Hamba Kahle Ronnie Mamoepa

23 July 2017

Ronnie Mamoepa died on 22 July 2017, after battling complications arising from a stroke he suffered.

Mamoepa was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson at the time of his death.

Mamoepa was regarded as an icon of the country's liberation struggle having served five years of his youth in incarceration at the infamous Robben Island prison in Cape Town.

(Photo: DIRCO)

At the attainment of liberation in 1994, Mamoepa joined government and served the country with distinction as a communications practitioner.

His extensive experience included serving in the African National Congress in communications and various communications roles in government, notably in the Presidency and the then Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the Department of Home Affairs.

Colombia National Day

12 July 2017

Dr Maria Eugenia Correa Olarte, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to South Africa hosted a reception to celebrate the 207th Anniversary of Colombia's Independence.

In her remarks Ambassador Olarte said that Colombia is the second country with the most biodiversity per square kilometer in the world. Part of this biodiversity is in the Pacific Coast and in the Amazon, a total 48 million hectares, equivalent to 42.3% of Colombia's national territory.

She also said that after 52 years of living in great internal conflict a peace agreement was signed with the FARC, the oldest guerrilla in the world, on January 25, 2016 and on the 27th of June 2017, the FARC finalized the delivery of their weapons.

Going forward Ambassador Olarte said, "We are now in the post-conflict stage, a hard stage, where we must overcome our differences as a country and commit ourselves to generous forgiveness to try to leave our children the legacy of a stable and lasting peace."

Traditional 'Vallenato band', Eibar Gutierrez y La Banda Eterno Abril, who were on tour from Valledupar, Colombia entertained guests at the celebration.

One Young World Bogota

19 July 2017

Established in 2009, One Young World hosts an annual Summit attended by 1,300 delegates from over 196 countries. No youth dominated event represents as many countries outside the Olympics.

One Young World is a unique platform for young leaders to network with peers from every country and sector, sharing ideas to develop solutions to address urgent global issues.

(Photo: Sipho Sithole - Thomson Reuters)

In South Africa ten finalists were shortlisted from over 500 applicants for two scholarships to attend One Young World Summit 2017 Bogotá.

The announcement was made at Thomson Reuters in Sandton. Present was Dr. María Eugenia Correa Olarte, Ambassador of Colombia in South Africa, who, in welcoming the South African delegation said her country is proud to host the Summit, that "Bogotá is waiting for you with open arms" and that the Summit will provide an opportunity to "make the world's young people aware of their responsibility, their commitment as a new generation to help change the world."

lluminating our Differences while Honoring our Shared Humanity

19 July 2017

“Education, safety and security are essential practical tools for peacebuilding” - Marla Mossman  

Photo:  Marla Mossman at the United Nations High Level Meeting Afghanistan: Improving Aid Effectiveness and Building Partnerships with National Stakeholders to “Eradicate Poverty and Promote Prosperity”

The Diplomatic Society is running a series of in-depth commentaries covering many varied reconciliation initiatives, peace-building efforts and analyzing ways to empower conflict-affected communities through good governance practices for the promotion of human rights.   

This week in an exclusive interview, United Nations Representative for the International Center for Ethno/Religious Mediation (ICERM)   Marla Mossman spoke to The Diplomatic Society Global Editor Srimal Fernando.  In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Marla Mossman answers a series of questions and talks about her new role at the Peace Alliance Leadership Council.

Bastille Day 2017

17 July 2017

Mr Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of France to South Africa hosted special celebrations this year, on the occasion of Bastille Day, the French National Day (also known as Quatorze juillet). Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the ancient royal fortress on this day in 1789.

Photo: Ambassador Christophe Farnaud is pictured with street artists Senzo and Prefixx (Embassy of France in SA)

Bilateral relations between France and South Africa are very dense, be it at political, economic or cultural level.

South Africa and France have been strategic partners since 1994. The relationship is based on regular State visits: most recently the successful visit of H.E. President Jacob Zuma to France in July 2016.

South Africa participates in EXPO 2017 in Astana

South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Nomaindiya Mfeketo, is on an official visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, from 17 to 20 July 2017.

