In the spirit of Ubuntu

Situated within easy reach of Johannesburg and , Maropeng is the official visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Maropeng, which is a Setswana word meaning “returning to the place of our origins”, takes visitors on a fun and informative journey of discovery using spectacular methods to tell stories of the evolution of life and the origins of humankind. It denotes the universal relevance of the Cradle of Humankind as the ancestral home of all.

1 UBUNTU ’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 2 UBUNTU magazine – issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action

Publisher cClayson Monyelaredits UBUNTU Editor-in-Chief a Nguni word meaning humanity Michelle Greeff – [email protected] The Department of International Relations Tel: +27 12 351 1743 and Cooperation’s quarterly magazine Editor Delien Burger

Creative Directors Pumeza Albert Shaune van Wyk

Advertising Zengeziwe Msimang – [email protected] Tel: +27 12 351 0919

Distribution Thembakazi Zulu – [email protected] Tel: +27 12 351 1169

Photographers Jacoline Schoonees; Yandisa Monakali; Yolande Snyman; Katlholo Maifadi; SA Tourism; Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation; IDASA/Mayibuye; World Food Programme; Government Communications; Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit Pool; Spc. Tadow McDonald, United States Army; Captain Matthew de Jager, South African National Defence Force; Media Club South Africa; Francois Odendaal Productions; Che Overmeyer; Obie Oberholzer; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; SA Mint; United Nations Photo; Matthew Lewis – IDI; FINA; and Bill Harrop’s Baloon Safaris.

Acknowledgements Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Nomaindiya ON THE COVER Mfeketo, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; , Minister of Environmental The United Nations Educational, Scientific Affairs; , Minister of Tourism; , Minister of Home Affairs; Ambassador and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Mxolisi Nkosi, Deputy Director-General: Global Governance and Continental Affairs, Department Heritage Committee has inscribed South Africa’s of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Dr Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General: ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape in the Northern Asia and the Middle East, DIRCO; Xolisa Makaya, Deputy Director-General: Africa, DIRCO; Cape as a world heritage site. Masimba Tafirenyika, Director: United Nations Information Centre; Peter Shivute, World Food The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is located Programme; Patric Tariq Mellet, South Africa-Thailand Heritage Reflection Centre; and Mary at South Africa’s border with and Na- Alexander, Brand South Africa. mibia in the northern part of the country. It falls within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Advertisers The landscape covers an area of 959 100 ha South African Airways, Transnet, Standard Bank, World Food Programme, Brand SA, Old Mutual, and has changed minimally since the Stone Museum and Wines of South Africa. Age. The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape had been home to people who learned to survive in To subscribe the extreme desert because of their knowledge Send an e-mail with the words SUBSCRIBE UBUNTU in the subject line, your organisation, of the land. e-mail address and delivery address in the body to [email protected] “They [the ǂKhomani San] developed a specific ethnobotanical knowledge, cultural Back-issue enquiries practices and a worldview related to the geo- [email protected] graphical features of their environment,” said The Department of International Relations and UNESCO. “The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape Cooperation (DIRCO) ©2012 bears testimony to the way of life that prevailed Tel: +27 12 351 1000, www.dirco.gov.za in the region and shaped the site over thou- Private Bag X152, PRETORIA, 0001, Republic of South Africa sands of years.” South Africa now has nine heritage sites. 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084 Republic of South Africa

No portion of this magazine may be produced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. DIRCO is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright is reserved. Views in Ubuntu are not necessarily those of DIRCO or those of the South African Government. They can accept no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication.

2 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 3 UBUNTU magazine – issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action

Madiba's story is conte6 Lettern from the Ministert sIn every issue a journey across 10 Publisher’s note our land . . . 78 Diplomacy 12 South Africa commits to implementation of the SADC Lifestyle Strategy as Chair 120 64 SA and USA combine forces 16 Building a better Africa and a better world Sensational international 66 Thailand and South Africa share 400 years of ties that bind us 18 South Africa and Africa are open for business galas for ballet lovers 68 DIRCO hosts SA’s young leaders 22 Salient perspectives in respect of the core utcomes of 70 Using diplomatic relations to create opportunities for the youth the Ninth BRICS Summit Feature 26 BRICS Bank places developmental agenda as priority 72 Liberation Heritage: Steve for nations of the South 74 Mandela and Tambo: A lifetime as comrades 28 South Africa takes IORA reigns, makes donation 78 Madiba's story is a journey across our land towards Africa’s maritime development 82 South Africa welcomes another world heritage site 32 SA seeks bigger benefits for Africa in global economy 86 Put Foot is putting African children on the road to success with new shoes 34 How to finance the sustainable development goals? 88 Attracting investors and tourists to South Africa 92 Mapangubwe: South Africa’s lost city of gold 12South Africa commits to implementation of the SADC Strategy as Chair 94 Vredefort Dome – the world’s biggest meteor crater 36 Our oceans, our future: Partnering for the 130 98 SA Mint celebrates SA’s marine protected areas implementation of SDG14 20 thrilling adventures for 100 From Big Five to Little Five 40 The : A strategic platform for South Africa and adrenaline junkies 102 Discover small-town South Africa Africa 106 Durban International Film Festival: Longest running in Africa 44 50 years of peace, progress and stability 108 Flying the SA flag 46 SA shines in Astana 114 #a story to tell 48 30th anniversary of 1987 Conference 52 South Africa and celebrate success of African LIFESTYLE

network of telescopes 120 Sensational international galas for ballet lovers 56 South Africa’s international engagements in a rapidly 124 “King Kong” back on South African stages changing world 126 Team South Africa shines at IAAF World Athletics Championships 62 From South African smallholder farmers to children in 128 Kearsney Choir scores gold in Singapore Swaziland 130 20 thrilling adventures for adrenaline junkies

4 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 5 26 Letter from the Minister

