71th Anniversary of the Italian Republic
Ambassador of Italy Mr Pier Giovanni Donnici and Mrs. Martina Donnici hosted a reception to celebrate the National Day of Italy. Pictured with Ambassador Donnici is Deputy Director General Yolisa Maya of DIRCO of South Africa (image: Patricia Mosiyo).
Speaking of the strong link between South Africa and Italy Ambassador Donnici said, "This strong link between Italy and South Africa is also a reason for the richness of our economic and trade relations. All the major Italian companies are here in South Africa: from industrial equipment and machinery to automotive, from renewable energy to agribusiness, from fashion to design. They work every day, side-by-side with fellow South Africans to create jobs and to add value to the economy. Importing here Italian products and exporting to Italy South African products.
Today, some of the most sophisticated brands in Italy are present here showing to us their products which are symbols of top quality, high technology and unique design all over the world."
Remarks by Ambassador Donnici
Distinguished …, ladies and gentlemen,
Today we are here to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Referendum that, on the 2nd of June 1946, laid the foundation stone of the Italian Republic. In the wake of the millenary Italian history, a new State, a Republic, was founded. On that day, women expressed their vote for the first time, signifying the birth of a true democracy. About one year and a half later a new, democratic, Constitution was passed, a document which is still in the hearth of all Italians, granting everyone, without any discrimination, equal rights before the law, the respect of human rights as well as political, social and economic rights.
This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Oliver Reginald Tambo, a great leader and an inspiring figure of the South African long struggle for liberty and democracy. Together with president Mandela, President Tambo is particularly dear to Italians. He spent years in Italy and, especially in the city of Reggio Emilia, where he found shelter and many friends. Friends who admired his strength and his commitment. That friendship and that admiration still stand.
This strong link between Italy and South Africa is also a reason for the richness of our economic and trade relations. All the major Italian companies are here in South Africa: from industrial equipment and machinery to automotive, from renewable energy to agribusiness, from fashion to design. They work every day, side-by-side with fellow South Africans to create jobs and to add value to the economy. Importing here Italian products and exporting to Italy South African products.
Today, some of the most sophisticated brands in Italy are present here showing to us their products which are symbols of top quality, high technology and unique design all over the world: Alfa Romeo and Maserati cars; Vespa; Smeg appliances; Bianchi bicycles; De Longhi house appliances; Caffè Lavazza and Campari.
Italy does not see South Africa simply as a market for our export or a supplier of commodities. Italy, is very well aware of the advanced structure and the potential of the South African economy. South Africa is for us an equal partner and this sentiment is also shared by our South African partners. Aware of the high level of South African research, we devote special efforts to technological and scientific cooperation. With our South African friends we are currently discussing the renewal of our Bilateral Executive Programme on science and technology. We also want to put in contact the university and research institutions of both countries with the most innovative companies in Italy as well as in South Africa. This in order to create new opportunities for cooperation in the most advanced sectors.
The most valuable asset Italy has in South Africa is the strong community of Italians that has found in South Africa a new home. A community which is highly regarded here. A community which through hard work and commitment managed to build a successful life so far from home. An Italian community which contributes to the prosperity and the well-being of this country.
Also in 2017, the African continent is at the core of the Italian international agenda. The recently concluded G7 Summit was held in Taormina, Sicily, also to underline our closeness to the African continent. In the framework of the Summit, upon an Italian initiative in 2001, is now yearly held an Outreach session devoted to Africa. This year’s session allowed to find common grounds with our African partners on issues such as innovation and human capital development. Within the United Nations Security Council, Italy actively pursue the solution of crisis located in the African continent. In cooperation with our South African friends, we pursue settlements always inspired by humanitarian objectives, peace, democracy, respect for human rights and African ownership.
Also within the European Union, we pursue initiatives devoted to the African continent, such as the Trust Fund for Africa and the European Union External Investment Plan. Everybody acknowledges the humanitarian efforts Italy puts in place every day to save the lives of many African people in the Mediterranean and to shelter them once they set foot on land. We know South Africa shares many of our concerns regarding human mobility. We are ready to work together to address the root causes of this historical and natural phenomenon. They are not a problem, they are people, they are our brothers.
Now, dear guests, please allow me to address our compatriots in our beloved language: I am sure that given the beauty of the Italian language you won’t be bothered by a few minutes of exotic speaking!
Cari connazionali,
anche quest’anno la nostra comunità ha motivi per essere fiera: come ricorderete l’anno scorso si è formato il COMITES di Pretoria, un nuovo tassello della rete di associazionismo della nostra comunità. Quest’anno si è svolta a Johannesburg la Commissione continentale anglofona del CGIE – di cui un membro della nostra comunità esprime la guida – un esempio della centralità di cui godono gli italiani in Sud Africa nel panorama delle comunità italiane all’estero. Tutto questo è possibile grazie alla mirabile rete di associazioni che testimonia l’attaccamento alla Patria e alle proprie radici, un attaccamento di cui ho avuto prova tangibile al cimitero di Zondervater, dove riposano i nostri caduti. E’ per me un privilegio intervenire alla cerimonia in loro memoria.
Vorrei anche rivolgere un caloroso benvenuto alla comunità italiana, chiamiamola “di più recente acquisizione”: tanti giovani italiani, ricercatori, imprenditori, professionisti, hanno trovato qui in Sud Africa una nuova casa. Anche questo non farà che rafforzare la nostra amicizia con questo meraviglioso Paese.