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The Complexities of Migration
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 by Dr Matlotleng Matlou
Dr Matlou explores the issue of migration in light of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa in an article titled: Ethnicity, Nationalism, African Renaissance and Global Cosmopolitanism: Prisoner’s Dilemma in managing the complexities of international migration for South Africa.
From time immemorial people have moved temporarily or permanently, voluntarily or forcibly (all relative concepts) to seek better opportunities or escaping persecution and they will continue to do so despite human and natural barriers. The migration process which spread peoples, from the cradle of humankind Africa, across the globe has usually involved losses by individuals and groups in relation to others, much as there are also win win situations. Migrants have engendered spread of knowledge, services and products.
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FOREIGN RELATIONS SPOTLIGHT - Argentina
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 by Anneke Clarke Argentina is synonymous with Maradona and Messi as well as the racy dance of tango. What is less known is that this South American country is the eight-largest country in the world with a total area of approximately 2.8 million square kilometres, which is double the size of South Africa. Argentina has a population of a little over 40 million people with about 80 per cent of them living in the urban areas such as Buenos Aires.
Argentinian Ambassador to South Africa H.E. R. Carlos Sersale di Cerisano describes his country as “a country of immigration...For example in Buenos Aires in 1905, two thirds of the population were foreigners. This has created cultural diversity and social mobility because it is a country that is used to and still is accustomed to receiving foreigners. About seven million tourists visit Argentina each year. That is an important number because we are far; travelling from Europe is 14 hours and from the US it is 11 hours although we are in the same time zone.”
Singapore turns 50
 The High Commission of Singapore in Pretoria hosted a reception to celebrate Singapore’s 50th year of nationhood. Mr Bernard Baker, High Commissioner of Singapore welcomed T’ang Quartet, Singapore’s premier string quartet, to the celebration who delighted guests with their artful blend of East and West, seamlessly reinterpreting classical work for contemporary fans while appealing to traditional audiences. Pictured with T'ang Quartet are High Commissioner Bernard Baker and Susan Baker.
100 Years of ANZAC
 100 years of ANZAC was commemorated at Freedom Park in Tshwane, South Africa to pay respect to and to remember those who died in the Dardanelles campaign of World War I. The dawn service began with a lament from the bagpipes. A requiem was performed by Mr Richard Mann, High Commissioner of New Zealand to South Africa. Mr Adam McCarthy, High Commissioner designate addressed the audience and Mr Kerem Yilmaz, Deputy Ambassador of Turkey delivered a reading of the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Mr Ben Playle, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia recited a poem and the children of the Australian High Commission recited the 'Ode of Remembrance'
South African Freedom Day celebrated in Japan
 In celebrating its National Day, the Embassy in Tokyo, through its ‘20th Anniversary of Freedom School Essay Writing Competition’, invited Japanese high school students in the Tokyo region to express their views on topics around what South Africa’s 20 years of freedom means. Pictured (l-r) 1st prize winner Karin Hiramatsu, Ambassador Mohau Pheko of South Africa in Japan, 3rd prize winner Kyoko Ishiguro, Ms Nosicelo Mbele, Minister Plenipotentiary of South Africa and 2nd prize winner Hikaru Ito.
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Thailand - Precious Gem of the East
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Discovering Thainess was the program organized by Deputy Head of Mission Surasak Suparat of Thailand to South Africa and Pahwinnee Chansamran, First Secretary, to give South African media a deeper insight into the history, culture and traditions of a nation that has never been colonised.
Thailand is located in the heart of ASEAN (Association for South East Asian Nations). This elephant head shaped country is bordered by Myanmar and Laos in the north, by Cambodia in the east and Malaysia in the south.
The abundant water resources and extensive coastline together with its tropical climate makes it fertile ground for exotic fruit, vegetables, fauna, flora and a cornucopia of marine life.
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The Pretoria Diplomatic Association (PDA) hosted its annual dinner in fine style in Pretoria. ‘Your Red Carpet PDA Gala Dinner Dance Affair’ was attended by diplomats, government officials and local businesses who arrived in elegant attire and partied the night away.
The Pretoria Diplomatic Association is governed by a board of 12, represented by diplomats from different Embassies. Through the events that they organize, they raise money for various charities, their main recipient being the children at the Mohau orphanage.
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