followed by India, Brazil and Russia. The South Africa is one of the founding members sought to ensure that the decisions taken by Africa remains convinced now more than same pattern is also evident in imports, with of the IAEA, which is a multilateral body with the board were adopted by consensus in ever, that the IAEA has an important role to China remaining the biggest source of South the responsibility to promote the safe and order to create an opportunity for all IAEA play in global efforts to promote international African imports. secure use of nuclear science and technology member states, from across all regions of the peace, security and development. It is in this The Ninth BRICS Summit was held in for peace, security and development. world, to participate on an equal footing when context that South Africa used its leadership Xiamen, China, from 3 to 5 September The Board of Governors is the major deliberating on matters of global significance. of the board to promote a balanced approach 2017 under the theme: “BRICS: Stronger policy-making organ of the IAEA between This principled approach resonates with in implementing the IAEA’s legal mandate Partnership for a Brighter Future”, setting an its annual general conferences. It is made South Africa’s call for the transformation and in line with its motto “Atoms for Peace and important milestone towards building stronger up of 35 member states, with South Africa reform of the global system of governance Development”. solidarity and cooperation among emerging serving as one of its designated members. and is at the core of our identity as a nation. South Africa’s bilateral relations with markets. South Africa presided over the IAEA Board of During its tenure, South Africa was also countries of the North continue to grow and South Africa’s partnership in BRICS is Governors at a time when the global peace pleased that the IAEA Board of Governors strengthen within the difficult economic premised on advancing the country’s national and security environment was characterised emphasised the developmental role of the climate. Our bilateral relations have served interests, promoting regional integration by heightened tensions and uncertainties. IAEA through its activities related to nuclear as a key driver of economic diplomacy are and advocating a more inclusive global Although the conclusion of the historic science, technology and applications. As part yielding tangible dividends for the South governance system. The adoption of the nuclear agreement in 2015 between the five of this process, the IAEA provides support, African economy. BRICS Xiamen Declaration and Action Plan permanent members of the United Nations among others, to countries on the African Western Europe accounted for about 25% highlighted the strong foundation that BRICS (UN) Security Council plus Germany (P5 +1) continent to meet their national and regional of South Africa’s total global trade in 2016 and has made in terms of establishing institutional promised to de-escalate tensions between developmental needs and priorities. Of the remained South Africa’s largest source of FDI. mechanisms for tangible cooperation. Western countries and Iran over its nuclear 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals The United States of America (USA) and South Africa will assume the Chairship of programme, the unequivocal commitment of (SDGs), the IAEA, through nuclear science Canada continued to be important trade and BRICS on 1 January and will host the 10th all signatories to its effective implementation and technology, directly contributes to the investment partners for South Africa, with 863 BRICS Summit in 2018. We aim to build on has become all the more important. This is attainment of nine of these goals. companies from the region trading in South the BRICS programme of development and especially necessary given that the IAEA South Africa has also benefitted immensely Africa, creating over 120 000 employment prosperity for partner countries. has verified over the past year that Iran has from the IAEA’s scientific and technological opportunities. South Africa is also the USA South Africa took over the Chairship of continued to implement its obligations under support. Cooperation in this regard includes and Canada’s most important commercial the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) the agreement. the eradication of moths – which negatively partner in Africa. in October 2017. We expect great dividends Similarly, the instability in the Korean affected the citrus industry in the Western South Africa’s presence in Asia and the from linking the IORA Blue Economy initiative Peninsula and concerns with the Democratic and Eastern Cape provinces – resulting in the Middle East consisted of six missions in to our domestic Operation Phakisa, which is People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) nuclear significant increase of citrus production without 1994. In 2014, South Africa had diplomatic he global environment in At the Official Opening Ceremony of the in line with the goals outlined in the NDP, and programme have continued to be some of using chemicals. The IAEA also assisted in relations with all 57 countries in the region, which the Department of 37th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State aims to promote economic growth and boost the key topics on the agenda of the IAEA strengthening the clinical management of with 32 missions. Consequently, in 1994, International Relations and and Government of SADC in Pretoria on job creation. Board of Governors during South Africa’s oncological, neurological and cardiovascular South Africa’s total trade in the region stood Cooperation’s (DIRCO) 19 August 2017, King Mswati III of Swaziland The African Agenda is a prominent feature tenure. In this regard, South Africa joined diseases; supported South Africa in the at approximately R5 billion for the Middle East programmes are implemented handed over the Chairship of the summit to of South Africa’s foreign policy, and we will the international community in expressing development of the Sterile Insect Technique and R40 billon for Asia. In 2014, this figure remains characterised by President . South Africa will chair make funds available for the IORA Special concern at the DPRK’s nuclear weapons to help control malaria; and supported South grew rapidly and substantially to R760 billion insecurity, a rise in terrorism, growing political SADC until August 2018. Fund (US$100 000) for pilot development programme. Further, South Africa urged African laboratories (iThemba Labs) in for Asia and R116 billion for the Middle East. Tvolatility and populism. This is compounded Our objectives of regional integration within projects aimed at improving the lives of the DPRK and all parties involved to refrain strengthening and expanding their capacities DIRCO continues to accelerate economic by the continued hardships felt by the SADC are intertwined with our objectives IORA’s poorest people. Half of this amount from any actions that would further escalate in accelerator-based sciences in order to diplomacy through diligent work done at populace due to slow economic growth and within the (AU) and enhancing (US$50 000) will be allocated to projects in tensions and exacerbate the volatile situation provide training and analytical services for South Africa’s missions abroad, contributing lack of sufficient opportunities. Consequently, the African Agenda. South Africa continues Africa in support of African oceans economy in the region. water resource management and climate to the growing of the country’s regional, we continue to tactically navigate this terrain to support the AU Commission as well as its projects under the 2050 African Integrated Other important achievements by the board change studies. continental and global trade and investment. guided by our national interests in all our new leadership, who was elected in January Maritime Strategy. under South Africa’s leadership included South Africa is highly regarded by the South Africa’s missions play an important international engagements. 2017, in order to continue with our continental We congratulate Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe, the appointment of the Director-General IAEA due to the development of its peaceful role in opening new markets and gaining The National Development Plan (NDP) journey towards the Africa we aspire by 2063. South Africa’s former High Commissioner of the IAEA; the Medium Term Strategic nuclear programme. Through the power plant market access for new product categories in serves as an overarching vision that guides Our partnerships and formations within to Mauritius, who was elected as the next Framework, which is a five-year planning in Koeberg, the country generates 5% of total support of expanding trade and investment. our foreign policy imperatives and our South-South relations continue to provide Secretary General of the association. and guidance document for the work of electricity supply from nuclear. South Africa Scholarship and training opportunities international relations programme. This complementary mechanisms to further Dr Nokwe will succeed Ambassador the IAEA; the Programme and Budget and is the second-largest producer of medical secured from various countries through our ensures that we are on the right trajectory in our economic imperatives, among others. KV Bhagirath, who will conclude his term as Technical Cooperation Fund Target, which isotopes, which are used in the diagnosis bilateral engagements and our missions meeting our own development needs. The Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Secretary-General of the association at the will enable the IAEA to support member and treatment of cancer. Through its research representations abroad resulted in more than It is for this reason that our efforts have Africa (BRICS) countries continue to be the end of the year. states, especially developing countries, in reactor, SAFARI-1, which has for over 50 2 000 opportunities. been aimed at propelling initiatives aimed leading sources of foreign direct investment We also congratulate Ambassador Tebogo utilising nuclear science and technology to years operated safely, securely and reliably, As we strive to give full effect to the NDP at regional integration. Furthermore, we did (FDI) among emerging investor countries; Seokolo and the team in Vienna for their meet their developmental needs; and the South Africa exports this life-saving treatment that requires that we “retain an influential this cognisant of the fact that the Southern flows from these five economies rose from extraordinary work and achievements during five-year Nuclear Security Plan, which guides to over 60 countries worldwide. space for the country in key multilateral African Development Community (SADC) is US$7billion in 2000 to US$145 billion in South Africa’s Chairship of the Board of the IAEA’s role in coordinating international Having successfully concluded its term as institutions” South Africa will continue to play our biggest trade partner within the continent. 2012, accounting for 10% of the world total. Governors of the International Atomic Energy cooperation and supporting member states Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, South a key role on the international stage. In 2016, South Africa’s trade with the region Total bilateral trade between South Africa and Agency (IAEA). Ambassador Seokolo, to strengthen their respective nuclear security amounted to R336 billion, which is estimated other BRICS countries amounted to US$29 South Africa’s Permanent Representative to regimes. to be more that 70% of the total trade with billion in 2016. South Africa’s biggest export the IAEA, served as the Chairperson from In discharging its mandate as Chairperson Africa. destination within BRICS remains China, October 2016 to the end of September 2017. of the Board of Governors, South Africa always Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

6 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 7 After fruitful discussions and consultations, led by the heritage institutions, the National Heritage Council of South Africa, South African Heritage Resource Agency, Freedom Park and the main stakeholder, the Department of Arts and Culture, the Zambian Government declared the home of the African hero, Oliver Reginald Tambo, in , , a national monument. Tambo spent 22 years of his 33 years in exile in “Phiri”, which was a nickname for his Lusaka residence at the time. The African National Congress’ headquarters were based in Lusaka where he was president of the movement from 1969 – 1991.

8 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 9 Let’s talk foreign policy . . . Publisher’s note