On 10 June 2017, South Africa became one of 115 countries and 22 international organisations to participate at EXPO 2017 which is hosted in Astana until 09 September 2017. South Africa’s exhibition is focused on achievements with regard to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.  The SKA exhibition, which is showcasing the largest science project in the world, will illustrate how renewable energy technologies will support this project in the future.

South Africa’s exhibition will also have a component focusing on Hydrogen Energy which will include the dissemination of information on the work done by Hydrogen South Africa in relation to infrastructure, systems, catalysis as well as public awareness.

Seminar - The Art of Collaboration

If you would like to be part of this initiative either as a partner or sponsor, please contact Sello Motsei @ 082 663 5389 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Kgwebong Consulting in partnership with different Embassies, Government Departments and NGO’s will be hosting a seminar on Collaboration on the 24th August 2017 at the Tshwane National Library. The theme of the seminar is “The Art of Collaboration”. This seminar was inspired by the book ‘Zheng He’s Art of Collaboration” that was written by Professor Hum, Sin Hoon of the University of Singapore.

The purpose of the seminar is to help South African organisations and Embassies understand the importance of collaboration by drawing on lessons from the Chinese Admiral Zheng He’, as articulated in the book.

Speakers from different industries in the Public and Private sectors have been invited to speak on the importance of Collaboration in their industries. Professor Hum, Sin Hoon will be the guest speaker during the seminar.

The seminar will give different Embassies an opportunity to interact and network with South African government departments and community organizations, thereby presenting a platform for them to promote their countries to the delegates. It will equip diplomats with the tools to fulfill their deliverables and mandate.

Global Tea Party for 150th year of Ceylon Tea

15 July 2017

The global tea party to mark the 150th year of Ceylon Tea was held on 6th July 2017 at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Durban with the participation of over 50 persons representing Consul Generals and Honorary Consuls based in Durban, officials from the Durban Chamber, business people, journalists, and community members.

Photo: High Commissioner Sunil De Silva pouring a cup of Ceylon tea

Sri Lanka and Ceylon tea hosted what is popularly known as “The Global Ceylon Tea Party” at Sri Lankan diplomatic entities in 37 countries, while partner tea companies, cafes, and homes across the globe hosted similar parties on 6th of July.

Locations in up to 50 countries with populations in excess of half the world, are targeted to celebrate this unprecedented event that will set a world record for the largest and longest global tea party ever. Starting in the Pacific and ending on the West coast of the Americas the parties commenced at 5pm or 17 hrs GMT in each time zone and spread from East to West. This global chain resulted in 24 hours of cumulative celebrations for Ceylon Tea in all corners of the world.

Youth winners to represent South Africa in Stockholm

12 July 2017

Three learners from Limpopo, who won the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition, will this weekend jet off to Stockholm in Sweden to represent South Africa at the annual World Water Week.

Photo: twitter.com/DWS_RSA

The SAYWP is one of the projects that the department is implementing in its education programme called 2020 Vision for Water Education Programme.

The project is aimed at educating Grade 9-11 learners about efficient use of water and protection of water resources.

During this year’s SAYWP competition held in Pretoria on 2 June 2017, the 16-year-old learners, Mokgotho Temogelo Thami, Mmola Desmond Kutullo and Nkwane Wayne Luka, who are in Grade 11 at Lebeko Senior Secondary School in Phalaborwa, produced a water conservation device that will help schools and communities to save water.

Kazakhstan as it evolves

14 July 2017

Kazakhstan has entered a new historical period. This is according to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's article ‘The Course towards Future: Modernization of Public Conscience’ recently published.

Photo: President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan

The article sets out a clear path as the Third Modernization of Kazakhstan, which began with political and economic modernization. These processes have certainly led to the emergence of Kazakhstan on the world stage as it aims to be among the world’s 30 most developed countries.

This recent modernization plan intends to be at the core, inspiring a strong sense of belonging to a nation of people who take responsibility for their sovereignty and prosperity.

The document reveals a study of the development and history of other nation states and the lessons learned. It points out ‘the beginning of a new, largely unclear, historical cycle.’

President Nazarbayev explains that there is a delicate balance between historical consciousness and modernization. The world is faced with new realities and that the challenges they bring need to be addressed through a modern public conscience.