Freedom Day Celebrations in Oslo, Norway

By Astrid Mannion

Ambassador Beryl Sisulu of South Africa to Norway

On 27 April 2012, the South African Embassy in Oslo celebrated 18 years of freedom and democracy. Around 150 guests, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Embassy’s business contacts, attended the event.

Guests were welcomed by First Secretary Mr Booysen Dombo, who introduced Ambassador Beryl Rose Sisulu to deliver her speech. Ambassador Sisulu highlighted the theme of the day: “Working together to build unity and prosperity for all” and said that South Africa will continue to rely on partnerships and continue to strengthen the bilateral relations with Norway. During her address, Ambassador Sisulu reminded guests that 2012 was a significant year for South Africa as it is the Centenary of the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). Supporters and compatriots from all over the world, including Norway, recently came to South Africa to celebrate this auspicious occasion.  In her closing remarks, Ambassador Sisulu said that South Africa was also proud that in 2011 it hosted the successful COP17 Conference on Climate Change and that it will be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.

Following Ambassador Sisulu’s speech, guests were entertained and danced to South African music by the Banthata Band, a group of South African musicians based in Norway. Afterwards, guests headed inside the Embassy to enjoy a buffet complemented with South African wines and juice. The event was a big success and guests were thrilled to be celebrating South Africa’s Freedom Day at the Embassy. For Ambassador Sisulu’s speech and clips from the Oslo Mission’s Freedom Day celebrations, click play on the Trade Tourism and Investment video clip.

South African Embassy Oslo, Norway