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Dear Reader
Is it just me or has the whole world gone mad? It seems that we have become disorientated by the extraordinary advances in technology, medicine and communication we have achieved. We are boggled by the greater and deeper understanding of the true meaning of life we have attained. It almost seems like we have to act inhumanely to appreciate our humanity.
In 1997 President Nelson Mandela of South Africa shared his idea of an African Asian cooperation that brought about the formation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. It has developed into a constructive multilateral association in the past 25 years and is on track to consolidate relations between member states that share a history that stretch back to ancient times. Egypt, another ancient African civilization celebrates the centennial of its modern Diplomacy, and Ethiopia, another legendary African nation commemorated the 126th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, resisting its colonisation and subjugation.
Women who broke through the glass ceiling were also celebrated in this month of March with a call to break the bias. International Mother Tongue Day focussed on indigenous language and its relation to perspectives and narratives.
Founder and Editor
IORA Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
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IORA celebrated grandly its 25th Anniversary in a hybrid format - in-person in Mauritius and virtually - on 7 March 2022. The celebration included an Official Reception Ceremony and a special dedicated cross-cultural segment.
The Hon. Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail of the Republic of Mauritius graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Delegates from the Diplomatic Missions of IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners, International and Regional Organizations based in Mauritius attended the Silver Jubilee Celebration. H.E. Salman Al Farisi, Secretary General of IORA Chaired the reception ceremony.
A Centennial of Modern Egyptian Diplomacy: Reflections Amidst Uncertainty in our Global Village
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by Ahmed El Fadly, Ambassador of Egypt to South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho
15 March 2022
Today, as we commemorate a centennial of modern Egyptian diplomacy, uncertainty appears to be the prevailing sentiment at this critical juncture of modern history in our “global village”. Overnight, the overwhelming and once alarming news of COVID-19 deadly infections, total lockdowns and lack of ventilators have been replaced by equally disturbing reports of military confrontations, economic sanctions and refugee crises. The specter of war is haunting millions in Europe with current developments in Ukraine. Its ramifications are preoccupying many more across the globe, while the destructive effects of climate change are flooding entire cities thousands of miles away in Australia and elsewhere.
Amidst these dire circumstances, it is quite opportune to reflect on diplomacy as a crucial instrument in the conduct of foreign relations. In fact, it appears to be highly indispensable today to assist in diffusing tensions and in resolving global challenges.
“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.
The Time for Women to Lift the Glass Ceiling on Leadership Has Come
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 Nkosikazi Nomandla Dorothy Mhlauli, Chair of the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi San leaders (NHTKL)
“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.
| Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling |
In keeping with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day which is ‘Break the Bias’ Jennifer Cheng of the Singapore High Commission in South Africa organised and hosted the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) at the Vanessa Gounden flagship store at the Firs in Rosebank, to share in Vanessa’s inspirational story.
Vanessa Gounden is the Creative director and the inspiration behind the brand’s artistry. Her goal, she explained, was to create wearable art and launched her luxury womenswear brand in London in 2011, where she opened her first store in 2015. Her initial range included a Jacaranda print, which has a direct link to the Jacaranda trees that lines the city of Pretoria, also known as the Jacaranda city.
| Kuhluka Movement and South African Royal Princesses Network sign an MoU on Gender Based Violence advocacy |
by HRH Stella Sigcau
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.
Josina Machel the founder of Kuhluka Movement quoting the late Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, in her speech stated that, “culture does not promote GBV" but the reality of today is that some elements of culture have been hijacked by criminal elements. The important question is therefore how can culture be used in the fight against GBV. What happens to those cultural practices that have been hijacked by criminal elements like ukuthwala and ukungenwa. The role of Traditional Leaders in this regard as custodians of culture is imperative. Engagement with communities in this regard is essential, she emphasized.
Launch of the new partnership on the Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme
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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
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.
The high prevalence of interpersonal violence in South Africa, including gender-based violence, is not only a major barrier to human rights and gender equality, but it also poses a threat to stability and social cohesion, and limits the country’s progress in overcoming the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Multi-billion defence industry a core area of Self-Reliant India
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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.
AfriForum and AmaBhele kaJamangile Traditional Council sign agreement on Agriculture
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Seated: Kallie Kriel, CEO of Afriforum, Flip Buys, Chairperson of Afriforum, iNkosi Zwelothando Mabandla and Princess Thembela Mabandla-Lingani, Private Secretary to iNkosi Zwelothando. Standing: Bhelekazi Mabandla, Head of Diplomatic Services, Prince Sivile Mabandla, Barend Uys, Head of Intercultural Cooperation at Afriforum, Mosses Ajuong Gar, Special Advisor DP South Sudan and Prince Mbasa Beja, Special Advisor to iNkosi Zwelothando Mabandla (Photo by Bhelekazi Mabandla)
Representatives from AfriForum and the Office of iNkosi Zwelothando Mabandla who is the Senior Traditional Leader of AmaBhele kaJamangile Traditional Community signed a mutual recognition and cooperation agreement in the area of agriculture on 2 March 2022.
Barend Uys, Head of Intercultural Cooperations at Afriforum explained that the best way to establish good relationships is cooperation on joint projects, to face challenges and achieve success together.
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