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The MOGÔBAGÔBA Dialogue

The South African Embassy: Brussels Annual Report 2007/2008 1

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A h t u So – e! m o c s a h e y! m i d t a e s ’ r a Afric Africa is h Sout

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Message from the Ambassador My wife and I are already midway in our posting to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Communities. What has struck us during this period is the positive attitude towards South Africa which is reflected in the growing relations between South Africa and the EU, on the one hand, and with Belgium and Luxembourg, on the other. This publication aims to give you a brief overview of our intense and wide-ranging interactions with the EU and the countries to which we are accredited.

The inaugural publication is entitled The Mogôbagôba Dialogue. This derives from the title of the strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union which was signed in May 2007. It is a Northern Sotho name for the yellowwood tree which is South Africa’s national tree. The significance of the tree derives from traditional African cultural practice where people would sit under a tree to engage in important dialogue.

In this publication you will read of some of the highlights of our work from April 2007 to March 2008, which is the planning and financial year of the South African Government. Concerning relations with the EU, some of these highlights are: the signing of the South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership and Joint Action Plan, the ongoing SADC-EC EPA negotiations, the Africa-EU Summit and the closer relations between the South African and EU Parliaments. Moreover you will also read about our activities in the areas of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Customs, Defence, Trade and Investments and Tourism.

Our relations with Belgium and Luxembourg have deepened and strengthened during the past year. This is evidenced by the successful outcomes of the South Africa-Belgo Joint Commission and the South Africa-Flanders Joint Commission, the successful World Diamond Road show in Antwerp with Minister Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Minerals and Energy, participating. This past year also saw the establishment of the South African Business Chapter under the CBL-ACP, the Embassy’s participation in the major tourism and cultural fairs, as well as the Flanders International Trade Fair (ACCENTA) in Ghent. Minister Geert Bourgeois, Flemish Minister for Administrative Affairs, Foreign Policy, Media and Tourism, also visited South Africa in October 2007.

A Defence Attaché’s office was also established in the Embassy. In March 2008 the Chancery was purchased by the South African Government which will ensure our long-term presence in Rue Montoyer. The decision to purchase reflects the importance that the South African Government attaches to our strategic relations with the EU and Belgium.

This year marks the 90th birthday of South Africa’s first democratically-elected President, Dr. Nelson Mandela. His legacy, humanity and principles not only continue to guide and inspire the people of South Africa, but also people across the world.

At the core of all our activities is to ensure a better life for all in South Africa, Africa and the world. I would like to encourage you to continue joining us on this road.

In conclusion, my wife and I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the warmth and hospitality extended to us. I would like to thank my colleagues whose dedication, hard work and commitment have made it possible for us to achieve our goals over the past year.

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H.E. Dr Anil Sooklal South African Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Communities

South Africa and the Kingdom of Belgium The year 2007 was yet again a testament that relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Belgium are irrefutably strong. The two countries held the second session of the Joint Commission successfully on 24 - 25 October 2007 in Pretoria where the plenary was co-chaired by Dr. A. Ntsaluba, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and by Ambassador Jan Grauls, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation of Belgium and followed by work sessions of the four (4) Special Committees on Political issues, Economic matters, Development co-operation and Defence.

The relationship between South Africa and Belgium is flourishing and has been characterised since the previous session by increased consultation between the two parties as Non Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council.

At the second session of the Joint Commission both delegations reviewed political, economic and social development in their respective countries, paying attention to the challenges ahead and identified new areas of bilateral co-operation and trilateral commitment in other parts of Africa. The Third meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Brussels before the end of 2008.

The Flemish-South Africa Joint Commission met in April 2007 when progress made during the past two years with regard to the identified projects in different sectors of the three selected Provinces of KwaZulu Natal, the Free State and Limpopo and additional areas of co-operation were assessed and explored. In keeping with the challenges of South Africa’s dual economy, projects with emphasis on human development, capacity building, poverty alleviation and health issues, undoubtedly, contributed to the success of development in many areas with further potential in others.

The Development Co-operation programmes of both the Federal and Flemish Governments are aligned with the objectives of the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) component of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA) and include the subsidised port management training offered to South Africans by the Antwerp Port Training Centre.

Minister Dlamini Zuma met with Mr. Geert Bourgeois, Flemish Minister for Administrative Affairs, Foreign Policy, Media and Tourism on 14 May 2007 in Brussels. Minister Dlamini Zuma agreed that for South Africa Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) currently constituted a weakness, but it also held huge potential. Moreover, she added that the inclusion of the area of minerals beneficiation in the Work Programme was very encouraging as well as the exchanges in the areas of culture, youth and sports and importantly, co-operation with regard to gender issues, which was an area where South Africa and Flanders could learn from one another.

The issue of trilateral co-operation was raised as a new area of co-operation. Minister Dlamini Zuma pointed out that trilateral co-operation was expanding and in that regard, in addition to SADC, co-operation with Mozambique and Malawi could be considered. In regard to trilateral projects, Wallonia was also a partner through the (inter-University) co-operation between the Universities of Liege, Lubumbashi and Kwa Zulu-Natal.

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Trade and investments The Embassy focused strongly on the promotion of South African exports and attracting foreign direct investment from Belgium during the past year. This included the establishment of the first-ever South African Chapter of the Chamber of Commerce of Belgium-Luxembourg and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (CBL-ACP).

The first event the Embassy arranged in partnership with this Chapter was an investment seminar for members of UNIZO (Unie van Zelfstandige Ondernemers) in May 2007. On this occasion a steering committee for the former was elected and a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the recently established Business Club Zuid-Afrika (BZA).

In addition to the strong relations with the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, the inauguration of regular cargo flights between South Africa and Belgium should further benefit the growing trade between the two countries.

