Vol 22 Issue 212 - May 2017
Est. 1997
Shift from charity to sustainability - UNICEF
Paint the World
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riyanka Chopra Global Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and famed film actor visited Zimbabwe and South Africa recently. Using her megastar platform Chopra visited Childline Zimbabwe which provides a 24 hour free, multilingual service to children 18 and under. It’s the stories of the children that must be told and heard said Chopra, recounting her conversation with children who have been abused. Her stardom serves as Photo: Priyanka Chopra with Herve Ludovic De Lys, Unicef inspiration and motivation for Representative in South Africa. (Image: Jayde Bhana) children to believe in themselves and also assures them that there are people who At a fundraising gala dinner held in Johannesburg, South Africa, UNICEF raised six hundred thousand care and will support them. Chopra shares her birthday with Former rand. Mr Herve Ludovic De Lys, Unicef Representative President Nelson Mandela, July 18. “He walked the in South Africa acknowledged the corporate sector talk,” said Chopra “and like Mahatma Gandhi served for their support and engagement saying that there humanity recognizing that philanthropy is not for is growing understanding of the shift from charity to sustainability. - K Bhana the ego.”
Photo: (l-r) Mr Dzulazhar Muza, Deputy Head of Mission of Malaysia, Mr Dato Badruddin AB Rahman, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Ms. Aziza Aznizan, Ms Lika Torikashvili and Mr Beka Dvali, Ambassador of Georgia
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s Lika Torikashvili, a Georgian teenager and five of her friends took some balloons and a guitar to a hospital in Tbilisi to cheer up patients with colour and music. This small but powerful and beautiful gesture inspired a global movement. ‘Paint the World’ is a cross cultural community across religions, race
and gender which invites mutual support, solidarity and seeks to brighten the lives of people the world over through entertaining activities, music, art and dance. Paint the world is gathering momentum having found associations in Europe,...Continued on Page 02
What You Need to Know about the Belt and Road Initiative Two Major Initiatives
Framework
Sept. 7th, 2013--The initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt was raised for the rst time On Sept. 7th, 2013,Chinese President Xi Jinping made a speech titled “Promote Peopleto-People Friendship and Create a Better Future” at Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev University. Oct. 3rd, 2013--The initiave of building the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road was raised for the rst time On Oct. 3rd, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a speech titled “Constructing Jointly the China-ASEAN Community of Common Destiny” at Indonesia’s Parliament.
Principles Purposes and Principles It upholds the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benet, and peaceful coexistence.
On land, the Initiative will focus on jointly building a new Eurasian Land Bridge and developing China-Mongolia-Russia, China-Central Asia-West Asia and ChinaIndochina Peninsula economic corridors by taking advantage of international transport routes, relying on core cities along the Belt and Road and using key economic industrial parks as cooperation platforms. At sea, the Initiative will focus on jointly building smooth, secure and efcient transport routes connecting major sea ports along the Belt and Road. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the BangladeshChina-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor are closely related to the Belt and Road Initiative, and therefore require closer cooperation and greater progress. Policy coordination
Cooperation Priorities
Open for Cooperation It covers, but is not limited to, the area of the ancient Silk Road. It is open to all countries, and international and regional organizations for engagement, so that the results of the concerted efforts will benet wider areas.
Facilities connectivity
People-topeople bond
Harmonious and Inclusive It advocates tolerance among civilizations, respects the paths and modes of development chosen by different countries, and supports dialogues among different civilizations on the principles of seeking common ground while shelving differences and drawing on each other's strengths, so that all countries can coexist in peace for common prosperity.
Financial integration
Unimpeded trade
Six Major Achievements
Market Operation It will abide by market rules and international norms, give play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and the primary role of enterprises, and let the governments perform their due functions.
The initiative has won support from more than 100 countries and international organizations. More than 50 countries have sighed cooperation agreements with China.
Mutual Benet It accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties involved, and seeks a conjunction of interests and the "biggest common denominator" for cooperation so as to give full play to the wisdom and creativity, strengths and potentials of all parties.
China has carried out international cooperation in production capacity with more than 20 countries.
Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution and Shared Benets
The initiative has been recognized by international organizations including the United Nations and the Asia-Pacic Economic Cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China. Yet it’s not going to be China’s solo show. A better analogy would be that of a symphony performed by an orchestra composed of all participating countries. This Initiative is meant to be a major international public goods beneting all countries.
Iconic Marriage
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Iran Culture
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China has built 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in more than 20 Belt and Road countries.
Financial cooperation, represented by the Silk Road Fund and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, has been increasingly deepened.