• South Africa served as Vice Chair of IORA engineering, bio-resources technology, in preparation for its Chairship from 2017 to accounting, public health, health, economics 2019. and others. • South Africa chaired and hosted the 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties Development assistance and support were to the Convention on International Trade secured for various health projects, including: in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and • United States (US) contributions in support Flora (CITES-COP17) and through intensive of the fight against HIV and AIDS and negotiations and lobbying, it achieved tuberculosis in the country and on the African success in having all its proposals and continent under the President’s Emergency working documents adopted by the COP. Plan for AIDS Relief • the flagship cooperation programme between The Department of International Relations and South Africa and Cuba with 3 000 South Cooperation (DIRCO) continues to accelerate African students currently receiving medical economic diplomacy through diligent work done training in Cuba and 520 South African at South Africa’s missions abroad, contributing graduates providing primary healthcare to the growing of the country’s regional, services to their local communities continental and global trade and investment, • the Canadian Government providing resulting in: development assistance to fund • increased sales of manufactured value developmental projects, such as the Nelson exports for the year to R4,167 billion Mandela Children’s Hospital. • total potential foreign direct investment (FDI) of R50 232 billion, particularly in the energy DIRCO’s economic diplomacy activities/efforts and chemicals sectors at the missions and our strengthened bilateral outh Africa is on a firm footing • a total of 10 044 163 international tourist relations resulted in increased investment in internationally and its role is arrivals and about R75,6 billion in foreign South Africa that contributed to job creation in not diminishing, contrary to tourist direct spending. the following ways: what analysts are saying. It is • Indian investment is often found in the unprecedented that a single South Africa’s missions play an important role manufacturing sector and contributes to job country will be at the helm of in opening new markets and gaining market creation. Between 2003 and 2016, R62 billion four multilateral organisations at the same time. access for new product categories in support was invested by Indian companies, creating SSouth Africa took over as the Chair of the of expanding trade and investment. South 10 660 jobs. Southern African Development Community African producers will be able to export beef to • Total trade with the Western Europe region (SADC) from August 2017 until August 2018. China following the conclusion of negotiations showed positive signs as it increased by 9% The country took over the Chairship of the and efforts continue to meet the sanitary and year on year in 2016, while bilateral FDI into Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) from phytosanitary requirements to export different South Africa has grown five-fold and created October 2017 until October 2019. South Africa types of fruit to new markets in Southeast over 350 000 direct jobs since 2004. is the Co-Chair of the Forum on China-Africa Asia. • The USA and Canada continue to be Cooperation. South Africa will, for the second important trade and investment partners to time, take the helm of the BRICS grouping Contribution to national priorities South Africa, with 863 companies from the consisting of Brazil, Russian, India, China Scholarship and training opportunities region trading in South Africa, creating over and South Africa on 1 January 2018 and secured from various countries through 120 000 employment opportunities. subsequently host the summit later that year. our bilateral engagements and our mission • China agreed to collaborate on the identified representations abroad resulted in more than six job drivers: infrastructure development, Over the past two years, South Africa also 2 000 opportunities: agriculture, mining and beneficiation, realised other high-level achievements: • at different levels, ranging from short-term manufacturing, green economy and tourism. • South Africa concluded a successful term as skills programmes, undergraduate degrees, • The Beijing Automotive International the African Union (AU) Chair. postgraduate degrees, including Master’s Corporation committed to build a historic • South Africa served a second consecutive and PhD R11-billion ($759-million) auto plant in South term at the AU Peace and Security Council • covering various fields such as medicine, Africa. This will contribute positively to job (AUPSC). maritime economy, tourism, agriculture, creation in the country. • The election of three South African energy, public policy management, • The Japanese company, Toyota, expanded international experts in Human Rights Law environment, mining, astronomy, its existing production capacity in South to the UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring engineering, aquaculture, astronomy, Africa following a R6,1-billion investment in System. science and technology, manufacturing, its production capacity. • South Africa’s Permanent Representative telecommunications, banking, economics, to the International Atomic Energy Agency accounting, human resource management, Is South Africa’s role in the international arena (IAEA) was elected as the Chair of the Board management and business, food science and diminishing? of Governors from October 2016 to October nutrition, climate change, rural development You decide. 2017. and sustainability, food science and food @ClaysonMonyela

10 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 11 South Africa commits to implementation of the SADC Strategy as Chair By Xolisa Makaya Deputy Director-General: Africa Department of International Relations and Cooperation “The key activities during our Chairship will be the development of a high-impact Annual Operation Plan with targeted interventions and public policy tools to foster the development of regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and mineral beneficiation”.

12 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 13 DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA COMMITS TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SADC STRATEGY AS CHAIR SOUTH AFRICA COMMITS TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SADC STRATEGY AS CHAIR DIPLOMACY

country to hold elections in December 2017 as originally planned and urged the ... member states acknowledge the critical need Independent National Electoral Commission for both industrial and infrastructure development to publicise the revised electoral calendar in consultation with the Government in the region, which aspires towards enhancing and the National Council for Monitoring . the Implementation of the Agreement of intra-regional trade and market integration It must 31 December 2016. The summit called on the be noted that these initiatives are geared towards international community and all stakeholders to continue supporting the implementation creating employment, improving manufacturing, of the 31 December 2016 Agreement and enhancing development and addressing poverty respecting the wishes of the Congolese people with a view to ensuring sustainable alleviation in the SADC region. peace, security and stability in the DRC. The summit approved the appointment of a Special Envoy to the DRC in light of the i political and security dynamics, particularly in Free trade agreements in Africa present an opportunity for African countries to improve preparation for the elections and mandated intra-regional trade. the SADC Chairperson, President Zuma, and The Director of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development at the Department of Trade the Outgoing Chairperson, King Mswati III, to and Industry, Claudia Furriel, said the continent’s free trade agreements, particularly the finalise consultations and the appointment of Tripartite Free Trade Agreement and the envisaged Continental Free Trade Area presented the Special Envoy. an opportunity for African countries to improve intra-regional trade and diversify Africa’s The South African Government will move current trade model of exporting raw materials and importing finished products. with speed to implement this decision, in Furriel was speaking at a session on trade agreements on the fourth day of the Southern consultation with His Majesty King Mswati III. African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week which took place in It is important that the SADC remains Sunninghill, Johannesburg. seized with the DRC situation. “The free trade negotiations launched in June 2011 between the SADC, the Common The DRC is an integral part of the SADC, Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East Africa countries would and it is very important that SADC walks this open up a market of US$1,3 trillion in terms of gross domestic product (GDP).” difficult path with the people of the DRC. “In addition, the continental free trade that is to be established with 55 countries and The summit admitted the Union of Comoros a GDP of US$2,6 trillion presents an opportunity to access greater markets. On this free outh Africa hosted the Partnerships with the private sector are chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals as a new member of SADC and noted that the trade agreement, we are not only looking at trade in goods but also trade in services. 37th Ordinary Summit of thus important to break the barriers and add and mineral beneficiation”. assessment of the Republic of Burundi was Market integration, supported by infrastructure development and industrial development, the Heads of State and to a conducive environment for business This will include activities such as work in progress. will enable Africa to become competitive and benefit from other trade agreements with other Government of the SADC in opportunities. facilitating the identification of cross-border The decision to grow the SADC family is partners,” said Furriel. August in Pretoria under the Despite the challenges, the region is projects that will strengthen regional value very significant. On the one hand, it shows Furriel told delegates at the conference that the continent’s full potential would remain theme, “Partnering with the working hard to improve and has made chains and contribute to the development of that states outside SADC are attracted to the unfulfilled unless challenges of poor infrastructure, small and fragmented markets, Private Sector in Developing Industry and significant progress in regional infrastructure the region; introducing a new programme to manner in which our regional organisation underdeveloped production structures and inadequate economic transformation were SRegional Value Chains”. development. The SADC Protocol on Trade develop capacity in industrial policymaking operates. addressed. The theme was developed to address has been instrumental in reducing the and implementation for senior officials in the The benefits of membership will come with “Regional integration is an important aspiration of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and two key issues contained in the SADC barriers between SADC countries, stimulating SADC region (this in addition to the initiative certain obligations, including the obligation to remains a critical component of the continent’s efforts to ensure sustainable economic Industrialisation Action Plan, which was production and economic development. This started by Swaziland on the establishment of ratify our various legal instruments in order for development and inclusive growth through the creation of a larger regional market and approved by the Extraordinary SADC Summit has also led to the private sector benefiting the University of Transformation); developing the full benefits of membership to accrue to improving Africa’s integration in the global economy,” she said. in March 2017. The two issues speak to from the elimination of tariff barriers and and rolling out a model, in terms of prevention the people. In addition, South Africa promotes a development integration approach, based on the the need for industrialisation and the move export and import duties as part of the SADC and surveillance, in dealing with destructive SADC member states acknowledge three pillars of market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development. from a commodity-driven region to a value- Free Trade Area. invasive species; continuing to promote the critical need for both industrial and The country, she said, remained committed to a coordinated strategy to boost intra-Africa adding region. In working towards achieving The One-Stop Border Post Initiative region-wide integrated energy planning; and infrastructure development in the region, trade and build an integrated market in Africa. these two issues, South Africa will focus on has also proved a viable development cooperation in the development of priority which aspires towards enhancing intra- She stressed that regional free trade agreements had a potential for attracting investment partnering and supporting private-sector led in eliminating trade barriers through the energy infrastructure and maintenance regional trade and market integration. to larger markets and transform African economies. investments in prioritised industries to achieve reduction of clearance time and cost, with projects. It must be noted that these initiatives The Trade and Investment Officer at the United States of America (USA) Embassy in regional value chains. benefits extending to consumers further afield. As a new initiative, South Africa proposed are geared towards creating employment, South Africa, Juan Cammarano, said the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity South Africa is mindful of the barriers that Infrastructure development therefore remains the establishment of an Interstate Natural improving manufacturing, enhancing Act (AGOA) was an indication that the US’ job was not complete in Africa. exist within the region, which have a negative crucial in promoting and sustaining regional Gas Committee to share learning for development and addressing poverty Cammarano said the extension presented an opportunity for businesses to continue to bearing on its goals as Chair of SADC. economic development, industrialisation, regional gas development, to prepare for alleviation in the SADC region. grow and build capacity and commercial relations and urged them to look beyond 2025. The main obstacles relate to infrastructure trade and investment. the development of the wider gas economy As the current Chair for SADC, South Africa, AGOA is a unilateral US trade preference programme that provides duty-free, quota- development and trade barriers. In the SADC In his acceptance speech as Chair of SADC, and prioritise the conclusion of the trade in working together with the SADC Secretariat free treatment for over 6 400 tariff lines into the US market. Former US President Barrack region, there is generally a lack of adequate President Jacob Zuma said: “The key activities services negotiations in SADC. and member states, will host several Obama signed into law the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 that contained the infrastructure interconnections which hinders during our Chairship will be the development With regard to the situation in the sectoral meetings aimed at implementing AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act, which extended AGOA for 10 years until 2025 – accelerated regional trade. To industrialise of a high-impact Annual Operation Plan with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), outlined plans as informed by the Regional with South Africa included. the region, there is a need to improve rail, targeted interventions and public policy tools the summit noted a number of challenges Indicative Strategic Development Plan and The theme of the week-long conference was: “Partnering with the Private Sector in