TRADE STATISTICS SA / BE in â‚Ź SA Export

SA Import

Trade Balance

2007

1,350,441,200 *

914,584,000 *

435,857,200

2006

1,455,352,710

2005-2006: UP 8%

1,071,800,140

2005-2006: UP 11%

383,552,570

2005

1,349,061,240

962,084,670

386,976,570

JAN-OCT *

The participation in the ACCENTA (Flanders International Trade Fair) in Ghent, where the Free State Province was the guest of honour, provided a strong impetus for trade relations The Embassy hosted an investment seminar at ACCENTA which elicited strong interest from companies in East Flanders.

The Embassy has maintained strong relations with the diamond sector in Antwerp and mandated by the Belgo-South African Joint Commission, the Embassy and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) arranged a successful Roadshow as a satellite event of the Antwerp World Diamond Conference in October 2007. It was aimed at promoting opportunities for value-added investment and business-to-business linkages in the sector and to stimulate bilateral co-operation. A senior delegation from the Departments of Minerals and Energy and Trade and Industry, under the leadership of Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica participated.

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Tourism and Culture The promotion of tourism and cultural exchanges remained one of the Embassy’s key objectives. This entailed participation in three tourism fairs (Antwerp Vakantiesalon, Vakantz Luxembourg, and Brussels Holiday Fair) and three other fairs (ACCENTA, Zenith and Free Trade Fair), as well as events to showcase South Africa as a business tourism destination. These were organised in partnership with SA Tourism. Visit Southern Africa, an Association of Belgian Tour Operators established with assistance from the Embassy, also organised two successful tourism fairs.

The number of tourists from Belgium to South Africa has shown a steady increase over the last years, and now number around 45 000 per annum. Reasons for this growth include the strong interest in cultural ties, as well as the thousands of Flemings residing in South Africa and active in the tourism industry; South Africa’s world-class infrastructure; diversity of tourism products; positive global perceptions of peaceful political transition in SA; etc.

This is good news for South Africa as tourism is one of the top five fast growing economic sectors of SA, which contributes about 7% of the country’s GDP. Currently, tourism employs an estimated 3% of SA’s workforce. It has great potential for economic empowerment and job creation, especially for the SMMEs from the previously disadvantaged communities which addresses poverty alleviation in South Africa and Africa.

The cultural exchanges between South Africa and Belgium continued to flourish in 2007. Relations between South Africa and the Government of Flanders ensured this promotion including through the various twinning agreements that exist between the cities of Tshwane and Maasmechelen as well as the cities of Ghent and Mangaung.

In April 2007, the city of Maasmechelen hosted South Africa on a week long event themed Zuid Afrikaanse Week. An assortment of South African culture was showcased at the event ranging from Jazz music by Tutu Pouane, South African gastronomy, a small exhibition on South Africa’s Former President Dr Nelson Mandela to a theater performance by the Thesele Group from Soweto. The Thesele group stayed on after the event and performed in the different cities of Belgium for a period of three months.

2007 also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the city of Mechelen by Minister Essop Pahad on behalf of South Africa and Minister Bert Anciaux on behalf of the Flemish Government. The MoU will facilitate the exchange programmes within the fields or Arts and Culture.

Three cultural groups from the city of Mangaung- Peter Nthwane and the Kubu Dancers, Press and Kaya- performed during the ACCENTA Fair where South Africa was hosted as the guest of honour.

During the last year, a number of organised exchange programmes within the field of Arts and Culture were already implemented successfully. A group of Belgian Artists (from drama to music) have undertaken visits to different community centres in South Africa for training purposes including capacity building. Many renowned Belgian Artists such as the Music Group Internationals, Seon, Tom Roos (drama and Theatre) have visited community centres in South Africa, namely Gauteng (Soweto), Free State (Mmabana Cultural centre) as well as Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga. The representatives of these community centres have also been invited to Belgium for training in capacity building.

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South African Revenue Service (SARS) SA-Belgium Co-operation South African Revenue Service and Belgian Customs and Excise Administration have continued to maintain mutually beneficial relations. Both Administrations have continued their work on a pilot project to facilitate the movement of legitimate trade between the two countries. Work has commenced and will be advanced by a visit by Belgian Customs officials to South Africa with focus on the following issues: • Exchange experiences on methodologies on Authorized Economic Operator Management • Risk Management Training • Preliminary work on comparison of IT systems used by both Administrations In a further sign of the cordial and strengthening relations between the two countries Belgium has appointed its first Customs representative to South Africa to enhance cooperation and communication with SARS. The representative is expected to take up her post in the coming months.

Customs Enquiries The Brussels Office continues to provide support to amongst others; tourists, returning residents and businesses relating to enquiries on the relevant Customs requirements for South Africa. Given that most of the enquiries are done through e-mail, indicating good access to the internet, the office has decided to post “frequently asked questions” on the newly-launched Embassy website to facilitate easy and quicker access to information.

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The illustrations above indicate the activities for the period June 2007 to February 2008 indicating the top 6 frequently asked questions, form of communication and source countries for such enquiries.

Science and Technology Although the new bilateral science and technology cooperation programme between the Flemish Government and the Department of Science and Technology had not yet been finalised, close inter-institutional cooperation, for example between South Africa’s CSIR and its Flemish equivalent VITO, or between South African and Flemish universities continued. The Mission also continued its proactive efforts to foster collaboration with organisations in the Brussels and Walloon regions of Belgium and those research organisations, which resort under the Belgian Federal Government’s Science Policy Office (for example in areas such as nuclear and polar research.)

Defence cooperation The establishment of a Defence Attaché office in the Embassy has assisted in strengthening defence relations between South Africa and Belgium. The goodwill visit by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt Gen M.M. Motau, to his Belgian counterpart in September 2007 further consolidated the good relations. South Africa has military ties to the ‘Killing Fields’ of Flanders’ from the First World War and in this regard two important anniversaries took place during 2007: firstly the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and the 80th Anniversary of the completion of the Menin Gate. The Defence Attaché was also part of a tour for Defence Attachés accredited to Belgium to the Province of Luxembourg at the invitation of the Belgian Defence Force. The visit involved visiting the historic castle of Bouillon, the Museum of religious art and popular beliefs of the Ardennes and the particular aspects of the Ardennes culture, the Hotton underground caves as well as the museum of the Bell and Arillon situated in Tellin. The Defence Attaché also attended the Ceremony of the Liberation of Koksijde/Oostduinkerke. South African troops took part in the liberation of the town.

