contest positions held by men has come, the time for women to express themselves freely without fear of any contradiction has come, the time for all of us to promote equality is here,” said Nkosikazi Nomandla Dorothy Mhlauli, Chair of the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi San leaders (NHTKL). She was speaking to the Diplomatic Society after being elected as the Chairperson of the NHTKL. She is the first woman to hold this position since the inception of the NHTKL in 1997.