Women in agriculture symposium at the Embassy of Japan

Ambassador Norio Maruyama of Japan (centre) and Dr Debbie Raphuti (3rd from left) with delegates at the symposium

1 June 2022

Remember, Unite, Renew

Rwandan community in China commemorates the 28th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, reaffirming commitment to national unity

By Li Xiaoyu

31 May 2022

Rwanda’s Ambassador to China James Kimonyo (middle), African Union’s Permanent Representative in China Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman (left) and UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee light candles in memory of the victims during the 28th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda on April 7 in Beijing (Supplied)

Candles are lit in memory of the victims; a minute of silence is observed as a tribute; a survivor testifies; a poem is recited by children who carry hope ... Under the theme “Remember - Unite – Renew,” the 28th annual commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was organized by the Rwandan embassy in China on April 7 in Beijing. The purpose, according to the organizer, is to remind the international community of its duty to remember, and to maintain its unity while renewing its strength to build a better future.

South Africa welcomes humanitarian aid from Qatar

Ambassador of Qatar, Tariq Al-Ansari (centre) pictured with Minister Naledi Pandor and Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as well as the Qatar technical team and Kwazulu-Natal officials (GCIS)

30 May 2022

The South African government has welcomed much-needed humanitarian aid from the State of Qatar, as it is expected to bolster efforts in response to the devastating floods that recently hit KwaZulu-Natal.

The humanitarian aid delivered by the State of Qatar comprised of, among other things, foodstuff, clothing, generators, water purifiers, ventilators, tents and medical supplies.

Addressing a media briefing on interventions and the much-needed humanitarian aid from the State of Qatar following the devastating floods, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said government has prioritised finding shelter for people who have been displaced.

Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhists in South Africa Celebrate Vesak on a Religious Harmony Theme

Seated front row (l-r) Prof. Gamini Gunawardane, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Paisit Boonparlit, Chargé d’affaires of Thailand

30 May 2022

The staff of the Sri Lanka Mission in Pretoria, South Africa together with Sri Lankans in Johannesburg participated in the 2022 Vesak celebrations, by special invitation of the Thai Buddhist Temple - Johannesburg Meditation Center (JMC) in Midrand, South Africa on May 15, 2022. The theme of the event was 'religious harmony among multiple faiths'. They commemorated the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Lord Buddha who taught the vision of internal reconciliation of being human.

Mabuza pushes for land restitution and transformation

Deputy President David Mabuza addressing delegates at the Communal Land Administration and Tenure Summit. (GCIS/Jairus Mmutle)

27 May 2022

South African Deputy President David Mabuza says the nation is at a watershed moment where the land question must be tackled head-on through all constitutionally compliant instruments in order to effect the necessary changes.

“We are at a crossroads, one possibly leading to anarchy and destruction, and the other, leading to a carefully guided land reform programme that ensures strategic land acquisition, land redistribution, and restitution of land to its rightful owners and those who need it for development,” Mabuza.

Cultural exchange unites diverse cultures

by HRH Stella Sigcau

25 May 2022

Diverse cultures converged at the Korean Culture Centre on 20 May 2022 to attend an event co-hosted by the Korean Culture Centre and South African Royal Princesses Network themed, “connecting cultures through cultural exchange”. In attendance were members of the Diplomatic corps and members of the South African Royal Princesses Network from across the country. Dignitaries included the Founder of the Diplomatic Society Mr Kirtan Bhana and the CEO of Freedom Park, Ms Jane Mufumadi. Various Kingdoms and nations were represented including Venda, Tsonga, Thembu, Rharhabe, Mpondo, Swati, Shangaan, Ndebele Zulu, Pedi, Tswana.

Health and Prosperity on Africa Day

Message of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day on 25 May 2022

Fellow Africans,

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Continent and in the Diaspora,

On this day of celebration of Africa Day, I am very pleased to express my wishes of health and prosperity to each and every one of you, whether you are from the Islands or the Diaspora.

The date of May 25 has a double evocative power. On the memorial level, it takes us back to the youthful freshness of the first moments of the OAU. At the geopolitical and institutional level, it constantly questions our individual and collective capacity to build the Africa then dreamed of by our founding fathers.

SA and Germany commit to improved bilateral relations

President Cyril Ramaphosa holds a tête-à-tête with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany during an official visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane (Photo: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS)

24 May 2022

The Federal Republic of Germany has committed to support South Africa’s efforts towards industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation as laid out in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. President Cyril Ramaphosa told this to the media following bilateral talks with his German Counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

The two Statesmen earlier engaged in a tête-à-tête where they discussed a number of issues of bilateral and international concern, including ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy and climate change, trade and investment, and responses to COVID-19 and vaccine demand.

World Food Festival

24 May 2022

The World Food Festival will take place from 30 May to 3 June 2022 at the Korean Cultural Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria. Register to experience the food and culture from Brazil, Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and Sri Lanka.

Register here

South Africa and Liberia are Natural Strategic Partners

Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay of South Africa with Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia at the Presentation Ceremony of his Letter of Credence

19 May 2022

Speech by Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay of South Africa, at the Presentation Ceremony of his Letter of Credence to H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia on 17 May 2022

Your Excellency Respected President Dr George Manneh Weah Sr.,

Today, I have the honour to present to Your Excellency the Letter of Credence from His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa by which His Excellency appoints me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Liberia. I also present the letter of recall of my late predecessor, Comrade Ambassador Zindziswa Nobutho Mandela, the loved daughter of our revered statesman, Tata President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.