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South Africa and the European Union The past year was a historic one in the evolution of relations between South Africa and the European Union. The signing of the South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan (JAP) further cemented the existing close ties between the two partners.

The Mission played an important role in the final negotiations of the JAP, which was signed at the Ministerial Troika meeting in May 2007 between the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany (for the EU Presidency), Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The SA-EU Strategic Partnership builds on the framework of the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) and significantly enhances existing bilateral cooperation and political dialogue, including most notably at Summit level. The Strategic Partnership also makes provision for bi-annual Ministerial Troika meetings as well as the creation of various sub-committees on issues of common interest. One of the guiding principles of the Strategic Partnership is that it must support South Africa’s national, regional and African policies and programmes to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment.

The implementation of the JAP was set in motion towards the end of 2007 when it was agreed to prioritise the creation of the following sub-committees in 2008: Peace and Security, Migration, Customs co-operation, Transport and Energy. This followed the successful initial meeting at senior officials’ level, between DG: Environment and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in October 2007, which the Mission facilitated. The objective of the aforesaid meeting was to initiate dialogue on environment and sustainable development, which included issues like climate change, desertification, CITES, waste management and biodiversity.

The Mission also played an active role in the negotiations for the Review of the TDCA. Areas of negotiation were, inter alia: Essential elements, combating terrorism, co-operation in migration, transport, environment and minerals and energy. The finalised text was agreed upon between South Africa and the EU at the Joint Co-operation Council meeting held in Tshwane, South Africa on 3 October 2007. The text was initialled by the Director General of the South African Department of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba and Director General of DG: Development of the European Commission, Mr Stefano Manservisi.

Following the EU´s response to the request from the SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Group to include South Africa in the negotiations, the Mission took part in seven SADC EPA preparatory meetings and negotiating sessions between SADC and the EU, both in the SADC region and in Brussels. In addition, the Mission regularly engaged the Commission, European Parliament and during the course of the year Member States to advance SADC´s positions on the EPAs. The Mission also kept relevant South African government departments, institutions as well as visiting South African parliamentary delegations informed of developments. Of the seven Member States who are in the SADC EPA configuration, four initialled the Interim EPA without reservations, Namibia initialled conditionally and Angola is still in the process of finalising its market access offer. South Africa also did not initial the

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Interim EPA by the EU’s deadline of 29 November 2007 given South Africa’s reservations on certain key clauses in the Interim EPA. South Africa’s main concerns centre around the negative impact the EPA could have on regional integration and the development of South-South trade relations. Negotiations are ongoing between South Africa, SADC EPA Member States and the EU on how to bridge the chasm.

In September 2007, the Mission hosted a delegation of the South African Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee, which visited Brussels and Strasbourg to investigate the EU’s industrial policy. The Mission also facilitated visits of the South African Parliamentary Delegation to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in September 2007 as well as the return visit by the European Parliamentary Delegation for Relations with South Africa in February 2008, which coincided with the delivery of the State of the Nation Address. The outcome of this interaction was the signing of the Declaration of Intent, which was also drafted by the Mission. Pursuant to the Declaration of Intent the two parliaments agreed to establish sectoral sub-committees along the lines of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU. The Mission also regularly engaged the Commission, Parliament and Council on global and African peace and security issues. These issues were also discussed at the two Ministerial Troika meetings in May and October 2007, as well as at the level of Senior Officials.

The Mission also played an active role in the preparations for the Africa-EU Summit and took part in the drafting of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy in Accra, Ghana in November 2007. Ambassador Sooklal attended the Sharm-El-Sheik Africa-EU Ministerial meeting as well as the Africa-EU Summit in Lisbon in December 2007.

The Mission also regularly participated in the SADC Committee of Ambassadors meetings, SADC Senior Officials meetings, the Southern Africa Group of the ACP, the AU Committee of Ambassadors and Joint ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assemblies in Wiesbaden, Kigali and Brussels as well as the ACP-EU Council of Ministers. Ambassador Sooklal participated in the ACP-EU Development Ministers meeting in Bonn on the EPAs as well as the ACP Council of Ministers meeting where Deputy Trade Minister Dr Rob Davies and the Mission took a leading role in drafting the ACP Declaration on the EPAs. The Mission also facilitated the attendance of the South African Minister of Health, Dr Tshabalala-Msimang at the ACP Ministers of Health meeting in November 2007. In margins of this meeting, Minister TshabalalaMsimang also had a meeting with senior Commission officials to discuss possible areas of collaboration to advance the Health agenda of the continent.

In May 2007, the Mission facilitated the visit of the ACP Secretary General, Sir John Kaputin to South Africa where he had discussions, amongst others, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dlamini Zuma.

The Mission, in conjunction with the AU Mission in Brussels, also took part in a number of regional meetings in preparation for the Regional Diaspora Conference that took place in Paris in September 2007. The Mission prepared the discussion paper for the Economic Working Group and Ambassador Sooklal took part in the Steering Committee.

The Mission also played a leading role in the drafting of the ACP budget for 2008 as well as the introduction of a multi-annual budget.

The Mission provided a briefing to South African government departments at the Annual SA-EU Development Co-operation Consultations on the structure and functioning of the Strategic Partnership. The new Country Strategy Paper (CSP), covering the period 2007-13 with an indicative financial envelope of Euro 980 million was signed in Tshwane, South Africa on 10 October 2007 by the South African Minister of Finance, Mr Trevor Manuel and the EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Louis Michel. In addition, the European Investment Bank Framework for Co-operation for 2007-2013 was also finalised and amounts to Euro 900 million.

Agriculture There was marked progress in the past year alone compared to the previous five years in endeavours to resolve outstanding agricultural issues in the TDCA. Conclusion of this matter is expected by the third quarter of this calendar year.