IORA
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High Court on Dagga
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News
May 2017
Yom Ha’atzmaut 2017 King’s Day O
Ambassador Arthur Lenk of Israel in South Africa hosted a reception to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. Speaking about the choir who performed at the celebration Ambassador Lenk said, “Please join me in thanking the beautiful choir from the King David Linksfield Primary School. These children who sang our two anthems so beautifully are a wonderful human bridge and personify the deep connection between Israel and South Africa.”
n 22 April, five days before King WillemAlexander’s fiftieth birthday, the grounds of the Netherlands Embassy in Pretoria turned bright orange. Some 1000 guests, both Dutch and nonDutch, were dressed in the Netherlands’ national colour for the day to join the festivities in honour of the King’s birthday on 27 April. On this day, the Netherlands throw a nationwide party for the birthday of the reigning monarch. Despite the absence of our monarch and the absence of canals, at the Netherlands Embassy we did our best to create a Little Amsterdam. Guests were welcomed by the Dutch Ambassador to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, HE Marisa Gerards, who was our “Queen for a day.” As a compensation for the lack of water around the embassy, we had put up a banner with a picture of Amsterdam which guests could use as a backdrop for photos to experience the authentic Koningsdag feeling. Contributing to the authentic Koningsdag experience were the children in the driveway, who were selling their toys or offered homemade cupcakes or tompoezen with bright orange glazing. The Embassy provided bitterballen, nasi goreng and cheese, which could be paired with a glass
Photo: Ambassador Marisa Gerards shows Minister Lindiwe Zulu around the Embassy grounds Heineken beer by the guests over 18, while Spiral Jazz Quartet, Joep Pelt, Zuluboy and DJ Celio ensured the day was filled with music. Special guest of the day was Minister Lindiwe Zulu from the South African Department of Small Business Development, who even donned an orange flower chain and matching hat. - Embassy of the Netherlands in Pretoria
Poland Constitution Day AU - EU has a strong T he Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to South Africa, Andrzej Kanthak, stressed the special importance of the anniversary of the adoption of the 3rd of May Constitution in Polish history, as it was the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world. In his speech, the Ambassador also pointed out that the Constitution has become the foundation of a democratic country that we are enjoying today,
justly ruled by the legal system, respecting the civil liberties of all citizens and a country with a developed economy. Mr. Kanthak also highlighted the rapid increase of bilateral relations between Poland and South Africa and emphasized that Poland’s presence in the South African market is becoming increasingly visible.
Photo: Deputy Minister of Labour of RSA, Patekile Holomisa and the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to RSA Andrzej Kanthak
Paint the World Continued from cover page.
Asia and now in Swaziland, Africa. Ambassador Beka Dvali, Georgia’s Ambassador to South Africa hosted Paint The World founder Ms Lika Torikashvili and her Malaysian collaborator Ms. Aziza Aznizan at his residence in Pretoria to share information. Malaysia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Mr Dato Badruddin AB Rahman was also present at the event to lend support to a unique project which was started by 14 year old Lika, a Jewish girl from a middle class family from Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. The project is a celebration of young people who together work towards positive causes regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, or socio-economic standing.
Publisher
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Kirtan Bhana
kirtan@thediplomaticsociety.co.za Mobile: +27 (82) 7700728
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It is a common cause to bringing about joy, cheer and expression of creativity. The two, Lika (19) and Aziza (21), met in London, UK. A Jew and a Muslim who struck a close friendship, started questioning the divisions and conflicts currently dominating the monotheistic religions and beyond. They want to paint a new sense of belonging into the world and promote harmony and fun through the colour of life. To give out colourful balloons, sing together, dance together, share your brush to paint a smile, a bit of your time and your emotion is the only investment you need to make.
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Partnership
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r. Amani Abou-Zeid, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy has stated that the AU-EU partnership is one of the most structured of all the partnerships that Africa has, as it has institutionalized implementation mechanisms; from the policy and decision-making to the technical implementation level. Commissioner Abou-Zeid’s statement was made in Brussels on 24th April at the meeting of the Reference Group on Infrastructure (RGI), whose main objective was to develop the 2018-2020 strategic infrastructure roadmap. Commissioner Abou-Zeid proposed a strategy for infrastructure development in rural and remote areas through an integrated approach that will prioritise programmes and deliver roads, energy and ICT to help these regions leapfrog in their development trajectory. “Even as we focus on large scale projects that will result in integrating Africa and linking with Europe, our attention is drawn to rural and remote areas in Africa,” the Commissioner told a packed room of African and European partners outlining some of the continent’s successes. “We are convinced that such a paradigm shift is necessary in order to achieve our very own Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development,” the Commissioner said. The Commissioner was joined by presenters including Mr. Cheikh Bedda, Director at the Department for Infrastructure and Energy who outlined the African Union Vision and the AU Agenda 2063, and highlighted some of the initiatives currently underway at the African Union including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). On his part, Mr. Roberto Ridolfi, Director for Sustainable Growth
and Development at the European Commission spoke about the European External Investment Plan (EEIP) whose main objective is to encourage investment in Africa and the EU neighborhood and to strengthen partnerships and contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU Agenda 2063. He explained that the plan will “assist in developing economically and financially viable projects to attract investment in Africa”. Commissioner Abou-Zeid also had a series bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the meeting with European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, EU Commissioner for Transport Mrs. Violeta Bulc and Commissioner for International Cooperation & Development Mr. Neven Mimica. The conversations covered several issues including operationalisation of the Single African Air Transport Market, Implementation of PIDA PAP, Universal Access to Energy, Regulatory Harmonisation, and ICT in digital economy. The AU and the EU agreed to continue their full range of bilateral programmes and consultations, and to look for ways to further strengthen cooperation in the future. - African Union Commission
Observer status for Palestine
Editorial Anisha Pemjee
Photo: Ambassador Hashem Dajani of Palestine and Bassam Elhussiny, Deputy Head of Mission of Palestine
anisha@thediplomaticsociety.co.za editorial@thediplomaticsociety.co.za kianja@yebo.co.za Mobile: +27 (82) 3655366
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alestine has been granted observer status at The Pan African Parliament as recognition of Palestine’s selfdetermination.
