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| Hanoi the new Emerging Hub for Investment |
For over a thousand years Hanoi has been the heart of Vietnam, seamlessly blending its rich historical legacy with the rapid modernization introduced through the Doi Moi economic reforms 40 years ago. This transformation has turned Hanoi into a dynamic Asian metropolis, while it remains deeply connected to its cultural heritage. Aptly called the “City of Peace,” Hanoi is strategically located in the Red River Delta, allowing it to serve as an influential center for growth and exchange.
“Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, stands as the nation's political, administrative, cultural, scientific, educational, and economic hub, fueling growth across the Red River Delta and beyond,” said Ms Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, who led a delegation to South Africa for the Vietnam-South Africa Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion 2024 event in October.
Stronger and Prosperous - Algeria 70 years on
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Ambassador Saad Maandi delivering remarks at the reception commemorating Algeria Revolution Day in Pretoria, South Africa (photo: TDS)
This is a Diplomatic Society web exclusive interview with Ambassador Saad Maandi of the Republic of Algeria to the Republic of South Africa. Algeria Revolution Day is commemorated on November 1st, the day in 1954, 70 years ago that started the Algerian uprising against French Occupation. South Africa's Minister Parks Tau of the DTIC delivered congratulatory remarks at a reception held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Diplomatic Society (TDS): Algeria has made a significant progress during the recent years. Could you tell us more about Algeria today?
Ambassador Saad Maandi (H.E.): Algeria, under the leadership of President Tebboune, is moving forward on the path to political and economic stability. Indeed, Algeria has accomplished great achievements among which is stability..
Hong Kong the Super-Connector to China and Global Markets
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(l-r) Herman Tse - InvestHK, Mjafelo Mogono - SACG, Kirtan Bhana - The Diplomatic Society and Holger Vogt - Invest HK (photo: TDS)
In a significant diplomatic and economic outreach effort, Mr. Herman Tse, Head of Business and Professional Services at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), joined forces with South African Consul General Mojalefa Mogono to lead a delegation from Hong Kong to South Africa. Their purpose was to inaugurate a Business and Investment Round Table, aimed at exploring and cementing commercial, legal, and investment ties between Hong Kong and South Africa. This delegation not only highlighted Hong Kong's pivotal role as a "super-connector" between China and other global markets but also marks a promising step forward for South Africa in strengthening ties with one of the world's most dynamic financial hubs.
| Jamaica and South Africa celebrate 30 years of Diplomatic Relations with Culinary Tour |
Chef Brian Lumley (l) with Jamaican High Commissioner Joan Edwards and Albert Edwards
Jamaica and the Republic of South Africa commemorated 30 years of Diplomatic Relations in September 2024. This coincided with South Africa’s own celebrations of 30 years as a Democratic nation and its Heritage Month. As a result of this shared heritage, the High Commission hosted a Jamaican Culinary Tour of South Africa as the major highlight of the 30th Anniversary celebratory year. Food is a unifying force that brings together our two nations. The celebration of the uniqueness of Jamaican food signalled the commitment of Jamaica to forging stronger and more lasting relations with South Africa through creative cultural collaborations.
Award-winning Executive Chef Brian Lumley, one of Jamaica’s best talents in the culinary field, spearheaded the Tour which began on 21st September 2024. He is an award-winning Executive Chef who has etched his name among Jamaica's finest culinary masters. Renowned for his humility, creativity warmth, and impeccable work ethic both inside and outside the kitchen, he stands out as a respected figure in the global culinary industry.
China import expo attractive to global exhibitors as country pledges further opening-up
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A visitor learns about a bronchoscope robot at the exhibition area of Intuitive Fosun during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)
The business exhibition of the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports has attracted about 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions this year. Notably, a record high of 297 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders are attending the six-day expo. And more than 400 new products, new technologies and new services are unveiled.
Experts believe the large scale of the expo highlighted the global companies' confidence in the Chinese market and their commitment to further development in China despite the sluggish global economic recovery.