The Embassy participated in intergovernmental organisations such as International Organization of Animal Health (OIE), International Organisation of Wine and Vine (OIV) and International Grains Council (IGC). The Embassy’s Agriculture representative, Mr Makabanyane, a delegate in all the above mentioned bodies was elected Vice Chairperson of IGC in December 2007.

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Science and Technology 2007 was another outstanding year for scientific and technological cooperation between South Africa and the European Union (EU) with relations growing from strength to strength. The undoubted highlight was the first visit by the European Commissioner for Science and Research, Mr Janez Potocnik to South Africa in November 2007. Commissioner Potocnik and South Africa’s Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, participated in a special event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the South Africa – EU Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.

Over the past decade South African research and technology organisations had indeed participated with success (more than 200 participations) in the EU Framework Programmes for Research portfolio of cooperation, which in 2007 was enriched by the first approved South African participations in the current Seventh Framework Programme (FP7.) The latter significantly included participation in research themes such as nuclear energy (EURATOM), surface transport and aeronautics, areas in which South Africa had thus far not achieved great Framework Programme success. Furthermore, South African industrial groups such as SASOL augmented the traditional strong participation by South African universities and the public-funded science councils (e.g. CSIR.) The Mission in Brussels played a central role in promoting South African participation in the Framework Programmes, through notably fostering a regular dialogue and close cooperation with the respective services of the European Commission and actively marketing South Africa’s science and technology strengths to European partners interested in cooperation with South Africa. The latter activities for example included the organisation of a major “South Africa Science Day” Conference, and several thematic seminars presented by South African experts during their visits to Brussels. A visiting Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology had for example presented South Africa’s new Ten Year Innovation Plan at a high-level seminar.

The strengthening and deepening of cooperation took place against the backdrop of a joint action plan agreed to by the South African Department of Science and Technology and the European Commission’s Directorate-General Research at the sixth meeting of the South Africa – EU Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, held in Brussels in April 2007. The Committee for example reviewed current and agreed on new initiatives to deepen the science and technology policy dialogue between South Africa and the EU, for example in areas such as the knowledge-based bio-economy and sustainable surface transport. At the end of 2007, the European Commission also renewed its support for the European South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP), a platform jointly funded with the Department of Science and Technology to render information, advisory and support services to South African and European research partners.

As in the past, leveraging the success of the South Africa – EU science and technology cooperation to also support African continental and regional science and technology programmes, notably the African Union / New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action, was also an important area of cooperation. In this context, South Africa for example played a leading part in the preparation of a new Sub-Saharan Africa – EU science and technology policy dialogue platform, the Network for the Coordination and Advancement of Sub-Saharan Africa-EU Science & Technology Cooperation (CAAST-Net), launched in 2007.

South Africa and the EU also continued active cooperation and coordination in multilateral science forums, such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), which Summit Commissioner Potocnik had attended in South Africa.

Other highlights during 2007 included the finalisation of Sector Budget Support, which will be availed from the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument to the Department of Science and Technology, with the objective of strengthening the Department’s interventions targeting poverty alleviation, enterprise development and economic growth.

World Customs Organisation (WCO) The Mission has represented South Africa at the WCO at various meetings and gatherings’ focussing on Customs issues. South Africa has played a very active role both in the strategic and technical discussions in the WCO. South Africa has also been involved in efforts to consolidate the participation of Customs representatives from developing countries. These also include assistance to the WCO East and Southern Africa regional office of capacity building in its efforts to encourage developing countries, particularly in Africa, to send Customs representatives in Brussels.

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Excerpts from the State of the Nation Address of the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki to the Joint Sitting of Parliament: 8 February 2008 I am confident that 2008 will be one of the most remarkable years of our democracy, as we all work together to realise the core aspiration of our people to attain a better life for all. I say this because, in our own estimation, it is not often that a nation is called upon to strain every sinew of its collective body to attain a dream. And such is the injunction that history has imposed on us today.

The entirety of our system of governance is therefore making the commitment that in the period ahead of us; it will do its best to live up to the imperative – Business Unusual! We speak of Business Unusual not referring to any changes in our established policies but with regard to the speedy, efficient and effective implementation of these policies and programmes, so that the lives of our people should change for the better, sooner rather than later.

APEX Priorities To make certain that this happens; we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the Annual Budget the Minister of Finance will present later this month makes the necessary allocations to give us the means to implement the Apex Priorities. The main categories of these priorities are:

• The further acceleration of our economic growth and development • Speeding up the process of building the infrastructure we need to achieve our economic and social goals • Improving the effectiveness of our interventions directed at the Second Economy, and poverty eradication • Enhancing the impact of our programmes targeting the critically important area of education and training • Accelerating our advance towards the achievement of the goal of health for all • Revamping the criminal justice system to intensify our offensive against crime • Further strengthening the machinery of government to ensure that it has the capacity to respond to our development imperatives and, • Enhancing our focus on key areas in terms of our system of international relations, with particular focus on some African issues and South-South relations.

Let me therefore make bold to say that this historical moment demands that our nation should unite as never before and strain every sinew of its collective body to address our common challenges and keep alive the dream that has sustained all of us as we travelled along the uncharted road towards the creation of the South Africa visualised in our Constitution.

The national emergency represented by the current power outages poses the challenge and presents the opportunity to the entirety of our nation to give concrete expression to the call we have just made for all of us to unite in action and act in unity to keep our country on course. This must say to all of us that we are indeed in a period of challenges, but surmountable challenges. And precisely because it is a period of challenges, it is also an era of opportunity!

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Eskom I would like to take this opportunity to convey to the country the apologies of both the Government and Eskom for the national emergency which has resulted in all of us having to contend with the consequences of load shedding. I would also like to thank all citizens for their resilience and forbearing in the face of the current difficulties.

As government our task is to now lead and unite the country behind a campaign for energy efficiency that will address this challenge.