Following the African Union the move was welcomed by African MPs who felt that their support would see the eventual independence of Palestine.
May 2017
Kwibuka23:
remember-unite-renew
Photo: High Commissioner Vincent Karega and Mr Jock Boyer
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he High Commission of Rwanda in Pretoria in partnership with the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre hosted a commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of the 1994 genocide targeting the Tutsi in Rwanda. The programme included remarks by High Commissioner Vincent Karega of Rwanda, Tali Nates, Director of the JHGC, as well as survivor testimonies and lighting of candles. High Commissioner Karega’s speech focused on remembering for never again, not retaliation, and for also valuing progress in unity and reconciliation and socio economic transformation in Rwanda. A strong call was made to Rwandans to better understand the importance of unity and resilience with patriotism to sustain the positive trends.
High Commissioner Karega urged the international community to fight the genocide ideology, denial and bring to book the remaining genocidaires still free across countries. A film of hope by Jock Boyer, ‘Rising from Ashes’ was screened at the commemoration. Mr. Boyer was present at the occasion addressed the gathering on his experience in Rwanda. The film tells the story of cycling legend Jonathan “Jock” Boyer’s move to Rwanda to help the first Rwandan National Cycling Team in their six year journey to compete in the Olympic Games. Against impossible odds both Jock and the team find new purpose as they rise from the ashes of their past. - High Commission of Rwanda in Pretoria, South Africa
News
SA – China PPEM
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s Qiaowen Zhang and Mr Kemogotsitse Bosielo are stellar examples of the people to people exchange between China and South Africa. Both shared their experiences of their respective stays in each other’s countries. Their remarks contained mutual feelings of admiration and respect for the people of one another’s countries. They were addressing the officials of the Government of South Africa and China at the inaugural meeting of the People to People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) in Pretoria on April 24 2017. The 200 strong, high profile Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Photo: Minister of the Department of International Relations and Ms. Liu Yandong appreciated Bosielo’s Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane signing an agreement command of Mandarin which he with the Chinese Vice Minister of Education Mr Tian Xuejun. learnt during his time in Beijing after completing his Masters in International Standing behind are Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Relations at Tsinghua University. This Mthethwa with Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Ms is the same institution from which Liu Yandong. Picture byline: Jacoline Schoonees President Xi Jin Ping, or Xi Dada, as he is affectionately known by the Chinese, graduated from. share cooperation outcomes. The Forum will also Vice Premier Liu reflected on the beautiful season explore ways to address problems facing global and of April, the spirit of freedom and 100 years of the regional economy, create fresh energy for pursuing revolutionary Oliver Reginald Tambo in her keynote interconnected development and make the Belt and Road Initiative deliver greater benefits to the people speech. Co–chair of the PPEM, South African Minister of of all countries. Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa pointed out Vice Minister Mr.Tian Xuejun for Education and that South Africa joined six other countries that have former Ambassador to South Africa, pointed out a vigorous exchange mechanism with China. These the areas of cooperation that the delegation would include the USA, Russia, UK, France, Indonesia and engage in during this inaugural interaction. Education and health were given priority for now South Africa. The growing bilateral trade, the setting up of this meeting, but sport, youth, communications, cultural centres, the over 200 events involving technology and tourism, amongst others were 100 000 people, are an indication of a blossoming fostered during this initial exchange. “I love South Africa just the same as I love China. connection between South Africa and China. Speakers made references to the BRICS bloc and Now I have two homelands to love,” said Qiaowen complimentary cooperation on the multilateral fora Zhang in her conclusion. as the world undergoes a profound shift towards an Kemogotsitse Bosielo, the young man from Rustenburg, had no doubt that, “China - South Africa integrated development. China will host the Belt and Road Forum for PPEM is an excellent platform for Sino-South Africa International Cooperation in Beijing from 14 to 15 cooperation which we, as youth, should take full May 2017, which aims to discuss ways to boost advantage of to propel us towards this future we all cooperation, build cooperation platforms and dream of.”- by K Bhana