technology, water and air infrastructure. to foster the development of regional value that had made it unrealistic for the Road Map. Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains”. SAnews.gov.za

14 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 15 DIPLOMACY BUILDING A BETTER AFRICA AND A BETTER WORLD BUILDING A BETTER AFRICA AND A BETTER WORLD DIPLOMACY

unique civilisation is soon to be added to the world.” Leaders such as Félix Houphouët-Boigny Building a better Africa of Côte d’Ivoire, Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Ahmed Ben Bella of Algeria, Patrice Lumumba of and a better world the Congo, Ahmed Sékou Touré of Guinea, General Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, he genesis of the Pan- Our Pan-Africanist outlook as a country is therefore Amilcar Cabral of Guinea Bissau, Thomas Africanist ideology and Sinkarra of , Modibo Kéïta movement was in response to a post-democratic vision grounded in our historical of Mali and OR Tambo, among others, all the colonisation of the African embodied the ideal of Pan-Africanism as a continent and our resolve to struggle against colonialism, imperialism and necessary political and ideological response work towards a shared future apartheid. to addressing the legacy of colonialism and as Africans. the fight against apartheid. Professor Adekeye Adebajo, Director While we have acknowledged the role becoming the present-day AU. We were T By Luwellyn Landers of the Institute for Pan-African Thought fellow Africans and the global anti-colonial guided by the shared vision of a united, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Conversation at the University of movements have played in our struggle, it is prosperous and strong Africa that Nkrumah, Johannesburg, describes Pan-Africanism as equally important to emphasise that our own Nyerere, Tambo and Mandela envisioned. follows: Diaspora, share not merely a common history, liberation movement, the African National destiny and future can never be divorced from Most importantly, in the city of Durban, the “Pan-Africanism can be defined as but a common destiny". Congress (ANC), such as Seme and Plaatje that of the continent. Our own icon, President AU was entrusted with the mandate to take the efforts to promote the political, socio- This vision of African unity found expression were from the outset Pan-Africanist in their , through an article in Foreign the political and the economic integration economic and cultural unity and self-reliance in the writings and pronouncements of many intellectual, revolutionary and ideological Affairs magazine in 1993, reminded the world agenda of the continent forward. For our part, of Africa and its Diaspora.” African descendants across the globe such outlook. The establishment of the ANC in 1912 that South Africa “cannot escape its African this ushered in an era that sought to bolster Pan-Africanism can also be described as a as Sylvester Williams, WEB Du Bois, Marcus was in fact a direct Pan-Africanist liberation destiny” and emphasised our role in the efforts to reverse the legacy of colonialism worldwide intellectual movement that aims to Garvey, Sol Plaatje and Pixley Ka Isama response to colonialism and apartheid in Africa pursuit of Africa unity. which Chief Albert Luthuli referred to during encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity Seke, to name but a few. Our founding fathers in general and South Africa in particular. The In the final analysis, it must be deduced the 1960s when he said: between all people of African descent and such as Julias Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah ANC‘s founding fathers infused the principles that we are not Africans by mere geographical “Our continent has been carved up by great extends beyond continental Africans, with a and OR Tambo, among others, built on this and ideology of progressive Pan-Africanism location, we are Africans by birth. We powers ... human skills and energy have substantial support base among the African ideological platform and also developed into the liberation movement. recognise that for South Africa to prosper, been harnessed for the advantage of our We recognise that for Diaspora. concrete programmes to implement Pan- Since then, both during our struggle Africa as a whole needs to prosper as it conquerors.” It is based on the belief that unity is vital Africanism, both in the struggle against against apartheid and colonialism and is unsustainable to be an island of wealth It is against this background that we availed South Africa to prosper, to economic, social and political progress and colonialism and apartheid and in our post- since our democracy, every generation of surrounded by a sea of poverty. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for the position aims to "unify and uplift" people of African colonial and apartheid era. our leadership has continued to build upon Democratic South Africa has therefore of AU Commission Chair. She made us proud Africa as a whole descent. It asserts that the fate of all African It is evident that we have subscribed to these ideals in both policy and practice. taken its rightful place on the continent and by, among others, leading the adoption of a needs to prosper as peoples and countries are intertwined. At its this ideology and its values from the onset Our Pan-Africanist outlook as a country is has contributed immensely towards Africa’s revised shared vision of the “Africa we Want” core, Pan-Africanism is "a belief that African of our struggle for liberation from colonialism therefore a post-democratic vision grounded peace and prosperity in line with our Pan- in the form of Agenda 2063. Most notably, it is unsustainable to peoples, both on the continent and in the and apartheid. The founding fathers of our in our historical struggle against colonialism, African ideals. Dr Dlamini Zuma played a leading role in be an island of wealth imperialism and apartheid. We have played a central role in the women empowerment on the continent and We have always believed that we are transformation of the Organisation of African as such made gender equality central to the surrounded by a sea of Africans and share a common history and Unity (OAU) into the African Union (AU) and pursuit of Pan-Africanism and in fostering In moving forward, South Africa should work hard . destiny with our brothers and sisters on the from the outset, we have played an integral unity of purpose. poverty on the improvement of cultural exchanges and the continent and the Diaspora. role in shaping its vision, policies, legal The African Heads of State and Government promotion of cultural diplomacy. We will continue to contribute towards the architecture, systems and institutions. We declared 2017 as the year of “Harnessing the Informed by the foundations laid by our rebirth of our continent and ushering in of a have continued to support conflict resolution, Demographic Dividend through Investments forebears, the ideals and values of Pan- new era; an era where Africa will be free from peacekeeping and post-reconstruction and in Youth”. Africanism will propel us to realise the the bondage of colonialism and apartheid. To development across our continent in Burundi, On 2 June 2017, President Jacob Zuma aspirations of Agenda 2063. this end, I am reminded of the famous words Democratic Republic of Congo, , formally launched Youth Month under the Our fellow Ghanaian patriots celebrate of Seme in 1909 when he articulated the kind Sudan, Comoros, Madagascar and Lesotho, theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Advancing 60 years of freedom this year. Ghana’s of Africa we aspired to when he said: “The to mention but a few. We remain committed Youth Economic Empowerment”. These two independence served as a thrust for the regeneration of Africa means that a new and to building economic integration and initiatives have enabled us to have focussed independence of many other African states infrastructure development to address the debates on how best we can accelerate youth and for that we remain grateful to their challenges of intra-Africa trade. empowerment in our country and on our leadership, particularly Dr Nkrumah who once We have been honoured with various continent. said: leadership roles in Africa. African leaders In moving forward, South Africa should “If we are to remain free, if we are to enjoy have entrusted us with leading the continent work hard on the improvement of cultural the full benefits of Africa’s rich resources, we in many international fora. Certainly, this will exchanges and the promotion of cultural must unite to plan for our total defence and continue as we work within the collective of diplomacy. We also need to be proactive and the full exploitation of our material and human the Africa leadership going forward. remind our citizens of the role the continent means, in the full interests of all our peoples. In 2002, South Africa hosted the landmark played in pursuit of the freedoms we enjoy ‘To go it alone’ will limit our horizons, curtail summit, which culminated in the OAU today. our expectations and threaten our liberty.”