Among other things, we must use the current adversity to ensure that our homes and economy become more energy efficient.

Government will start implementing a campaign to ensure efficient lighting, solar water heating and geyser load management in households, including housing standards for all new houses and developments. We urge households that can afford to act immediately to consider implementing these energy-saving measures.

Let us therefore use this emergency to put in place the first building blocks of the essential energy efficient future we dare not avoid.

Let us ensure that all hands are on deck to address the turbulence that has hit us, inspired by the approach that our circumstances call for Business Unusual!

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup This is exactly the same approach we must adopt as we continue to prepare to host the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009 and the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup which will kick off in our country 854 days from today. I mention this important matter here because the current challenges we are facing have led some elsewhere in the world once more to question whether we will be able to host these tournaments successfully.

Of course, I have absolutely no doubt that we will honour our undertaking to FIFA and the world community of soccer players and lovers to create all the necessary conditions for the holding of the best ever FIFA Soccer World Cup tournament.

For the full text visit: www.southafrica.be/news

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Excerpts from Budget Speech 2008 by the Minister of Finance, Trevor A Manuel: 20 February 2008 The South African economy has expanded continuously since September 1999. Its pace of growth slowed slightly in 2001 and 2002, and since 2003 we have grown by an average of 5% a year. This is the longest continuous period of growth on record. GDP per person has increased by over 20% since 2000.

During the past five years, employment has increased at a faster pace than at any point in the past twenty years, adding over 1.5 million jobs.

As we present a picture of where we are now, we must also tell South Africans and the world that our ship is stronger and we are better prepared than during previous episodes of global turmoil. It is time for neither gloom nor panic.

But the course ahead will be somewhat tougher.

During periods of uncertainty, it is important that we keep focused on the things required to raise long-term growth. The circumstances call to each one of us to do more, to act with greater determination and to act together. This Budget and many of government’s programmes and plans contribute to raising our growth potential in the future. Our investments in physical infrastructure, education and skills, research and development, fighting crime and contributing to regional peace are aimed at improving our growth prospects and broadening opportunity, so that when the storm abates, we will grow even faster, with more equitable outcomes.

Investments Investment in fixed capital expanded rapidly in 2007 and will remain a key support to GDP growth over the medium term, driven by widespread public sector infrastructure development and its effect on private investment and capacity. Spending on energy intensive projects may be deferred over the medium term. Growth in fixed capital formation is expected nonetheless to average near 10% over the next three years.

This budget supports our industrial policy framework, through an additional R2.3 billion for the Department of Trade and Industry over the next three years and tax incentives of R5 billion in support of industrial investment and employment creation.

Social security In this budget, we are able to announce several steps in extending social security over the period ahead. The social grant increases this year match or exceed inflation, and take into account the disproportionate impact of price increases on the poor. The maximum values of the disability and old age grants will increase by R70 a month to R940 in April this year, while the child support grant will increase by R10 in April and by a further R10 in October, to R220 a month. Together with measures to extend the social security net, the additional social assistance cost amounts to R12 billion over the next three years. The total number of grant beneficiaries is 12.4 million, and expenditure on social assistance will be R75.3 billion next year.

I am pleased to be able to report that improved remuneration and training have contributed to an increase in health personnel of 39 600 over the past four years, and a further 25 000 posts will be filled by 2010. The hospital revitalisation programme is targeted for additional allocations, the conditional grants for HIV and Aids will increase and tertiary health services are prioritised. Together with additional resources for multi-drug resistant and extreme drug resistant tuberculosis and for higher pay for nurses, spending on health services is projected to grow by over 10 percent a year over the next three years.

Education is central to our objective of broadening opportunity and fighting poverty. This budget prioritises school building, early childhood education, schoolbooks and educator remuneration. Over the next three years, provinces have budgeted to spend over R18 billion on school infrastructure and equipment, so that we can indeed eradicate unsafe schools.

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The economic expansion since 1999 has allowed public spending to rise rapidly in all areas. We have accelerated investment in housing, water, sanitation and economic infrastructure, we have extended education services, health care, welfare programmes social grants, policing and access to the courts, we are strengthening the machinery of government and enhancing South Africa’s contribution to Africa’s development and conflict resolution. Over the period ahead, government’s spending plans again allow for a progressive extension of public services, informed by the «apex priorities» outlined by President Mbeki in the State of the Nation Address.

Peacekeeping and development in Africa Madam Speaker, growth in sub-Saharan Africa averaged 6.8 percent in 2007 and is projected to remain above 6% this year. Our own contributions to peacekeeping efforts, investment promotion and economic cooperation have gained impetus, and are supported further in the spending proposals for the period ahead. The budget also supports our diplomatic efforts on the continent as well as in emerging Asia. This year, provision is made for the construction of the Pan African Parliament to be located in Midrand, Gauteng.

After being the recipient of development assistance from many countries during our transition, South Africa is increasingly becoming a donor in its own right. Mainly channelled through the African Renaissance Fund, we are budgeting to spend over R1.3 billion over the next three years to support development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals on our continent and beyond. We play a catalytic role in ensuring that developed countries honour their commitments to stepping up development finance allocations. We have pledged R272 million to the International Development Association of the World Bank and the African Development Fund over the next three years. To date, the Development Bank of Southern Africa has lent over R7 billion to our continental neighbours.

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The meeting of the Ministers The visit of Minister Geert Bourgeois, Minister for Administrative Affairs, Foreign Policy, Media and Tourism, to South Africa 06-08 October 2008 Minister Bourgeois accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr. M Andries and former Secretary General of the Flemish Department of Foreign Affairs, M. D Verstraeten visited South Africa from the 06 -08 October 2007. The aim of the visit was to consolidate relations between South Africa and the Flanders region in the fields of Tourism, Public Administration as well as Foreign Affairs. He met with South Africa’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Both of them expressed satisfaction with the development of relations. The positive achievements as a result of the close working relations between both sides has resulted in projects with the emphasis placed on human development, capacity building, poverty alleviation and health issues. The two Ministers also discussed the concept of regional integration as well as trilateral cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) area.