China is willing to open up its enormous market further and will continue to expand market access to sectors including telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare in an orderly fashion, Premier Li said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th CIIE.
by Lauren Luis Acosta, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Cuba in South Africa
Is it possible to measure the pain of an individual, a family, or a country? Is it possible to prevent people from becoming cold statistics while they suffer the effects of a prolonged war?
The blockade imposed on Cuba is the most severe and longest-enduring system of unilateral sanctions ever applied against any country. 62 years have passed since former president Kennedy signed the blockade into law, a sort of “death sentence” that has perfected throughout the years the hideous art of strangulation. It´s not a single measure, like people used to think, it´s a complex and well-designed package of them, with the sole purpose of hindering the development of Cuba and its people.
Since 1962, the blockade has had direct negative impacts on the procurement of food, medicine, fuel, power supply, transportation, and other basic services for the Cuban people.
However, to best illustrate this, let us assume for a moment that someone has the power to remove some of the pieces that make up this policy and stop its economic damage.
With 15 minutes without the blockade, Cuba would be able to cover the demand of hearing aids for disabled children and teenagers studying in the country’s special education system; with half an hour, the electric and conventional wheelchairs required in that system.
19th edition of SALA honours South African literary talent
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The 19th edition of the South African Literary Awards (SALA) lived up to its stellar reputation of celebrating excellence when it honoured a number of South African writers, translators and other literary practitioners across 16 categories at a prestigious ceremony held at the Ditsong Museum of Cultural History Museum in Pretoria on November 7.
Hundreds of dignitaries attended the event, which has been regarded as the Oscars of the literary calendar in South Africa SALA was founded by wRite associates in 2005 in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. The ceremony was the culmination of many months of sifting through nominees to find the winner in each category.
Hungary and South Africa Strengthening Ties Across Continents Enduring Diplomatic and Cultural Connections
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Ambassador Horvath and Minister McKenzie raise a toast to the people of Hungary and South Africa (photo: TDS)
As Hungary celebrates its 68th National Day, commemorating its struggle for freedom and independence, it also marks a significant milestone in its growing relationship with South Africa. During a celebratory event, Ambassador Attila Horvath of Hungary to South Africa and South Africa’s Minister for Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, eloquently drew on the symbolic imagery of the swallow and the stork—migratory birds whose journeys connect the two nations across continents. This metaphor beautifully reflects the longstanding and multi-dimensional partnership that Hungary and South Africa have cultivated over the decades, and this year’s National Day observance served to spotlight the deep ties between these two nations.
| Republic Day: Celebrating Kazakhstan’s Transformation and Global Role |
by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa and Mozambique, Mr. Yerkin Akhinzhanov
The Republic Day of Kazakhstan, celebrated on October 25th, commemorates a defining moment in our modern history. On this day in 1990, our nation embarked on its path toward sovereignty and independence, marking the beginning of a journey that has transformed Kazakhstan into a regional leader and a significant player on the global stage.
Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has grown from a newly independent, landlocked country into the largest economy in Central Asia, with strong connections to global markets. Today, Kazakhstan is recognized not only as a regional powerhouse but also as a transcontinental leader in various sectors, playing a pivotal role as a logistical bridge across Eurasia. Our country is fast emerging as a hub for finance, IT, digital innovation, and green energy, with our advances in education, healthcare, and other vital sectors placing us firmly on the global map.
A Celebration of Cyprus in South Africa
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Raising a toast at the podium are High Commissioner Antonis Mandritis and Adv Shireen Said (photo: TDS)
A vibrant, colourful event marked the celebration of Cyprus national day in Pretoria, South Africa. High Commissioner of Cyprus Antonis Mandritis said that the relations between Cyprus and South Africa began even before the Independence of Cyprus in 1960 and the establishment of the new Democratic South Africa. Cypriots arrived in South Africa at the beginning of the 20th Century looking for a better future.
There are currently over 25,000 Cypriots living in South Africa. Deputy Director-General at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Adv Shireen Said and High Commissioner Mandritis agreed that it is this large and influential community who are an important political and economic link and who enhance people-to people relations between the two countries. The tourism and education sectors are of significance.
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