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KAZAN
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News
May 2017
The Netherlands co-creating sustainable solutions in South Africa
Photo: (l-r) Dutch Ambassador Gerards, Minister Koenders, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and Ambassador Koloane (SA ambassador to the Netherlands). GCIS
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elations between the Netherlands and South Africa date back centuries. South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane hosted her Dutch counterpart Foreign Minister Bert Koenders in Pretoria. On the bi-lateral front, the minsters have agreed that good progress has been made in a number of fields which include science and technology, agriculture, the blue ocean economy and security. Nkoana Mashabane said that the Netherlands remains Pretoria’s key economic partner. According to trade rankings from January this year, the Netherlands was ranked South Africa’s 8th largest export partner in the world and second largest export partner in the EU region. Minister Bert Koenders was received by Dutch Consul General Bonnie Horbach on 12 April 2017 in Cape Town as part of his official visit to South Africa. The Minister explored Cape Town’s startup scene at the Woodstock Exchange and met with local and Dutch business owners. The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cape Town aims to actively promote inclusive economic growth and support Dutch businesses by strengthening entrepreneurship and cross sectoral cooperation in South Africa. This is most evident through its #cocreateSA campaign, which is based on the belief that sustainable solutions can be co-created by working together.
Tanzania State visit cements bilateral ties
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retoria - President Jacob Zuma has described his State visit to Tanzania as successful, with talks paving the way for deepened cooperation between the two southern African countries. “It was an important visit for South Africa, as our aim was to review and strengthen the existing strong bilateral and economic relations between the two countries, since there has been a new administration in Tanzania. “We are very content with the outcomes of the visit, as we openly discussed and agreed on various issues, particularly economic cooperation including private sector investments, infrastructure development, agro-processing, beneficiation as well as trade and investment,” said President Zuma at the end of his visit. President Zuma met Tanzanian President John Magufuli during his two-day State visit. South Africa and Tanzania enjoy excellent
bilateral relations, which date back to the days of the liberation struggle and were formalised by the two governments in 1994. As part of strengthening economic relations, President Magufuli invited South African companies, including State owned entities, to invest in major infrastructure projects that are taking place in Tanzania and the eastern African region, including the building of the long railway that will connect all countries in the Great Lakes region. President Zuma said talks with President Magufuli encompassed a wide range of bilateral issues including the adoption of strategic interventions to further strengthen the relationship to focus on mutually identified priority areas, particularly in the field of trade and investment, science and technology, agriculture, environment, energy, infrastructure development and retail, among others. - SAnews.gov.za
Photo: President Zuma beating the traditional drums as President Magafuli looks on. Elmond Jiyane, GCIS
South Africa and Singapore explore trade opportunities S ingapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam paid South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa a courtesy visit in Pretoria. This is a reciprocal visit by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister as Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation visited Singapore last year to woo the island city’s state owned enterprises to invest in South Africa. Singapore is a world model for its economic success, which is partly attributable to its social cohesion. SOEs have contributed significantly to their economy. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly with Singapore being South Africa’s second largest trading partner in the Asean Region. By 2014 bilateral trade amounted to R28.9 billion as compared to R23.5 billion recorded in 2015. Exports in 2015 amounted to R6.8 billion while imports totalled R16.6 billion. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam Tharman addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Durban and met with participating African Heads of State and Government.