Minister Bourgeois also had an opportunity to meet with South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Marthinus van Schalkwyk as well as Premier of the Western Cape, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool.

Economic Connections with South Africa A new South-African Chapter for the CBL-ACP (Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Belgium-Luxembourg-Africa-Caribbean Pacific) In a drive to further develop the bilateral economic relations between South-Africa and the Belgian private sector, the CBL-ACP has created a South-African Chapter. The South-African Embassy in Brussels was instrumental in the setting-up of this Chapter that will allow Belgian businessmen and investors to be made aware of the various opportunities in fields varying from mining, capital equipment, port development, the chemical sector to aerospace and tourism.

A Steering Committee has been set up. Its members are: - Mr. Michel Van Der Voort, Mr. Jacques Servais, Mrs. Monique Bossuyt of CBL-ACP - Mr. François van der Merwe and Mr. Lionel October of the South-African Embassy - Mr. Charles Albert Peers of Alcofinance - Mr. Alexandre Clauwaert of Suez Tractebel - Mr. Jozef Smets of the Business Club Zuid-Afrika.

The South-African Chapter will constantly liaise with the various organizations in Belgium involved in foreign trade such as FIT, AWEX, BRUSSELS EXPORT, and with the Business Club Zuid-Afrika.

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The CBL-ACP is committed to the development of trade relations with ACP countries through the organization of events, workshops and trade missions.

It provides assistance to businessmen in Belgium and Luxembourg and abroad through its 20 representatives all over the ACP countries. Information on ACP countries is given through various publications such as a monthly bulletin, a quarterly magazine, and a directory every two years.

It is also a member of EBCAM, the European Business Council for Africa and the Mediterranean.

The participation of the Free State Province as the guest of honour at the ACCENTA Fair in Ghent (the Flanders International Trade Fair) from 15 to30 September 2007.

The Free State Province participated as the guest of honour at the ACCENTA fair of 2007 at the invitation of the City of Ghent.

The ACCENTA fair started on Saturday 15 September to 30 September 2007. The Free State accepted the invitation and arrived in the middle of September to erect their stand to showcase their products, investment opportunities, heritage and culture. Over a hundred businesses from different sectors arrived in Ghent to meet with their Flemish counterparts to share knowledge as well as form network businesses. The sectors ranged from food products, wines, crafts, clothing to bio-fuel products. The Free State Investment Agencies were also there to promote the investment opportunities that exist in the Province. The Fair was opened during a ceremony attended by senior Government officials, Ambassadors, the Representative of the King as well as the Premier of the Free State, Ms. Beatrice Marshoff.

There were seminars held on the margins of the Fair such as the scientific seminar. This was held at the University of Ghent’s Faculty of Information and Communications’ Technology and addressed the digital divide issue in South Africa and the East Flanders region. It looked at ways to bridge the divide in the respective societies as well as how to best influence Government policies to lower the access price for broadband so that it can be accessible to everyone. The Economy seminar addressed issues of doing business in South Africa as well as zooming in on the economy of the Free State. Premier Marshoff and Mr. Marc De Buck, Member of the East-Flemish Provincial Council, at the opening of the seminar made speeches about the economic cooperation between East Flanders and the Free State Province. After the speeches the participants broke into different working groups that were of interest to them. The groups focused on trade and investment, tourism, agriculture and tourism. All these groups were facilitated by delegates from the Free State Province in order to give the understanding of these sectors to their Flemish counterparts.

A sub-programme was also arranged for the delegates of the Free State Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) where they met with a number of potential investors, one of which (a bio-fuels company) showed strong interest in investing in the Free State. The last seminar focused on social economy with topics ranging from fair trade opportunities in the Free State Province and how to set societies on a path to sustainable development.

The fair closed on the 30th of September 2007. The Free State Province left a very good impression with the products they displayed as well as the cultural music and performances they shared with the people of East Flanders.

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To South Africa with Love Frieda Groffy- author/poet My connection and involvement with South Africa started in the 80’s with the active struggle worldwide against ‘apartheid’.

In 2000 I finally got the opportunity to go for a long visit to SA to see and feel for myself how this new society was developing. My stay felt like a pilgrimage and I almost immediately fell in love with the country and the people and experienced a deep emotional and spiritual bond with the land.

As I was especially interested in the situation of women, children and young people I had meetings and talks on all levels from homeless up to Winnie Madikezela Mandela and Lulu Xingwana. I also got a lot of support from Kim Berman, established artist and founder and director of the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg that is working and shaping young talented artists coming from disadvantaged backgrounds in the townships and adepts to the vision of ‘ubuntu’. The result was my book ‘Stemmen met littekens’ –‘Voices with Scars’.

In 2004 I was invited to go back and had workshops with groups of women about building self-confidence, self-esteem, pride, teaching them to believe in their rights and values. I also started my work with young students at that point.

In 2007 I returned to work in a project for 3 months, working with a group of about 70 visual art students within the APS. I worked with them on improving communication skills and language, two areas they felt they had no competence. The result of the project was the book I wrote with them called ‘Climbing the rainbow of our dreams’. With seven of the young female artists we also made an exhibition called ‘Hope, mother of all life’.

This is touring around Belgium for a year, thus giving an international exposure to young emerging artists. Finally I started a project of creative Workshops with neighbourhood children in Marshalltown (Soweto) directed by my assistant Vatiswa Mtyalela- they operate from a tent and we thus named it the Phumelela Tent Academy. This project is supported by the Soweto Connection Non Profit Organisation (NPO) - a small organisation I founded with some close friends.

Reflections on thirty-five years in the Foreign Service

By Francois van der Merwe The other day, as I walked past the former chancery at 26 Rue de la Loi, I thought back to the first time I set eyes on it. It was in 1974 and I was on a visit to Brussels from Cologne, where I was Third Secretary, my first post. (Our Embassy in post-war Germany was in Cologne- later it moved to Bonn and later still, back to Berlin.) I had taken a break from my job of issuing visas and drove across from Cologne to visit my counterpart, the Third Secretary in Brussels, who, like me, was entrusted with consular tasks. In those days consular work was done by junior line function officials.