16 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 17 DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS DIPLOMACY

that seeks to ensure development for all the people of the African continent. We stand on the cusp of a new age which could We believe that continental economic benefit all of humanity, but we must ensure that this integration is the goal that will ensure that . Africa rises. As a country, we utilise all technological dividend benefits everyone If we fail international platforms and fora to advance to do this, we risk creating a new divide between a continental agenda. Be that the G20; Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa those with access to information and technology (BRICS); and all other important international and those without. groupings. We use these opportunities to sell Africa to the world, in the true spirit of our diplomatic principles of Ubuntu, which loosely offered an economic assistance package to conversation has become intergenerational, translated means humanity – “I am who I am Cuba in the form of solidarity grants and credit and in many instances the youth are taking because of or through other people”. These lines and also financial assistance to boost the lead in the battle of ideas. principles promote a culture of serving others the agricultural sector. It would be naïve of us to think that the for the good of all. We will continue to provide support to Cuba world will change without us giving it a giant International solidarity is the cornerstone and other countries like Western Sahara and nudge. The change we all crave will have to of our foreign policy. That is why the African Palestine, expecting nothing in return except be fought for, we must therefore be organised National Congress-led Government continues to reciprocate the goodwill they showed to and resolute in making our voices heard. We to pledge solidary with the people of Palestine South Africa through international solidarity. should also be mindful that the clock is ticking. in their quest for freedom. We do so given our As beneficiaries of world solidarity, we know It is therefore incumbent on us to lead the experience in our liberation struggle. too well what it is to want support and the joy charge and create the change we want to see. We also continue to pledge our support and of receiving it. It is clear that investments and capital are solidarity to the people of the Western Sahara The prophetic words of essential ingredients for greater social and in their quest for liberation as the last colony said all those years ago, still bare striking cultural change to occur. This must go hand in Africa. relevance today: “The fight for freedom in hand with utilising the technology dividend South Africa continues to have good must go on until it is won; until our country and ensuring that it benefits everyone. relations with many nations in the world. We is free and happy and peaceful as part of the The Ministry of Communications is actively are the second country in the world to host community of man, we cannot rest”. focussing on ensuring that we empower the highest number of foreign diplomatic This is indeed a noble and just cause and people to use technology to improve their missions after the United States of America one that all progressive forces must strive to lives. Technology has invaded every facet of (USA). We maintain good relations even achieve. We live in a fractured world where our lives and continues to shape the world of with countries we differ with politically and power and influence reside in the hands of a tomorrow. ideologically because we remain respectful of few. We live in a world beset by injustices. We stand on the cusp of a new age which their sovereignty. A world where the downtrodden and could benefit all of humanity, but we must Beyond the continent, we have many powerless yearn for a foothold, and a ensure that this technological dividend benefits friends, especially those countries who were chance at bettering themselves and their everyone. If we fail to do this, we risk creating with us through our liberation struggle such communities. a new divide between those with access to as Cuba. Cuba supported South Africa and The role of the Diaspora in making this information and technology and those without. other African liberation movements under a reality is a crucial one. The many critical South Africa is pushing ahead to ensure our the leadership of Fidel Castro, renowned voices and thinkers throughout the Diaspora obligation to shift from analogue to digital South Africa and Africa are internationalist and anti-imperialist, who have often been at the forefront of bringing broadcasting, which will benefit the country. selflessly supported the struggle of the about societal change within their various This will release limited radio frequency oppressed and the exploited, including those spheres of influence. spectrum which is used for the purposes of needing humanitarian relief and aid. African luminaries such as Kwame both broadcasting and telecommunications. open for business While many in the USA referred to Castro as Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara, It will also lead to a more efficient use of By Ayanda Dlodlo a dictator, Rev Jesse Jackson characterised Oliver Tambo and countless others gave available spectrum since digital broadcasts Minister of Home Affairs him as a “freedom fighter” and the “poor rise to generations of critical thinkers who only require a fraction of the spectrum people’s hero”. continue to espouse the vision of a united, required by analogue broadcasts. We maintain good outh Africa’s foreign policy reconstruction and development on the Castro and the Cuban people stood in inclusive and more equitable world. This will allow for more channels and outlook has been inspired African continent. At times, we have done this solidarity with liberation movements in Africa, Every generation in the Diaspora has of more content to be broadcast on the same relations even by our history of struggle at the expense of our own national interests. supporting our struggle for independence course faced varying challenges based on bandwidth. It will connect rural and urban, rich and the international For a country that continues to experience and the international campaign to isolate the the prevailing circumstances at the time. But and poor, thereby ensuring that South African with countries we solidarity we enjoyed, high levels of poverty, unemployment and apartheid regime. what has remained constant is their desire citizens transact and communicate more differ with politically which led to the destruction inequality, we have often been criticised by After we achieved our freedom, Cuba to make a difference to the lived realities of effectively with the use of technology. of the apartheid regime. We have sought to many for punching above our weight. was one of the first to offer material and people both in their country of birth and their In the South African and in the African and ideologically Sadvance the principles of human rights in We, however, remain steadfast in our belief human resource support. Since then, almost ancestral homelands. context, it will be a game changer. because we remain pursuit of a better South Africa, contributing to that our future is intrinsically linked to that 3 000 South African students have received Africa is now experiencing a renewed spirit It will ensure that even the most isolated a safer Africa and a better world. of the continent and the world and it is our medical training in Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuban of Pan-Africanism, based on the desire to communities are connected to the globe respectful of their This has informed our investment in responsibility to provide support and continue engineers are working in South Africa. The collectively push for continental integration and can benefit from technology along with peacekeeping missions and post-conflict to pursue a continental solidarity agenda Government of South Africa has in the past and economic freedom. I have noticed that the everyone else. sovereignty.

18 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 19 DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS CELEBRATING A CENTENARYFIVE GLOBALLYOFSOUTH ACADEMIC AFRICA IMPORTANT EXCELLENCE AND AFRICA ARCHAEOLOGICAL ONARE THE OPEN AFRICAN FOR SITES BUSINESS CONTINENT IN AFRICADIPLOMACYFEATURE