South Africa and Brazil enjoy strong relations
Photo: SA Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane meeting with her Brazilian counterpart, His Excellency Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. Jacoline Schoonees
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outh African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane hosted the Minister of External Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, in Pretoria on Monday, 15 May 2017. South Africa and Brazil enjoy strong relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels. At the bilateral level, the strategic partnership between the two countries finds expression in a Joint Ministerial Commission and, at the interregional level, it finds its expression in the form of IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The visit is a reaffirmation of the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries. The Embassy of Brazil organized a Brazil–South Africa Business Seminar which was attended by a delegation of Brazilian business people who accompanied the Minister, government agencies as well as South African entrepreneurs. The Business Seminar focussed on opportunities in areas such as energy and food production, as well as ways to enhance business relations between both countries. South Africa and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948 and have, since then, concluded many cooperation agreements. South Africa has historically been a net importer of goods from Brazil. South African exports to Brazil in 2016 accounted for US$ 336 million while Brazilian exports to South Africa totalled US$ 1.4 billion. During 2016, a total of 38,814 Brazilians visited South Africa. In 2015, the total was 29,339, which marks a 32.3 % increase in arrivals from Brazil. - DIRCO
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Courtesy Call
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane paid a courtesy call to former President Kenneth Kaunda during the African Regional Heads of Mission Conference, 15-17 May 2017 in Lusaka, Zambia
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane payed a courtesy call to Zambia’s Vice President, HE Inonge Wina during the African Regional Heads of Mission conference, 15-17 May 2017 in Lusaka, Zambia
Special Envoy of the President of South Africa, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, paying a courtesy call on Namibia President Hage Geingob. Windhoek, Namibia. 18 May 2017
Credit: Yolande Snyman/ DIRCO
Credit: Yolande Snyman / DIRCO
Picture byline: Jacoline Schoonees
News
May 2017
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Hungary – South Africa Water cooperation
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r Szilverszter Bus, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Hungary was in South Africa. A cooperation agreement on water was signed in Pretoria with Ms. Nomvula Mokonyama, Minister for Water and Sanitation for South Africa. The respective governments acknowledge water as a vital natural resource and also as an adaptable energy source. Innovation in water management, a framework for exchange, finance amongst others was included for further detailed discussions. Hungary is a country sitting on one of the largest fresh water reserves in Europe. They have several techniques, know-how and technologies to manage water, efficiently recycle waste water and to build systems that can handle access water during heavy rain seasons and store and dispatch it during drought. It is with these technologies and knowhow in mind that the South African Department of Water and Sanitation and the relevant Hungarian Ministry have drafted an interministerial agreement to cooperate in the field of water management. At the press briefing held at the Hungarian
Embassy in Pretoria Deputy Minister Bus (Bush as it is pronounced) spoke of Hungary’s new focus on the emerging economies of the South, a responsibility in his portfolio. Having served as Ambassador in South East Asia he said Hungary is reaching out to nontraditional partners and consumers alike was not a shift away from Europe (90% of Hungary’s trade is with the EU) but a diversification of markets. Hungary has been achieving constant economic growth figures, this in comparison to the figures of the economies of the south. South Africa as an economy of scale could be an ideal link in the diversification chain of Hungary’s global outlook. 100 South African students will be selected for a full scholarship to study, in English, at various Hungarian tertiary institutions on a range of subjects and fields. This gesture of goodwill by Hungary will create people to people exchanges and lead to a better understanding among South Africans and Hungarians. According to Deputy Minister Bus there is a growing interest from Hungarian business people in South Africa. It was his first visit to South Africa
Photo: Mr. Szilverszter Bus, Deputy State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and Mr. Andras Kiraly, Ambassador of Hungary in South Africa
and expressed his confidence in the country and will give a good report back of his visit. He travels to Botswana and Cape Town as part of his mission. South Africa’s deep historic connection with Europe and its current relationship with its largest trading partner with a region (EU) makes cooperation between the two countries easier. As Hungary opens up to the South they are
establishing over 20 new missions in different regions of the South. The Visegrad cooperation among Hungary, Poland, The Czech Republic and Slovakia known as the V4 is influential within the EU consisting of the fastest growing economies in the EU. Hungary’s presidency begins in October 2017. - K Bhana
Ecuador – The Republic of Opportunities
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mbassador Maria Soledad Cordova Montero of Ecuador to South Africa hosted an Expo showcasing products of Ecuador. These included textiles, hats and chocolates made in Ecuador. Ecuador is on South America’s west coast. The Galapagos Islands with its rich wildlife, the Amazon Jungle and the Andean Mountains make Ecuador one of the most bio diverse places on Earth. The unique equatorial climate provides the perfect environment for growing cocoa. The cocoa is considered to be the finest in the world, being sought after by renowned chocolatiers the world over.
The famous ‘Panama Hat’ is made from the toquilla straw and has deep ancestral roots in Ecuador. The hat provided protection from the sun for the builders of the Panama Canal and as demand grew and went global from Panama, it became known as the Panama Hat, although it originated in Ecuador. Alpaca wool throws and scarfs including hand woven towels were on display at the Ambassador’s residence in Pretoria. The natural abundance and beauty of Ecuador has made it a prime destination for tourism and travel. - K Bhana
IDSA Organizes Successful Charity Bazaar T
he International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) organized a successful Charity Bazaar and Family Fun Day at the St. Mary’s DSG in Pretoria on 20 May 2017. The Chair of the Bazaar Committee was Shanti Roseval the Spouse of the Ambassador of Suriname and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Latin America and the Caribbean Countries. About sixty countries, together with vendors and charities participated in the Bazaar and traditional foods, snacks, crafts, jewelry, textile and other typical products of the different countries were on offer. The goal of the Bazaar was raising money for vulnerable groups such as women and children. IDSA is well known because of their active and creative contributions during many years in assisting, supporting and uplifting deprived
communities, children, women, institutes and organizations in South Africa. The goal of this year’s bazaar was again to raise money for these charities. There were raffles and auctions that took place as well as various performing groups such as: “Gum Boot Dancers” from “Boy’s High”, the “Tshwane Metro Police Department Ceremonial Unit Choir” and the “Dare to Dream Ballet Dancers” from the “Dare to Dream Foundation”. After welcoming all guests and participants, Mrs. Shanti Roseval thanked Reverend A. Paterson Head of The School for accommodating this unique event in the Hall of St. Mary’s DSG, free of charge. She also thanked the MC of the event, Mr Adam McCarthy, High Commissioner of Australia and all the hard working IDSA members and friends for their contributions.
