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| The Opportunity for Emerging Motor Corporations |
Horses were used for transportation for over a thousand years before they were eventually replaced by the steam engine. The steam engine faced the same fate when the combustion engine was invented. Motoring has reached a new transition point once again. (photo: Dilon Bhana - TDS)
by Kirtan Bhana
The decline of traditional motor industries in so-called developed economies has created fertile ground for brands like Mahindra to redefine the automotive landscape. This realignment, driven by volatile financial systems and evolving consumer trust, presents an unprecedented chance to innovate. By focusing on alternative drivetrain technologies, Mahindra can position itself at the forefront of sustainable mobility.
The Scorpio 4xplor is a confirmation of Mahindra's potential, with its robust internal combustion engine delivering dependable performance. However, the future beckons for integration with alternative fuelling systems such as biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen. These technologies align with the global push for minimal or zero emissions, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising on performance.
| Aisha Syed Castro Mesmerizes South Africa with Violin Mastery |
Aisha Syed Castro performing at the ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria, South Africa (photo: Gabriella Murta -TDS)
by Anisha Pemjee
Aisha Syed Castro, a renowned violinist from the Dominican Republic, captivated audiences during a concert at the ZK Matthews Hall of the University of South Africa (UNISA). Accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the event symbolized the growing ties between South Africa and the Dominican Republic. In an exclusive interview with The Diplomatic Society, Syed shared her journey of faith, self-belief, and a remarkable career in music.
Aisha’s first visit to South Africa began with a performance at the Kliptown Youth Program in Soweto. There, she interacted with children who joyfully received her music. Engaging with young people and introducing them to music is one of her passions. In her tight schedule she managed to also conduct a masterclass at UNISA for music students.
The Olive Tree is a Timeless Symbol of Peace
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 Ambassador of Tunisia Karima Bardaoui
“Tunisia is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world,” said Ambassador Karima Bardaoui of Tunisia to South Africa at an event titled ‘Discovering Tunisian Olive Oil’ in celebration of World Olive Tree Day. At the 40th session of the General conference in 2019, UNESCO proclaimed 26 November as World Olive Tree Day after a proposal by Tunisia and Lebanon. The main objective of this Day is to encourage its protection and appreciate the values it embodies.
The celebration of this special tree took place at the residence of the Tunisian Ambassador in Pretoria. “We decided to take this opportunity to appreciate the rooted values of the Olive Tree that is symbolized in worldwide cultures and civilizations. This universal tree, having served humanity for thousands of years has social, cultural, economic and environmental significance. Olive trees, and in particular olive oil are Tunisia’s known treasures considered as our ‘Green Gold’. The olive tree has over the millennia become infused with the nation’s culture, economy, cuisine, habits, rhythms and seasons,” said Bardaoui.
| Thailand and South Africa are Strategic Partners |
Ambassador Mungkorn Pratoomkaew with Thandi Fadane, Acting Deputy Director-General at Dirco (photo: Embassy of Thailand)
On 5 December the Kingdom of Thailand celebrates its National Day, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and Father’s Day. At the celebration in Pretoria, Mr Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Thailand’s Ambassador to South Africa highlighted the significant milestones achieved in the bilateral relations between the two nations over the past three decades. Since formal ties were established in 1993, Thailand and South Africa have cultivated a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and economic collaboration.
“This year, we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, and I am optimistic about the future of our partnership,” said Ambassador Pratoomkaew. “Our shared priorities, South Africa’s economic diplomacy-led foreign policy and Thailand’s economic diplomacy targeting South Africa, have paved the way for even stronger ties.”
SA’s G20 Presidency to focus on inclusivity
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South Africa will use its Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency to build a more inclusive and prosperous Africa and a better world, ensuring no one is left behind. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was speaking during the official launch of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in Cape Town.
On 01 December 2024, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.
President Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s ambitious agenda under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
“The G20 Presidency is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to advance efforts towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development. It is an opportunity to place the needs of Africa and the rest of the Global South more firmly on the international development agenda.
“Through South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we will work to build a better Africa and a better world, and to ensure that no one is left behind,” the President said.
Silk and Knots of Chinese Governance by Prof Paul Zilungisele Tembe
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A Book Review by Kirtan Bhana
Prof. Paul Zilungisele Tembe's latest work, Silk and Knots of Chinese Governance, is a rich and multifaceted exploration of the intricate threads that weave together China's ancient past and its contemporary governance model. The title itself offers a metaphorical glimpse into the complexity of Chinese civilization, evoking imagery of silk for its finesse and knots for its structured discipline. This duality aptly frames the book’s central themes: the performative language of governance, the legacy of dynasties, and the crucial interplay of indigenous knowledge systems in shaping a nation’s progress.
Inzalo ye’Langa, the dawning of the age of Africa
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Dr NkhuLu Nsingiza, an ardent advocate for African indigenous knowledge (photo: TDS)
by Kirtan Bhana - TDS
On September 23 every year, the equinox marks the shift of the Sun towards the Southern Hemisphere, a cosmic event of profound significance. Known as Inzalo ye’Langa or "The Birth of the Sun," this moment heralds the change of seasons, signaling warmth, renewal, and growth. Celebrated at Freedom Park, a heritage site and museum in Pretoria, South Africa, this day serves as a lens through which Africa's rich history, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), and global contributions are acknowledged and explored.
Arab Council meets NMF Chair, Dr. Naledi Pandor
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Ambassador Horvath and Minister McKenzie raise a toast to the people of Hungary and South Africa (photo: TDS)
by Kirtan Bhana - TDS
December 5th, a day of profound reflection for South Africans, marks the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the revered global icon, freedom fighter, and former president. His enduring legacy continues to inspire humanity and shape the global discourse on justice, equality, and human rights. Commemorating Madiba, his affectionate clan name, the Arab Ambassadors Council in Pretoria hosted Dr. Naledi Pandor, recently appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF).
Faisal Al-Harbi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and current President of the Arab Ambassadors Council, welcomed Dr. Pandor with high praise for her extensive knowledge, experience, and trailblazing achievements as a leader. Dr. Pandor’s career spans an impressive array of leadership roles, including Presidency of South Africa’s National Council of Provinces and ministerial portfolios in Education, Science and Technology, Home Affairs, Higher Education, and International Relations and Cooperation. Her pivotal role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid, a system declared a crime against humanity, has imbued her with a keen acumen for robust politics and international diplomacy.
South Africa and Nigeria strengthen ties
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President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at Tuynhuys in Cape Town. (photo: GCIS)
South Africa and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing ties during the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town. This as President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at Tuynhuys in Cape Town on Tuesday. The meeting underscored the close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the importance of mutual efforts to enhance economic, political and cultural relations.
Reciprocal Diplomacy - Table Tennis and Sevens Rugby
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 A Minister Gayton McKenzie and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng
"I will send South African Rugby Sevens coaches to China," declared South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, "because we have the best Sevens coaches in the world." Minister McKenzie made this pledge publicly in the presence of Ambassador Wu Peng of China to South Africa during the handover ceremony at Freedom Park in Pretoria of table tennis equipment gifted by the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Table Tennis Association to the South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB).
“Thanks to your strong leadership and the joint efforts of your colleagues, the table tennis equipment donated by China has been successfully handed over today,” said Ambassador Wu Peng. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere respect to all the friends who have long been committed to promoting the sustained and healthy development of China-South Africa relations.”
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