The push towards digitalisation goes hand in hand with government’s plan to expand It is important to give hope to the downtrodden broadband access. Broadband is changing and overlooked in the world. We must therefore the way we live, conduct business and how South Africans interact with each other and be at the forefront of driving societal change, their government. The African continent and South Africa whether it be in spurring greater investment into offer many opportunities for investment and Africa and the developing world or in ensuring growth. Despite a slowing global economy and that the voice of developed nations holds greater the recent downgrade, South Africa remains one of the most promising emerging markets, sway at international decision-making bodies especially for those who are risk averse. such as the United Nations. South Africa is Africa’s most sophisticated and diverse economy – offering a unique • investment marketing: local and foreign The objective of NEPAD is to consolidate combination of highly developed first-world marketing initiatives democracy and sound economic management economic infrastructure with a vibrant • business facilitation: visas, investment on the continent. Through the programme, emerging market economy and a young missions, intergovernmental African leaders make a commitment to population, ripe for skills development and coordination, relocations, business African people and the world to work together training. South Africa is open for business. introductions, black economic in revitalising the continent. It is a pledge to There are many reasons why global partners partnerships, financing and incentives promote peace and stability, democracy, should invest in South Africa, including: • outward investment: connections to sound economic management and people- • sound economic policies other African investment promotion centred development, and to hold each other • a favourable legal and business agencies, project financing and deal accountable in terms of the agreements environment structuring. outlined in NEPAD. • world-class infrastructure, including a The NEPAD programme has a number of modern transport network, sophisticated South Africa also has a thriving tourism sectoral initiatives, namely: telecommunications and superb tourism sector. Our hospitality is world renowned, with • natural resources, governance and food facilities nine United Nations (UN) world heritage sites. security • access to markets with our position at Our cultural diversity is unparalleled. • regional integration, infrastructure the southern tip of the continent Similar prudent policies are in place all over (energy, water, information and • its trade reform and strategic alliances Africa. Africa is also open for business. communications technology) and trade mean that South Africa has trading Africa is changing and the world too has • industrialisation, science, technology relationships with more than 200 amended its outdated and myopic view of our and innovation countries and territories continent. The emergence of the “Africa rising” • human capital development (skills, O.R. TAMBO 1917 - 2017 • the cost of doing business in South narrative is long overdue and is a validation youth, employment and women Africa is significantly lower that Africa is changing economically, politically empowerment). IN HIS FOOTSTEPS ... • the ease of doing business in South and socially. Africa As a continent, Africa has made integrated Through this initiative, a number of • industrial capability and cutting-edge and shared growth a priority. opportunities exist for doing business on PASSION· PATRIOTISM· INTEGRITY· HUMILITY technology Through Agenda 2063, we aim to drive the continent such as the Programme • global competitiveness. social, economic and political rejuvenation on for Infrastructure Development, which the continent. facilitates the implementation of construction The Department of Trade and Industry also It envisions that in 50 years, Africa will projects aimed at transforming Africa into an provides a one-stop shop for investors, be a world leader, setting the standard for interconnected and integrated continent. offering a variety of services to those inclusive economic development, democratic Within all of us lies to power to drive a interested in conducting business in South governance and a just social order. new narrative around Africa; one of unlimited Africa – ranging from details on how to do Through the New Partnership for Africa’s potential and a renewed hope for a better business in the country to the different forms Development (NEPAD), African leaders future. that businesses can take. are championing the view that regional It is important to give hope to the Services for international investors include: integration is the best way for Africa to realise downtrodden and overlooked in the world. • investment information: opportunities, its growth potential, participate effectively in We must therefore be at the forefront of incentives, regulations, policies and the global economy and share the benefits of driving societal change, whether it be in strategic sectors globalisation. spurring greater investment into Africa and the developing world or in ensuring that the Africa is changing and the world too has amended voice of developed nations holds greater sway at international decision-making bodies . its outdated and myopic view of our continent The such as the UN. emergence of the “Africa rising” narrative is long We must be the vanguard of change movement that exists across borders, and www.dirco.gov.za overdue and is a validation that Africa is changing ultimately begins to achieve meaningful social, economic and societal change. economically, politically and socially. DIRCOza @DIRCO_ZA thedircoza DIRCO ZA DIRCOZA

20 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 21 DIPLOMACY SALIENT PERSPECTIVES IN RESPECT OF THE CORE OUTCOMES OF THE NINTH BRICS SUMMIT SALIENT PERSPECTIVES IN RESPECT OF THE CORE OUTCOMES OF THE NINTH BRICS SUMMIT DIPLOMACY

Salient perspectives in respect of the core outcomes of the Ninth BRICS Summit By Maite Nkoana-Mashabane Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

The BRICS leaders recalled the original rational for BRICS, namely: “. . . it is the overarching objective and our desire for peace, security, development and cooperation that brought us together 10 years ago”.

resident Jacob Zuma people-to-people cooperation in an open, cooperation of BRICS over the last 10 years The BRICS leaders committed to expedite the The BRICS leaders committed to expedite the participated in the Ninth inclusive and win-win spirit; and had worked as well as the consensus of previous summits industrialisation processes of BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, China in unison with other emerging markets and and build on those towards: and to seize the potential opportunities of industrialisation processes of BRICS countries and to and South Africa (BRICS) developing countries (EMDCs) to uphold • further developing practical the Fourth Industrial Revolution, through Summit, which was hosted international justice and equity and foster a cooperation: facilitate market enhanced industrial cooperation and the seize the potential opportunities of the Fourth Industrial by President Xi Jinping sound external environment. interlinkages as well as infrastructure development of collaboration among BRICS Revolution, through enhanced industrial cooperation from China from 4 to 5 September 2017 in BRICS cooperation has grown in development and financial integration small, micro and medium enterprises. BRICS PXiamen, under the theme “BRICS: Stronger importance. People within those countries • fostering a just and equitable word leaders further recommitted their strong and the development of collaboration among BRICS Partnership for a Brighter Future”. The expect the formation to jointly boost order: work to enhance the voice and support to the pursuit of multilateralism and small, micro and medium enterprises. President was accompanied by a South development and improve their well-being. representation of EMDCs’ emerging echoed the long-held sentiments among African delegation comprising Cabinet The international community expects economies and developing countries BRICS countries of the central role of the UN ministers, senior government officials and BRICS countries to contribute to world in global economic governance in international relations. national, regional, South-South as well as our raw materials and negative resultant various business leaders, including the peace and common development. BRICS • pursuing fairness, justice and an President Zuma pointed out that the BRICS’ global interests and positions on the various price decreases. Hence, our own domestic Chairperson of the South African Chapter of leaders committed to redouble efforts equitable world order: uphold a fair “gold content” had been rising continuously in issues of discussion. It is this amplified growth patterns have displayed growth that the BRICS Business Council, Dr Iqbal Survé, to comprehensively deepen the BRICS and equitable world order, based on recent years along with measures such as voice that the forum projects in calling for unfortunately does not accurately reflect our and members of the council. partnership and usher in the second “Golden the central role of the United Nations boosting service trade, facilitating investment, cooperation with EMDCs to ensure common true growth potential”. The BRICS leaders recalled the original Decade” of BRICS cooperation. (UN), democracy and the rule of law initiating e-commerce cooperation and development for all and to address historic In this vein, it should be recalled that South rational for BRICS, namely: “… it is the BRICS countries should increase • fostering stronger people-to-people strengthening ties in innovation. global imbalances. Africa’s in situ mineral wealth is estimated overarching objective and our desire cooperation in sectors such as trade and ties through the promotion of BRICS I am citing these agreed positions to From a national interest point of view, at US$2,5 trillion by Citibank (2010). We for peace, security, development and investment, monetary and financial areas, cultural diversity: leaders committed respond to the various commentaries about President Zuma stated unequivocally to the have held frank discussions with our BRICS cooperation that brought us together 10 connectivity, sustainable development, to expand the people-to-people the state of political cohesion of BRICS, BRICS Business Forum that “the difficulties partners to obtain their increased support years ago”. The leaders also reconfirmed the innovation and industrial cooperation. exchanges to promote mutual and to demonstrate that the shared resolve we face can be in part attributed to our for our domestic priorities in the economic key principles of the partnership, namely that The summit adopted an outcomes learning among the cultures and of its leadership is stronger than ever. This status as commodity exporters. We are thus context, also to ensure that the growth of they had pushed for economic, political and declaration, which sought to reaffirm the people of BRICS. forum, as any other, comprises members with affected by the decline in the demand for our economic cooperation is spread more

22 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 23 DIPLOMACY SALIENT PERSPECTIVES IN RESPECT OF THE CORE OUTCOMES OF THE NINTH BRICS SUMMIT SALIENT PERSPECTIVES IN RESPECT OF THE CORE OUTCOMES OF THE NINTH BRICS SUMMIT DIPLOMACY