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News
African Peer
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umane, compassionate, understanding, empathy, these are some of the traits one should associate with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). A dialogue to create greater awareness about the function of peer review and to celebrate 14 years of the APRM was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Volunteerism makes The APRM exceptional. It is a discussion to share ideas and knowledge, to lend a sympathetic ear, to find constructive solutions and provide a proactive platform for peers to engage without judgement, debate or argument. It could be compared to group therapy, a support mechanism for nations subjected to a history of brutalization through slavery, dehumanisation and dispossession and left desperate to survive by any means necessary. This is evident through despotic dictatorships, incomprehensible civil conflicts and genocide. It takes a special kind of understanding and peer support to heal the deep wounds of self-hate, racism and xenophobia. Peers who have a collective destiny can consult each other openly on shared experiences; provide mentorship or a helping hand. They can cultivate a sense of belonging that brings about responsible and accountable attitudes. That instils courage and a willingness to act, a belief in the ability to perform and achieve. The APRM is meant to be facilitative, to identify and resolve situations through a review mechanism,
civil engagement and support. It does not hand out accolades nor impose demerits it rather fosters trust, acceptance, dignity and respect. It could promote the idea of self-government and move away from a punitive system that serves to humiliate, to one that provides guidance and direction. It could be the answer to corruption as preventative laws only leads to more levels and platforms to corrupt. The APRM is steadily gaining traction as more African nations begin to understand the motivation and inspiration of this unique and innovative African concept. - K Bhana
May 2017
Ambassador Farnaud of France presents awards On 2 May 2017, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, H.E. Mr Christophe Farnaud, hosted a reception in honour of Georgina Thomson and Gregory Maqoma. Ms Thomson was awarded the Officier de Arts et des Lettres and Mr Maqoma the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. Ms Thomson is the renowned artistic director of the famous annual Dance Umbrella Festival in Johannesburg. Mr Maqoma, an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher and director, was the head choreographer for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert held in Soweto. He also founded the Vuyani Dance Theatre.
On 15 May 2017, Ambassador Christophe Farnaud, hosted a reception in honor of Professor Alan Mabin to award him with the National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mérite), rank of Knight (Chevalier). Professor Mabin is an Emeritus Professor of the University of the Witwatersrand. For over thirty years, he has been a key figure in the fields of urbanism, development and town planning. He is the co-founder of Planact, in 1985, a NGO working with townships’ communities and has been involved, as a consultant and board member, in town planning in several municipalities. - Embassy of France in Pretoria, South Africa
Photo: Ambassador of France to South Africa Christophe Farnaud with Professor Alan Mabin, his wife Cynthia Kros and their children.
Photo: Ambassador Christophe Farnaud awards Alan Mabin
BRICS, Bridge Building and Mercantilism
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n preparation for the upcoming BRICS summit in China in September 2017 and for planning of the next summit in 2018 in South Africa, the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) and the South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT) hosted a symposium in Pretoria on 20 April 2017. Opening the symposium Dr Philani Mthembu Executive Director of IGD emphasized the need to promote the phenomenon of BRICS to the citizens of the respective countries. What value is there for Brazilians, Russians, Indians, Chinese and South Africans who make up this bloc? How do ordinary people engage with these countries not only to support the formation but to discover opportunity and realise the potential benefits on offer. The keynote was delivered by Mr Dave Malcomson – Chief Director for Regional Affairs for the Department of International Relations and a
panel of distinguished experts, Prof. Serges Djoyou Kamga of the Thabo Mbeki Leadership Institute, Mr Francis Koregay of IGD, and Mr Ashraf Patel (SABTT Associate) presented on the topic: Situating the future of BRICS in changing global dynamics. The discussion looked at the dynamics of the grouping, with Russia, China and India vying for influence while South Africa and Brazil are carving out a role for their respective interests. Reaching out to other emerging economies of the South was also put on the table for deliberation. The formation of Brics was seen as a counter to the current world hegemon, an alternative world vison, founded on self-interest and Mercantilism. Ultimately Brazilians, Russians, Indians, Chinese and South Africans should take their self-interest into account and leverage the opportunities that arise from the construction of BRICS. - By K Bhana
WEF Africa: President calls for youth inclusion
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urban – President Jacob Zuma says more young people need to be involved in governance to ensure that Africa speedily attains the goals it has set itself through the Agenda 2063, the continent’s flagship plan. “We need to do more than what we are doing. The efforts that Africa is making are good but we need to do more to ensure we move with speed to realising our goals as set out in the plan,” the President said in Durban on Thursday. He was responding to a wide-range of questions at the opening of the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre. Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. It builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development. President Zuma challenged African leaders to ensure that young people become part of the plan through their participation in government, as well as the African Union. In his recent reshuffle of government, President Zuma appointed several young people to serve as ministers and deputy ministers, a move he said on Thursday was aimed at increasing the capacity of government to respond to various issues facing South Africa.
