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Unstoppable Olympians, more harmony less security
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As the Olympic flame is passed on from Rio 2016 to Tokyo 2020, it seems that a shift in paradigm has taken place. This celebration of human achievement in which 11 thousand athletes competed in 42 sporting disciplines in over 300 events in 19 days has ushered in a renewed energy and faith.
The sporting talent is obvious only because of the dedication, commitment and perseverance of the athletes. Bureaucrats and administrators also received accolades for creating a platform for athletes to perform at their best, with many setting new personal best and world records.
The emotional investment in the Olympic Games is beyond material measure, gracious yet disappointed in defeat, joy and humility in victory and the euphoric reward in setting a new benchmark.
The personalities and characters on and off the field, the fans and ordinary people able join in and express their feelings as social media platforms are awash with posts make the games a true reflection of human competitiveness.
It is the clearest indication that a realisation that harmony creates greater prosperity is taking hold as the world grows weary of suicide bombers, military drones, laser guided bombs and a convoluted notion of security.
Photo: twitter.com/Rio2016_en
The Embassy of Sweden in collaboration with FADA at the University of Johannesburg and the Commission for Gender Equality hosted the opening of the photographic awards Exhibition at the University of Johannesburg campus. The Photo Exhibition is titled “Gender Equality Today”.
The photos on display were the finalists from the contest organized by the Embassy of Sweden at the beginning of this year, a contest that generated more than 250 amazing contributions. The finalists were chosen by an expert panel including representatives from the CGE, the Swedish government and the arts and photography community of South Africa.
Photo: Chargé d'Affaires of Sweden, Mrs. Karin Hernmarck-Ahliny pictured with the winner, Sune de Wet
In welcoming guests to the Exhibition, Chargé d'Affaires of Sweden, Mrs. Karin Hernmarck-Ahliny said, “This photo exhibition includes photos that are beautiful and powerful in their own right, but we also hope that they will help us in finding ways to discuss, debate and understand both what we have already achieved, and, more importantly, what the challenges are ahead of us, and how we all, jointly, can tackle them.”
Central African Republic
56th Independence of the Central African Republic
Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke of the Central African Republic and Deputy Minister Godfrey Oliphant of Mineral Resources of SA raising a toast at the national day celebration hosted in Pretoria, South Africa.
Egypt
64th Anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution
Ambassador Sherif Naguib of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Pretoria pictured with Mr Chris Hlabisa, Acting Director-General of the Department of Transport of SA at the reception marking the 64th anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of the 23rd of July, 1952.
India
70th Independence Day of India
Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, High Commissioner of India in South Africa and Minister Van Rooyen of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs of South Africa toasting to India’s Independence.
Jamaica
54th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence
High Commissioner Cheryl Spencer of Jamaica and Minister Susan Shabangu toasting to Jamaica's Independence. Photo: Shaun Earl Harris, Afrika Moves
The reception was to celebrate Emancipation Day which is celebrated on 1 August every year, Independence Day which is celebrated on 6 August every year and a special celebration of Jamaica as a sprinting superpower.
Singapore
51st Anniversary of the Republic of Singapore
High Commissioner of Singapore, Mr CHUA Thai-Keong hosted a reception to celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the National Day of Singapore. He is pictured with Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Deputy Minister of Social Development of South Africa.