Only from my second post onwards was I entrusted with political reporting. I enjoyed reporting on the political events in my host countries, but of course, gradually, more and more reports dealt with our deteriorating international relations- the disastrous consequence of increasing domestic repression in South Africa. As junior diplomats we could only pray that our reporting would at least have some impact and contribute to widespread appeals to the political leaders of the time to grasp the need for change and have the courage to implement it. Being at the interface of international public opinion we were painfully aware of South Africa’s polecat status, which impacted on all aspect of our work. Anti-apartheid activists targeted South African Missions and demonstrations and bomb scares became daily events. In addition, our principals grew more and more defensive and cumbersome security measures became the order of the day, both at Head Office and Missions. It was nevertheless a traumatic experience and a low point in my career, when in 1979, whilst serving in Central America, my Ambassador was kidnapped and subsequently died in captivity.

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The bold political change that I and many colleagues (and millions of other South Africans) so desperately desired came in February 1990 when banned political parties were legalized and the first steps towards the ultimate transition to democracy were taken. Prominent political prisoners were liberated, including Nelson Mandela. Soon thereafter, Madiba was invited to visit a number of European capitals including Madrid, where I happened to be serving as Chargė d’Affaires a.i. at the time.

Thus it came about that I was invited by the Spanish Foreign Minister to a luncheon in honour of the great man. We were no more than ten people and it was a relaxed and pleasant event with our Spanish hosts watching in fascination as Madiba and I reminisced about Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, where we had both spent some time. Although I had the privilege of meeting many world leaders throughout my career (especially whilst at the United Nations in New York), none made such an impact on me as Madiba with his legendary humility and dignity. This encounter was without a doubt the high point of my career. Later, in 1994, I also had the honour of being part of the team responsible for his inauguration as President. I was on the Transport Committee and with about one hundred and fifty delegations led mostly by royalty, Heads of State and Government or Ministers who all had to converge from different hotels in Pretoria, Sandton and Sun City and after assembling at the Presidential Guest House, had to arrive at the Union Buildings in protocol order, we were confronted with a major logistical challenge. Afterwards Madiba thanked all of us in person.

Young people sometimes want to know what they can expect from a career in the Foreign Service. As I recall my first monthly salary was about R200. Thirty-five years later the comparable entry level salary had increased by about 6 000%, which is still comfortably ahead of inflation over the same period. To this should be added supplementary remuneration and diplomatic privileges during periods of service abroad. Of course, the real reward is the privilege of representing one’s country and the personal growth that comes from exposure to foreign cultures. So, for example, I had the opportunity to learn a number of foreign languages.

Another frequent question is the comparison between the Department of Foreign Affairs of then and now. It is a bit like comparing the corner grocery store with a hypermarket. Today’s Department of Foreign Affairs is not only much larger, but also has the benefit of sophisticated telecommunication and information technology which facilitates the co-ordination of more than a hundred Missions abroad. In addition, we are now a respected member of the international community participating in numerous diplomatic interactions including several peace-building initiatives, many high-level Binational Commissions and currently also non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. By contrast, the Department of three decades ago had all the characteristics of increasing international isolation. South Africa had only between thirty and forty Missions with which primary communication was by diplomatic bag and occasional telex or encrypted telegrams. For us as junior officials, the most important relations to promote were those with the typists, to ensure they give priority to typing our hand-written documents. We were a small Department: the entire Department was housed in the Union Buildings. It was practical in that the news on the latest transfers was usually spread verbally in the cafeteria.

Through the years I had served six terms abroad, at eight Missions, under four Ministers, eight Directors-General and ten Ambassadors. I have learnt something from all my Heads of Mission, as indeed from many of my colleagues. Especially after 1994, because many colleagues from previously disadvantaged communities then joined us, which not only ensured that we better reflected South Africa’s cultural diversity, but also enriched our humanity as a group with admirable values such the importance of wide consultation and ubuntu.

All these things went through my mind as I walked past the former chancery at 26, Rue de la Loi. At the beginning of 2007, the Embassy finally left that building and relocated to 17-19 Rue Montoyer, another important milestone and one that I am grateful to have experienced, because the purchase of our own building in Brussels is another step forward for South Africa.

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Happy Birthday message to Dr. Nelson Mandela The staff of the Embassy would like to wish a happy birthday to Dr. Nelson Mandela for the 18th of July 2008. On that day, Madiba, as he is affectionately called, will be celebrating his 90th Birthday. The Embassy would like everyone to honour and celebrate the day by remembering and reflecting on the following words on humanity said by this wise man:

A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Happy 90th Birthday Madiba!!!

Events at the Embassy The Embassy observed the 16 days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children Campaign on the 23rd of November 2007.

This is a global campaign that South Africa has been a part of for 10 years. While the global campaign focuses on violence against women, South Africa added children to its campaign because of the realisation that children are also soft targets for abuse and the failure to protect them would be tantamount to disregarding the country’s future.

The Embassy launched the campaign by hosting a cultural night filled with music, poetry, art and a play illustrating the power and beauty of women and children. The message of the South African Government was emphasised that the abuse of women and children not only in South Africa but the world, will not be tolerated. The event was well attended by organisations supporting women and children’s rights across Belgium and the diplomatic corps in Brussels.

The event also focused on Women not as victims, but as pillars of strength. Ms. Frieda Groffy, an old friend of the democratic South Africa and a staunch women’s rights activist, spoke about the wonderful women she had met in South Africa and how their experiences and hardships inspired her to write one of her books entitled Universal Woman.

The guests reflected on the poetry recited by Mr. Richard Adeolu and Ms. Toos Van Liere. The poetry echoed the cries of women and children demanding that abuse be stopped. Ms. Van Liere, who is also an acclaimed artist and painter, exhibited her 2007 painting repertoire entitled letter to mama toyi-toyi.