Young people important stakeholders
He said the youth had been clear in calling for leaders to address issues of exclusion in equality, poverty and unemployment. Young people were an important stakeholder because Africa is a youthful continent. President Zuma said opening opportunities for young people would also help the continent in its integration, adopting new technology and ensure a prosperous Africa. “There is more prospects now than any other time to attain our goals. Africans are working together, we are making efforts to build infrastructure that connects us to make the movements of goods and people to be easy -- something that is on the Agenda 2063 plan.” The presence of a high number of African leaders at the Durban meeting is being viewed as a sign of unity among the African countries, in the month that the continent is celebrating the formation of the Organisation of African Unity more than 53 years ago. The President has also held several bilateral meetings with the African Heads of State attending the conference.
Growth must be inclusive
Earlier in his speech to the opening session, President Zuma said the summit’s theme of inclusive growth presents an opportunity for the delegates to discuss vigorously the various issues of economic growth and development mindful of the fact that opportunities and growth must not only be enjoyed
Photo: President Jacob Zuma with youth at the World Economic Forum on Africa held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. Elmond Jiyane, GCIS
by a few. He reminded the audience that the global context has evolved since the last summit was held in Africa, Cape Town, in 2015. “We have witnessed an increase in social discontent amongst citizens globally due to increasing alienation and exclusion. The theme for this year’s meeting is therefore more relevant to the issues facing the world.” The theme is “Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership”. President Zuma said other critical challenges facing the world included weak economic growth, management of migration, global security and
terrorism. “Importantly, as leaders we have not addressed adequately how we are going to close the gap between the rich and poor in the world and achieve meaningful inclusive growth. The gap between the developed and developing world remains huge, while the gap between rich and poor also remains wide,” said President Zuma. This issue of inequality, he said, had been one which world leaders have also grappled with at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, for many years. “We are pleased that some of these issues are going to be discussed at this forum”. – SAnews.gov.za
News
May 2017
SKA SA bags yet another milestone
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Well-known French author Agnès Ledig visits South Africa
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he Square Kilometre Array (SKA) SA team has presented the first Array Release (AR) 1.5 images taken with MeerKAT 32, to Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor. Minister Pandor on Tuesday toured an exhibition at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town, where SKA SA joined other exhibitors for a showcase. The Minister visited the exhibition prior to delivering her department’s 2017 Budget Vote Speech in Parliament. During the Minister’s visit to the exhibition, SKA SA Chief Scientist Dr Fernando Camilo and SKA SA Head of Science Commissioning Dr Sharmila Goedhart released to the Minister Photo: First ever radio image (right panel) of a spiral the recent AR1.5 results, images achieved galaxy previously photographed in visible light (left by using various configurations of the 32 panel). Both the visible light on the left and the radio antennas currently operational in the Karoo, waves on the right left this galaxy 230 million years ago. where the SKA is situated. www.ska.ac.za This milestone of the integration of 32 antennas with a single polarisation correlator direct investment from the SKA Organisation for was achieved on schedule by the end of March constructions costs of Phase 1 of the SKA,” Minister 2017. Pandor said. The 32 antennas are part of the eventual 64 The theme for this year’s budget vote is ‘The instruments that are being built at the Losberg site Oliver Tambo Legacy: Positioning the national in the Northern Cape. In her Budget Vote Speech, Minister Pandor system of innovation for the future’. announced that the Research Development and “Government announced the celebration Support Programme will transfer R693 million of OR Tambo this year, as it would have been his to the National Research Foundation to ensure centenary had he lived. OR Tambo wasn’t just a the completion of MeerKAT as a key priority for luminary of our struggle for freedom. He was also an outstanding mathematics and science teacher,” 2017/18. “The SKA will be the world’s largest and most said Minister Pandor. – SAnews.gov.za sensitive radio telescope. Key economic benefits @ScienceForumSA #DSTBV2017 exhibition. from this investment will be the leveraging of foreign Min Pandor talks to Grassroots Innovators.
