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Democracy for Better Development
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(l-r) Moderator Liao Ping, Ni Yanshuo, Mondi Hlatshwayo, Kirtan Bhana and Qin Xiaoshun at the forum (WANG XI)
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, and thus, this year’s national sessions of the NPC and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which are commonly known in Chinese as lianghui, have aroused more attention in the world. The two sessions will open in Beijing on 5 March and 4 March respectively.
On 24 February, the China-Africa Media Forum: China’s NPC and Whole-Process People’s Democracy was held in Pretoria, South Africa. Chinese and South African experts and scholars elaborated China’s NPC system and its whole-process people’s democracy.
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Korea-Africa Summit to Explore Synergies
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Interview with Ambassador Dong-han Yang of the Republic of Korea to South Africa
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Ambassador Dong-han Yang (photo: TDS)
Ambassador Dong-han Yang of the Republic of Korea (ROK) arrives in South Africa to take up his post at a most exciting and pivotal time on the continent as Korea gears up to host the first ever Korea-Africa Summit this year. South Africans will be going to the polls this year for the 7th general elections since its transformation to a constitutional democracy and its inaugural election in 1994, 30 years ago. These milestones coincide with Ambassador Yang’s own 30th anniversary of joining the Korean Foreign Ministry.
In this web exclusive interview with The Diplomatic Society (TDS), Ambassador Yang shares the vision of Korea, whose own history is about the triumph of a people who showed resolve and resilience after the devastation of war.
TDS: Briefly describe the narrative of the Republic of Korea considering the current transformation of the global geo-politic and socio-economic situation and what vision does Korea want to share.
Bob Marley - the Messenger becomes the Message
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 High Commissioner of Jamaica, Joan Thomas Edwards and Mr Albert Edwards at the premiere of the Movie 'Bob Marley: One Love' in Pretoria (photo: supplied)
by Kirtan Bhana - TDS
Robert Nesta Marley was born on 6 February 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica, to Cedella Booker, who worked on a plantation, and Norval Marley, a British Naval officer. His journey from humble beginnings on this Caribbean island to becoming a larger-than-life global icon in his 36 years on this planet is legendary and continues to inspire, four decades after his passing.
The recently released biopic "One Love" can only capture the poignant moments of Marley’s life and portray the essence of a life that transcends the sublime. Even British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, known for his versatility in acting, stated that this was his most challenging role yet. Considering the history and time period of Bob Marley’s life, the world had just reached a peace agreement that ended the Second World War, triggering momentum for a change in the world order. The people of Jamaica, like those in other colonies around the world, rose up against British imperialism and gained independence in 1962 when Bob Marley was 17 years old.
Navigating the Seas of Global Diplomacy - A Glimpse into IORA, BRICS, and the Rise of the Global South
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Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs of India pictured with Ajay Sooklal, The Diplomatic Society, during her recent visit to South Africa (photo supplied)Â
The Indian Ocean, with its rich history and vital importance in global trade, has long been a nexus of cultural exchange and economic activity. Recognizing its significance, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is central to international cooperation and collaboration among the nations bordering this vast expanse of water. Led by President Ranil Wickramasinghe of Sri Lanka, the current presidency of IORA, the organization aims to harness the potential of the Indian Ocean for the benefit of its member states.
President Wickramasinghe, speaking at the International Oceans Conference held in Australia earlier this year, emphasized the interconnectedness of IORA member states and the importance of leveraging this connectivity for mutual growth and prosperity. Events, such as the World Trade Organization meeting currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE, a member of the IORA troika, played a pivotal role, underscore the organization's growing influence on the global stage.
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February 2014 in Ukraine: point of no return
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Independence Square in Kiev, 2014 (RIA Novosti/Andrei Stenin)
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by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Ilya Rogachev
10 years ago, far-right radical forces seized power in Kiev, finalizing what became known as ‘Euromaidan’ – 3-month-long public protests, supported from outside of Ukraine, against the decision by President Yanukovich to postpone signing the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.
Many of Euromaidan participants sincerely believed they were struggling for their bright new future in Europe and against corruption of their then political leadership. Yet, their protest was exploited by masterminds from far away with a different purpose – to turn Ukraine into ‘anti-Russia.’
The non-violent stage of Euromaidan ended that very moment when authorities failed to show determination in restoring public order and some ‘activists’ felt impunity.
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 South African Armed Forces Day 2024
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South African Armed Forces commemorated in Beijing
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The Embassy of South Africa in China commemorated South Africa’s Armed Forces at a reception in Beijing on 21 February. This date has several significances for South Africans who will celebrate 30 years as a free nation this year.
Considering that the armed liberation struggle against the brutal, racist and unjust regime of the Nationalist government of South Africa came to an end, it was imperative to reconcile and reconstitute the opposing forces into an entity that serves the constitutional democracy that South Africans voted for in 1994. The reintegration of the freedom fighters and the South African Defence Forces began in 1993 and is now a unified South African National Defence Force.
DVT Vehicle Buying Guide for the first quarter of 2024
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Are you in the market to either buy or sell a car? The landscape of the South African car market is constantly changing and adapting to the economic conditions, to global supply and demand forces and also to the changes within the new vehicle space.
The key to all decisions is always what information you have on hand to inform your decision. Buying a car is no different. Besides individual preference of the actual vehicle, there are a number of factors to consider including cost, safety, reliability and maintenance.
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