Africa), with the objective of unlocking funds South Africa is honoured to host this august for infrastructure projects in South Africa. Through this function, the office will serve as forum next year and we are already in the midst a node for knowledge generation and sharing. The office will mainly employ young of preparations to ensure that we provide further South African professionals; thus facilitating impetus and momentum to the sterling record of the capacity-building and contributing to the development of specialised skills in project Chinese and other previous chairships . preparation and finance in the host country. The leaders also reaffirmed their strong support for the African Union’s (AU) and enforcement of existing World Trade these serve to promote development and implementation of its various programmes Organisation (WTO) rules and their enhance mutual understanding, friendship under Agenda 2063 in pursuit of its continental determination to work together to further and cooperation among BRICS peoples. The agenda for peace and socio-economic strengthen the WTO. value of cultural diversity was highlighted development. They also emphasised once The role of the G20 as the premier forum in promoting sustainable development. more the importance of collaboration between for international economic cooperation Various initiatives in the educational, cultural the UN and the AU in accordance with the was appreciated as well as the continued and sports domains were also noted and Charter of the UN. commitment to implement the outcomes of appreciated. In respect of South-South cooperation, G20 summits, including the Hamburg and President Zuma was afforded the the intent has always been to share the Hangzhou summits. opportunity at the conclusion of the summit to outcomes of our practical cooperation with The various multilateral environmental announce South Africa’s readiness to assume EMDCs to benefit the world at large. The regimes were supported by the leaders, the BRICS Chairship and host the 10th BRICs BRICS Plus engagement focussed on the notably the call upon all countries to fully Summit in Johannesburg in 2018. theme: “Strengthening Mutually Beneficial implement the Paris Agreement adopted South Africa is honoured to host this Cooperation for Common Development” under the principles of the UN Framework august forum next year and we are already and the BRICS leaders exchanged views on Convention on Climate Change, including in the midst of preparations to ensure that we the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for the principles of common but differentiated provide further impetus and momentum to Sustainable Development and the building of responsibilities and respective capabilities. the sterling record of the Chinese and other equitably. It is because we are equal partners broad partnerships for development. They also urged developed countries to previous chairships. We will endeavour to that we can speak to our partners on such On a global level, a foremost priority on provide financial, technological and capacity- provide the required synergy and follow-up in matters without fear or prejudice. the agenda of the leaders is to ensure the building support to developing countries to respect of initiatives that were launched and The declaration also amply reflects the ever- full implementation of the 2030 Agenda enhance their capability in mitigation and proposed for further consideration. We are growing spectrum of sectoral engagements for sustainable development and to render adaptation. proud to invite our partners once more to the with tangible benefits accrued not only through optimal support for its implementation. The leaders appreciated the ever-growing African continent to showcase our continent’s peer learning and policy exchanges, but also The BRICS leaders reaffirmed their and strengthening of ties of solidarity between steadfast progress and appetite for economic joint project collaboration and financing of commitment to ensure full implementation the peoples of the respective countries as cooperation and growth. research and other programmes. The BRICS leaders noted the Chinese proposal for the establishment of a BRICS research fund and further efforts under the banner of BRICS people-to-people cooperation. The BRICS leaders welcomed the announcement of China’s contribution of 500 million yuan (US$76 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries. Furthermore, BRICS leaders noted the agreement by the finance ministers and central bank governors The Africa Regional Centre will supplement existing to undertake cooperation on a public-private efforts of identifying and preparing bankable partnership (PPP) and the exploration of a PPP project fund. This positive expansion projects for the country initially and later the region, in terms of our BRICS “Architecture” is also to be financed by the New Development Bank, indicative of the value that our stakeholders attach, on all levels, to this forum to further yielding a direct financial benefit for the country. enhance their core business. On regional level, the leaders welcomed a regular basis in respect of the countries’ for the country initially and later the region, the launch of the New Development Bank’s project pipelines. China will contribute to be financed by the NDB, yielding a direct (NDB) Africa Regional Centre (ARC) on US$4 million to the NDB Project Preparation financial benefit for the country. 17 August 2017 in Johannesburg. They Facility to support the business operation The NDB will further interact and indeed further noted positive developments in this and long-term development of the bank. collaborate with domestic and regional context, such as the setting up of the Project The ARC will supplement existing efforts of players in the development finance space Preparation Fund and loans being issued on identifying and preparing bankable projects (such as the Development Bank of Southern

24 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 25 DIPLOMACY BRICS BANK PLACES DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDA AS PRIORITY FOR NATIONS OF THE SOUTH BRICS BANK PLACES DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDA AS PRIORITY FOR NATIONS OF THE SOUTH DIPLOMACY

Africa, with the objective of unlocking funds By hosting the first regional office of the NDB for infrastructure projects in South Africa. The African Regional outside Shanghai, South Africa has been able The ARC will also serve to cultivate a next Centre will also serve to to strategically position Africa. BRICS Bank places generation of financiers through knowledge This illustrates the leadership role that generation and sharing. It will mainly employ cultivate a next generation South Africa exercises in BRICS in ensuring young South African professionals, thus of financiers through that the concerns of Africa and the Global facilitating capacity-building and contributing South are taken into account. It is also a well- developmental agenda to the development of specialised skills in knowledge generation established practice for BRICS leaders to project preparation and finance in the host meet prior to the G20 Summit to exchange . country and region in the longer term. and sharing views and forge common positions where Another significant shift in international possible on core developmental issues in as priority for nations finance will entail the consideration of as it views Chinese solutions for Chinese particular. establishing a market-oriented rating agency problems, so too should there be domestic What is of importance is that South Africa by member countries, which will be linked solutions to domestic challenges. It will not optimally utilises its partnerships with these to the NDB. Currently, the bank works with impose its demands on the country needing emerging global players to meet its own needs of the South the Chinese rating agencies of China Cheng assistance. This constitutes the fundamental and those of Africa and the Global South. Xin International Credit Rating Company difference between Chinese cooperation For example, South Africa’s in situ mineral By Luwellyn Landers and the Lianhe Credit Rating Company. This versus official development assistance (ODA) wealth has been estimated at US$2,5 trillion Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation rating agency will be tailored for its members from the West/Organisation for Economic by Citibank (2010). These partnerships will and their needs as well as provide a niche Cooperation and Development. The West help to beneficiate this wealth and unlock the s the Brazil, Russia, India, The New Development Bank comes at an approach. In addition, it has the potential to has pursued, through its ODA programmes, a kind of inclusive development that is needed. China and South Africa challenge the traditional hegemony enjoyed form of relationship which has been perceived South Africa can partner with relevant and (BRICS) heads of state and opportune moment, as we transition from a by Standard and Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s as that of neo-colonialism. There is no doubt strategic partners to learn lessons from – government gathered recently unipolar world order with a declining power to a rating agencies in the global financial markets. therefore that China will maintain this policy not only of different economic models, but in Xiamen, China, for the Ninth A paradigm shift in terms of the politics of of non-interference in the way it interacts with more importantly, how state assets can be BRICS Summit, one of the multipolar world order, challenging the previous financial institutions will also occur; a shift other countries through the NDB. South Africa utilised positively and strategically to promote major discussion points was to review progress which should decisively benefit developing and the rest of the BRICS countries also have development. order’s hegemon(s) . Aachieved in respect of the operations of the New countries. China, the NDB’s largest a similar approach. History has many valuable lessons and it Development Bank (NDB), also known as the stakeholder in terms of the size of its economy, Instead, the NDB will be guided strictly by is incumbent on this generation not to repeat BRICS Bank. ultimately challenge the pre-eminence that When the bank was established in has long held the approach and policy of non- the developmental and infrastructural goals the cycles of the past, but to bring innovative The BRICS Bank was originally intended the Washington Consensus has cultivated Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014, it envisaged interference. Criticised by the West for this that it has set for the bank and for those who practices and paradigms to the table in by the BRICS leaders to “supplement the since the post-Second World War era. For having an authorised initial capital base of policy, China has often maintained that, just wish to gain cooperation from the bank. service of its people. existing efforts of multilateral and regional example, the NDB is embarking on facilitating US$100 billion. The initial subscribed capital financial institutions for global growth and loans in the local currency of its members, was earmarked at US$50 billion, shared development”. However, the expectations for which indirectly challenges the role of equally among founding members. The paid- this bank have clearly outweighed its modest previous dominant currencies. As a result, in contributions of its members amounted to origins and it has now evolved to become countries requesting a loan no longer need to US$2 billion per member over seven tranches a symbol of a new-generation financial absorb the uncertainty inherent in fluctuations (years) with the rest of the capital being institution that will serve the developmental of currency in respect of their repayments. callable as may be required. needs of the Global South. This in itself will provide new certainty for The bank indicates that it has already The President of the NDB, KV Kamath, has lenders as well as borrowers, indicative of granted loans for development to member explained that to provide effect to the notion the type of qualitative paradigm shift intended countries estimated at US$1,5 billion. The of “new”, its management would introduce a with these initiatives. NDB purposefully sent a strong message more streamlined approach to its operations Like the Bretton Woods Institutions, by prioritising renewable energy for its by reducing the duration of the traditional established primarily to rebuild Europe after first tranche of disbursements. South project cycle approval. Secondly, loans will be the Second World War, the NDB places much Africa received a first loan allocation of issued without setting conditionalities as is the emphasis on infrastructure development US$180 million. South Africa will continue to case in the established Western multilateral and sustainable development for developing submit further project proposals through its development banks. countries. Although the bank underscores dedicated project pipeline. The NDB comes at an opportune moment, in its strategy that it intends to complement The launch of the NDB’s Africa Regional as we transition from a unipolar world order with existing development financial institutions, it Centre (ARC) on 17 August 2017 by President a declining power to a multipolar world order, provides alternative options for developing Jacob Zuma in Sandton will also strengthen challenging the previous order’s hegemon(s). countries, thus creating more competition. this project pipeline. The BRICS Bank therefore provides emerging This may also have the unintended The leaders also noted in Xiamen markets and developing countries with an consequence of forcing the traditional banks further positive developments, such as the alternative global financial and institutional such as the World Bank to reform its lending establishment of the Project Preparation architecture. It also provides the Global South and payment policies. BRICS partners also Fund and loans being issued on a regular with an amplified voice to articulate our core have various other complementary spatial basis in respect of the countries’ project needs and set new agendas according to development initiatives, which will further pipelines. The NDB will further interact and shared rule-formulation practices. interact with and support the bank. Currently, indeed collaborate with domestic and regional To this end, the NDB has indicated a the main loan beneficiaries are the NDB’s players in the development finance space number of innovative measures that will founding member countries. such as the Development Bank of Southern