It speaks of the women she had met during her many visits to South Africa: strong, unselfish and progressive, in spite of the hardships they face on a daily basis. It speaks about the continuation of the struggle by women for complete emancipation.

The guests were also entertained by the music of Olumide Toyinbo and his group. They enthralled the guests with their rhythmic African Drum beating.

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Letter to mama toyi-toyi.

Dear Mama, Your image is still on my mind, although I forgot your name.

Sorry for that, but it is 16 years ago now that I saw you in ‘Soweto at the sea’.

I think they also called it ‘the red location’, because of the colour of its houses in very rusty corrugated iron. Were they not old army barracks before?

Not only de houses, but everything was red: the soil, the sunset, the water.

But not the children. They went to school in clean costumes and dresses, with white socks and collars, as white as can be. How did you manage Mama?

As you had to go to the tap for water on a distance of half a kilometre?

I was wondering.

And then I saw you demonstrating, together with other women. Demonstrating for better houses. The first life toyi-toyi march I saw. You seemed so full of strength and energy, as you were marching to the municipality building.

You moved your heavy hips so free. Police cars and guns could not impress you, but you impressed me.

I carried your image with me for years, but only last summer I felt like finalising a series of paintings and drawings about you. I needed to look back on your strength in order to strengthen myself, as I felt sick and week in that period.

Some people say toyi-toying-times are over now.

I doubt it and I am sure that we will always need you, Mama.

I cherish your strength and your determination to fight for a life for all the children and all human beings.

By Toos Van Liere

Commonwealth Day Celebrations The British Women’s Club celebrated the Commonwealth Day on the 10th of March 2008 with a luncheon at the club’s premises in Brussels under the theme: ‘The Environment: Our future.’ The luncheon was organised by the Honorary Patron of the British Women Club for 2008, Dr. Nelistra Singh-Sooklal, wife of South African Ambassador, Dr. A Sooklal.

The joyous occasion focused on networking and the sharing of ideas on how to continue upholding the ideals of peace and hope that are intrinsic to the Commonwealth. The message of the Queen focusing on the importance of the environment and the need to protect it was read to the patrons. This was followed by the speech of Dr. Singh-Sooklal, emphasising the importance of the Commonwealth of Nations to South Africa and the positive socio-economic developments that are taking place in South Africa.

The funds raised at the Commonwealth Day Luncheon will be donated to Women of South Africa (WOZA), a Kwa Zulu-Natal-based organisation that cares for widowed women. South African cuisine and wine were served to the patrons to give them a taste of South Africa. Gift packs were also distributed which included creations by emerging craft makers in South Africa.

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Freedom Day 2007 The Embassy celebrated Freedom Day (National Day) on the 27th of April 2007 and the chief guest was Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Kwa Zulu-Natal MEC for Finance and Economic Development.

The Sun is Rising The rising of the sun Over the horizon of the Drakensburg Indicates a start of yet another day A day that promises further progress In nation building, in inter-racial dialogue Because with the rising of the sun comes another opportunity For all South Africans to confront the legacy of our divided past To contemplate a common future To uplift million out of poverty and create opportunities for all Lest we forget and therefore take for granted Sacrifices made by those before us From all races and all walks of life South African who fought and sacrificed Their freedom, their livelihood and indeed their own lives For us to enjoy the fruits of freedom Fruits that this rising sun promises It feels like yesterday When the same sun was rising Above the dusty streets of Soweto The date was June 16 1976 Little did we now that by sunset hundreds will have paid with their lives for our freedom More will be detained and exiled, forcefully separated from their loved ones The unfailing African sun rose once again Above a township called Sharpeville one morning Its view was soon to be blocked by the throat shocking smell of teargas cloud Its rays forced to heat the innocent blood Of hundreds demanding their freedom Proclaiming that South Africa belongs to all who live in it Facing the merciless guns of Apartheid, they proved courageous As the sun rises today over South Africa It is clear that their bravery and sacrifice was not in vain Yesterday the rising of the sun brought with it yet another day of suffering Today when the sun rises in South Africa it promises yet another day Where South African are turning poverty into prosperity Where former enemies are building a common future Where hopelessness and anger has been transformed Into forgiveness and reconciliation South African of all races Black, White, Indian and Coloured are working towards a bright future With the realisation that our future and freedom is common and cannot be separated The transformation of the economy is in full speed accompanied by Sustained economic growth Together South Africans are building houses for the homeless Providing job opportunities to the jobless Acquiring crucial skills to sustain our young democracy As the African sun rise today Its rays are met by ululating women of Venda and Naspoti From Soweto to Sandton In the street of Kwamashu and Kwadukuza From the old people of the Karoo to the young boys in Kroonstad Yes from Durban to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Bisho South African are reflecting and taking stock of their achievement since 1994 With a common voice they shout the words of their beloved son and father, Madiba “Never, never and never again” While rejoicing their achievements They say a little prayer in their hearts In eleven different languages Thanking those who laid their lives in the road to freedom Each one making a promise that they will be guardians of each others future So as the sun sets tonight, South Africa will sleep peacefully With the realisation that tomorrow brings her closer To her bright future, our common destiny

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In loving memory of Tuksie Pondo The Embassy lost one of its family members, Ms. Tuksie Pondo, wife of Counsellor, Mr. Welile Mguli, who passed away on Saturday the 8th of March 2008. Nothukela ‘Tuksie’ Vuyelwa Pondo was born on the 4th of January 1976 in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa to Zinyusile and Tembeka Pondo.

Tuksie took ill during Friday, March the 7th 2008, in the early hours of the morning and was admitted to the hospital. She passed away peacefully the next evening in the presence of her loved ones and friends.

She leaves behind her husband Welile and their three children: Sethu (10), Thando (6) and Kholiswa (2) as well as her mother Tembeka, her two brothers and two sisters.

Lala Ngoxolo Tuksie.

We will always miss you

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