Travel across Africa
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frica Visa Openness Index notes that Africans were able to travel more freely across the continent in 2016 compared to 2015. Addis Ababa, 19 May 2017- The African Development Bank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the World Economic Forum has launched the second edition of the Africa Visa Openness Index. The Index analyses the visa regime in Africa and how open countries are in terms of relaxation or elimination of visa requirements for citizens from other African countries traveling to their countries. The report examines which countries are facilitating travel for citizens of other countries and whether they allow people to travel to their country without a visa, with the provision of visaon-arrival or whether visitors need to get a visa before travel. Overall, Africans were able to travel more freely across the continent in 2016, as the visa openness levels improved compared to 2015. However challenges still remain. The second edition highlights pervasive regional differences in visa openness performance. For example, 75% of countries in the top 20 most visa-open countries, are either in East or West Africa, while 20% are in Southern Africa. Of the top 20 countries, only one country, Mauritania, is from the Northern region, while none is from Central Africa. “Despite the size of our group, I need 38 visas to move around Africa” says Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group. Continent-wide, Ghana made the most progress in 2016 in opening up its borders to African travelers, moving into sixth place in the Index, up sixteen places from 2015. Senegal also
moved into the top 20 most visa-open countries, up 9 places from 2015 and Tunisia moved 13 places from 2015. Seychelles continues to lead the index and remains the only African country on the continent to offer visa-free access for all Africans. “Our leaders have to bring down the walls that separate us, from East Africa to Central Africa to North Africa to West Africa. We need a wider open market” says Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Group. The African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Dr. Kwesi Quartey observes that much progress has been achieved despite the numerous challenges. In July 2016, the African Union launched the African Union Passport that has since been issued to Heads of State and Government, the First Ladies, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities, the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union as well as some business persons. “The African Union is supporting Member States in rolling out the African Union passport to all its citizens, granting them visafree access to explore the Continent for business, pleasure, leisure and tourism,” he adds. Going forward, focus is to continue the positive trend of Africa’s visa openness regime and deliver on the African Union’s decision for African countries to issue visas-on-arrival to all Africans as it seeks to achieve seamless borders. Greater visa openness in Africa would help create a peoplecentered African integration that offers the much needed free movement of persons, intra-African trade, tourism, study and job opportunities as well as people-to-people exchanges for all Africans. - African Union Commission
Photo: Pictured at a dinner at the French Residence from left: Jean Bourdin of the Alliance Française Johannesburg, Cooperation Attaché for French Language Damien Guyard, Agnès Ledig, Elinor Sisulu, Ambassador Farnaud and Harry Kalmer and his wife.
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ell-known French author Agnès Ledig visited South Africa from Saturday 29 April to Friday 5 May 2017. She was invited by the French Embassy, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) and French teachers at various South African private schools because one of her short stories, contained in the book entitled 13 à table, is part of the South African schools French literature programme for 2017 to 2019. She visited schools offering the French language as a subject in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg, addressing more than 1500 pupils
during her stay. On Thursday 4 May she visited Pretoria Boys’ High School to address teachers and pupils from various schools in South Africa. Contributions raised during her stay were given to Meals on Wheels in South Africa. During her stay in South Africa, she will also meet with Ambassador of France to South Africa H.E. Christophe Farnaud and South African writer and activist Elinor Sisulu and South African writer Harry Kalmer. - Embassy of France in Pretoria, South Africa
SA participates in national urban policy conference
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retoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Andries Nel has participated in the Second International Conference on National Urban Policy, in France. During the four-day conference, which kicked off earlier this week at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris, France, the Deputy Minister participated in the Ministers and Mayors dialogue session. “The purpose of the urban policy conference was to consider in a global forum the role of national urban policies in the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA),” said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) on Friday. The Deputy Minister said the conference that began with a plenary looked at managing global urbanisation, offered a platform for shared experience and shared learning between countries. Preliminary talks, led by Deputy Minister Nel and members of OECD Directorates, focused on urban development and the urban economy. This initiated further conversations on South African and OECD knowledge exchange and cooperation. The mayors and ministers from countries like Cameroon, Chile, the Czech Republic, and Guinea, amongst others, discussed value processes and features of National Urban Policies (NUP) for strengthening the role of cities in sustainable development. “This session enabled delegates to identify common issues and good practices in these policy areas, with a global linking thread being the focus on the urban challenge to combat rising inequality, and the platforms to be utilized to forge an inclusive city,” said the department.
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In addition, Deputy Minster Nel also highlighted South Africa’s urban policy -- the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF). The IUDF seeks to foster a shared understanding across government and society about how best to manage urbanisation and achieve the goals of economic development, job creation and improved living conditions for people. Deputy Minister Nel highlighted the specificities of the legacy of apartheid spatial planning and how South Africa urgently needs to transform its national space economy to bring about spatial justice and inclusivity. This objective he said, which resonates from the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), informs the vision of the IUDF. Having described the key elements of the IUDF in respect to its objectives and levers, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of integrated spatial planning between all spheres and sectors, and how these plans must guide investments, and build stakeholder support and participation in the implementation of the national urban agenda by multiple role-players. – SAnews.gov.za
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May 2017
Freedom Day
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“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.� - Long Walk to Freedom
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