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China - A Journey of Resilience, Reform, and Global Partnerships
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Ambassador Wu Peng raising a toast celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China (photo supplied)
by Kirtan Bhana
On 1 October 2024, China celebrates a significant milestone - the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The celebration of this anniversary is not just a reflection on the progress of the past seven decades but also a recognition of the resilience and adaptability of a civilization that stretches back over 5,000 years. With a rich and diverse history shaped by various dynasties, profound cultural and technical innovations, and a commitment to reform, China’s achievements today are both monumental and far-reaching.
Saudi Arabia’s Modernization and Its Growing Ties with Africa
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Ambassador Faisal Al-Harbi addressing guests (photo: TDS)
As Saudi Arabia celebrates its 94th National Day, the Kingdom finds itself at a transformative moment in its history. This commemoration is not just a reflection of its past achievements, but a glimpse into the future that Saudi Arabia envisions—one of economic diversification, global integration, and deeper diplomatic relations. A key symbol of this transformation is Neom, a megaproject designed to embody the Kingdom’s vision for a modern, forward-thinking nation. But beyond its domestic development, Saudi Arabia’s relations with Africa, particularly South Africa, demonstrate the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global stage.
Malaysia celebrates 67th Hari Merdeka
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Malaysian High Commission staff members in traditional dress
by Anisha Pemjee
Malaysia celebrated its 67th National Day or Hari Merdeka on 31st August, which marks its independence from colonial rule in 1957 as well as the 61st Malaysia Day on 16th September with a colourful, vibrant celebration in Pretoria. Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia Yap Wei Sin explained that this year’s National Day is celebrated under the theme “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”, symbolising the integration of Malaysians from various cultures and ethnicities. “Malaysia Madani” drives the country’s prosperity and progress, while “Jiwa Merdeka” expresses the people’s patriotic spirit towards building a strong, harmonious and progressive nation.
South Africans must know the names of struggle heroes
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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address during the repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony of South African freedom fighters who lost their lives in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the apartheid era, held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, Pretoria. (photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed the importance of South Africans recognising and honouring the former liberation heroes and heroines who have returned to their home country, acknowledging their vital role in securing the nation's freedom.
The President was speaking during the repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony of 42 South African freedom fighters who lost their lives in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the apartheid era.
The ceremony was held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, Pretoria on Friday with families of the freedom fighters present.
Photo exhibition on China's historic transformation held as people's republic turns 75
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China's national news agency, Xinhua, opened a photo exhibition documenting the historic transformation of the country over the past decades.
The exhibition opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing just days before Oct. 1, when the People's Republic of China marks its 75th founding anniversary.
On display are nearly 500 photographs spanning various historical periods, selected from Xinhua's collection of over 10 million images, the largest photo archive in the country.
Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said the agency is dedicated to capturing the essence of the times through imagery and bears the pivotal responsibility of recording historical events for the Party and the people.
Amampondo celebrate their heritage in a colourful affair: 18th Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and 16th Mpondo Reed Dance
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Representatives from various walks of life and Kingdoms from South Africa joined amaMpondo in celebrating the 18th Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and the Mpondo Reed Dance which celebrates its 16 year anniversary this year.
These included Pedi, Swati, Sotho, Tsonga, Xhosa, Bhaca, Tswana, Thembu, Xesibe, Ndebele Kingdoms amongst others. Some came from as far as the Republic of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Various government structures were represented including the Department of Arts and Culture, Ntabankulu, Alfred Nzo and Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipalities who support the Festival and the Reed Dance.
These events hosted by the Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council takes place annually since inception in 2006 and 2008 respectively and promote ubuMpondo, ibuyambo nesiMpondo, share and preserve Mpondo culture, history, language, customs and heritage. The Mpondo Festival was launched in 2006 in commemoration of the late ANC liberation activist Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau.
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