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by Honourable Prime Minister of India
1 December 2022
Today, India commences its G20 Presidency.
The previous 17 Presidencies of the G20 delivered significant results - for ensuring macro-economic stability, rationalising international taxation, relieving debt-burden on countries, among many other outcomes. We will benefit from these achievements, and build further upon them.
However, as India assumes this important mantle, I ask myself - can the G20 go further still? Can we catalyse a fundamental mindset shift, to benefit humanity as a whole?
I believe we can.
Our mindsets are shaped by our circumstances. Through all of history, humanity lived in scarcity. We fought for limited resources, because our survival depended on denying them to others. Confrontation and competition - between ideas, ideologies and identities - became the norm.
Unfortunately, we remain trapped in the same zero-sum mindset even today. We see it when countries fight over territory or resources. We see it when supplies of essential goods are weaponised. We see it when vaccines are hoarded by a few, even as billions remain vulnerable.
Some may argue that confrontation and greed are just human nature. I disagree. If humans were inherently selfish, what would explain the lasting appeal of so many spiritual traditions that advocate the fundamental one-ness of us all?
Mauritania Celebrates 62nd Anniversary of Independence
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Ambassador Jarr Inalla of Mauritania and Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane raising a toast
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania which became a self-governing territory in 1958 and gained full independence from French colonial rule on 28th November 1960, is a country in Northwest Africa. At a reception marking the 62nd anniversary of Independence, Ambassador Jarr Inalla of Mauritania to South Africa said, “We have since, as a free nation, been crafting our way out of underdevelopment towards steady progress and betterment, thanks to deep inspiration from our past, clear understanding of our present, and conscious vision for our future.”
Mauritania is named after the Almoravid Empire that was established in the north western corner of Africa, lapped by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and sharing borders with the countries of Senegal, Western Sahara, Mali and Algeria and is part of the Maghreb and the Sahel region. Mauritania is also a member of the Arab League as well as the African Union.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was guest of honour at the independence celebrations. She said, "South Africa and Mauritania were among the first African countries to have deposited instruments for the ratification of the African Free Trade Area to the Secratariat and as such our countries have a responsibility to play an important role in implementing this treaty to the fullest.
Congo - Land of Opportunities
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Ambassador of Congo Chantal Maryse Itoua-Apoyolo with Ambassador Fadl Nacerodien, Chief-Director North and Central Africa in DIRCO (l) and Sylvere Youmbah, Attache, Embassy of Congo (r)
The Republic of Congo was proclaimed a Republic on 28 November 1958, following a decision of the territorial parliament, through a referendum held 2 months earlier, on 28 September. At a celebration of the 64th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Congo and the 62nd Anniversary of the Independence in Pretoria Ambassador of Congo Chantal Maryse Itoua-Apoyolo said, “Congo remains a nation at work, where foreign investors and partnerships are warmly welcomed.”
The Republic of Congo is located along the equator in Central Africa and is bordered in the north by Cameroon and the Central African Republic; in the west by Gabon; in the East by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and by Angola in the southwest.
“The Republic of Congo has embarked on a drive for the diversification of our economy, intended to reduce our reliance on oil revenues, knowing that we are the 6th producer of crude oil on the Continent,” said Itoua-Apoyolo. “In this regard, the latest National Development Plan for the years 2022 to 2026 aims at consolidating a strong, multisectoral and resilient economy, for inclusive and sustainable growth. This program is supported by 6 pillars, namely: Agriculture, Tourism, Infrastructure, ICT, Manufacturing and Special Economic Zones."
Stenin Photo Exhibition and Movie Night
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Russian Ambassador Ilya Rogachev and Dr Zweli Mkhize (MP and former Minister of Health) viewing the Exhibition
The annual Andrei Stenin photo exhibition was hosted by the Russian Embassy in Pretoria at the Capital Hotel School where almost 100 photos were exhibited. The photographs of the young, aspiring photo journalists told a story about so many parts of the world and the devastation caused by climate change. The evening also included the screening of the sports drama ‘Legend Number 17’ dedicated to an outstanding Soviet ice hockey player Valery Kharlamov, his career and the much talked about first match of the 1972 USSR-Canada Super Series as part of ‘Russian Movie Night.’
This year the first two prizes in the Andrei Stenin photo contest was awarded to ‘Shield Wall’ and ‘Just Numb’. 'Shield Wall', captured by Guatemalan photographer Esteban Biba, tells about the clashes between the country’s law enforcement officers and the migrant caravan from Honduras in the village of Vado Hondo in January 2021. The migrants were trying to cross Guatemala to reach the United States. Most members of the caravan left their country after the storms Eta and Iota devastated their communities.
Chinese Embassy Awards for South African students
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Ambassador Chen Xiaodong and Deputy Minister Buti Manamelapictured with the Chinese Ambassador’s Award winners (photo: Embassy of China in SA)
“A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive,” stated General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in a report of the 20th CPC National Congress in October. He said that the younger generation “should aim high but stay grounded, dare to think big and take action but make sure you can deliver. You should strive to be the new era’s great young generation, a generation with ideals, a sense of responsibility, grit, and dedication.”
An essay contest on the Theme of “Xi Jinping’s Thoughts through South African University Students’ Eyes” hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa attracted 230 submissions on a wide range of topics including poverty alleviation, governance philosophy, ecological conservation, a community with a shared future for mankind, and BRICS cooperation. Ambassador Chen Xiaodong of China to South Africa hosted the Awards Ceremony for the winners on 12 November. Of the 58 winners, seven contestantsreceived the honour of the Chinese Ambassador’s Award.
Historical Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan
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The overwhelming victory of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paves a way towards progress for the Land of Great Steppe
By Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev casting his vote
The recent Kazakhstani presidential election, held on 20 November 2022 was a historically significant event for our country. This election marks another milestone in what has been one of the most transformative periods in the country’s modern history.
As you may know, incumbent President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev first announced a proposal to hold the snap presidential election in His Excellency’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on 1 September 2022. He explained that for the successful implementation of radical and comprehensive reforms aimed at building a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, a new mandate of trust of the people is required.
Those who have been following this year the events in Kazakhstan closely, are probably aware of the said reforms. Nevertheless, allow me to very briefly remind you of the changes that took place in Kazakhstan since the beginning of the year 2022.
Kazakhstan experienced significant challenges this January, which were a catalyst for the transformation that our country is experiencing since then. Our President used this crisis to implement major positive changes. Indeed, as Albert Einstein said once, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”.
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