26 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 27 South Africa takes IORA reigns, makes donation towards Africa’s maritime development By Maite Nkoana-Mashabane Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Fund (US$100 000) for pilot development South Africa’s Operation Phakisa, which is modelled on a Singaporean initiative, projects aimed at improving the lives of is in line with the goals outlined in the National Development Plan, and its IORA’s poorest people. Half of this amount (US$ 50 000) will be allocated to projects in overriding purpose is to promote economic growth and to boost job creation. Africa in support of African oceans economy projects under the 2050 African Integrated ne of our duties as United States of America, Japan, France, Maritime (AIM) Strategy. the Department of the United Kingdom, Egypt, China and A highlight of the IORA meeting was a tour International Relations Germany. IORA has observer status at the of the South African research vessel, the and Cooperation is to United Nations (UN) General Assembly, UN Agulhas II, which is participating in the Second promote and defend South Conference on Trade and Development and International Indian Ocean Expedition. This Africa’s national interests, the African Union (AU). is the first African-led research cruise that is and our work in international fora is geared As is the tradition when assuming the multidisciplinary and comprising scientists Otowards forging partnerships with like-minded The current membership of IORA consists of role of Chair of IORA, South Africa will and students from South Africa, Mozambique, countries to achieve our national goals. 21 states: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, make a financial contribution of US$250 Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt. We also have A country’s foreign policy is firmly premised India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, 000 in the form of US$150 000 to assist in scientists and students joining us from India, on its domestic priorities. Therefore, as South Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, the implementation of the IORA Action Plan Belgium and Italy. Africa, we expect great dividends from linking Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South 2017 – 2021. South Africa is a responsible member the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United The African Agenda is a prominent feature of the international community. We seek “IORA – Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia Blue Economy initiative to our domestic Arab Emirates and Yemen. IORA is also of South Africa’s foreign policy, and we will to advance peace and security globally, Operation Phakisa. supported by seven dialogue partners: the make funds available for the IORA Special including in the Indian Ocean Region. For and the Middle East through Enhanced Cooperation this reason, the theme we have chosen for for Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development”. our tenure as Chair of the organisation is “IORA – Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through the Working Group on Maritime Safety and through a proposed IORA-AU Memorandum Enhanced Cooperation for Peace, Stability Security of Understanding. and Sustainable Development”. • improving resilience and responses for As a country, South Africa is faced This theme encompasses our view that the disaster risk management, including with the considerable challenge of youth Indian Ocean Region should be characterised prioritising the implementation of the unemployment, which is a challenge we share as a region of peace, stability and development Memorandum of Understanding on Search with other developing country member states within which to pursue the goal of promoting and Rescue within the association. It is therefore our view socio-economic cooperation for the well- • sustainable and responsible fisheries that empowerment of the youth also needs being and development of the countries and management and development, including to be mainstreamed across IORA’s work peoples of the Indian Ocean Rim. dealing with the important issue of illegal, alongside the Blue Economy and Women’s In contributing towards promoting the unreported and unregulated fishing. Economic Empowerment. Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, stability At the end of its meeting, IORA elected and development, South Africa will work with The African Agenda is an important pillar in Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe, South Africa’s former member states, dialogue partners and the South Africa’s foreign policy. To this end, the High Commissioner to Mauritius, as the international community to further advance AU has declared 2015 to 2025 as the Decade next Secretary General of the association. this vision. of African Seas and Oceans. The strategic Dr Nokwe will succeed Ambassador Three priorities will be pursued, namely: context of this initiative is Agenda 2063, and KV Bhagirath, who will conclude his term as • maritime safety and security in the region, the 2050 AIM Strategy, which South Africa will Secretary General of the association at the including prioritising the establishment of seek to align to IORA’s Blue Economy strategy end of the year.

28 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 29 DIPLOMACY MANDELA AND TAMBO: A LIFETIME AS COMRADES MANDELA AND TAMBO: A LIFETIME AS COMRADES DIPLOMACY

In September 2017, South African contemporary artist, Esther Mahlangu, was honoured with a mural commemorating her bold and bright work in New York City. It was part of a month-long partnership with Citi Bike, which saw South Africa's unique art and culture taking to the streets of the city. The partnership showcased the variety of safari, adventure and cultural experiences holidaymakers could have in South Africa, while the pièce de résistance was an original art mural dedicated to Mahlangu. The mural, which spanned a two-lane road and featured Ndebele symbols, was located on Franklin Street and the West Broadway Citi Bike station in Tribeca.

30 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 31 ith Africa beset by the double scourge of illicit financial outflows and the disparity of SA seeks bigger the global economy, President Jacob Zuma says the United Nations (UN) must play Wa central role in tackling both issues. benefits for The current structure of the global economy continues to deepen the divide between the North and South, President Zuma told the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly Africa in global (UNGA72) in New York on 20 September. UNGA, which took place between 19 and 25 September 2017, was held under the theme “Focussing on People: Striving for Peace and economy a Decent Life for all on a Sustainable Planet”. It was the first General Debate for the By Maite Nkoana-Mashabane newly appointed Secretary General, António Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Guterres, who started his term on 1 January 2017. With Africa beset by the double scourge of illicit “While a few enjoy the benefits of financial outflows and the disparity of the global globalisation, the majority of the people of the world still live in abject poverty and hunger, economy, President Jacob Zuma says the United with no hope of ever improving their living conditions.” Nations (UN) must play a central role in tackling These unequal and unjust economic power both issues. relations manifest themselves sharply in Africa. President Zuma said while Africa was endowed with mineral resources, it still had the highest number of the least developed countries. “Many of the developed countries in the world continue to fuel their development from the resources of the African continent.” What is needed, the President, said was political will and commitment from global leaders to address the challenges and obstacles posed by this untransformed i structure of the global economy. President Zuma said Africa continued to lose “In both instances of Libya and Syria, we President Jacob Zuma celebrated the life and times of former African National Congress a significant chunk of its resources through strongly cautioned against seeking to resolve (ANC) president Oliver Tambo by hosting a gala dinner in New York on the sidelines of the illicit financial outflows – billions of dollars internal challenges of sovereign states by 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72). which would otherwise be used to develop the imposing foreign solutions through military Government declared 2017 “The Year of OR Tambo”, which coincided with the stalwart’s continent and provide education, healthcare, means.” centenary birthday. housing and other critical basic needs. Pretoria echoed its stance on the right President Zuma said the dinner was a befitting honour of a man who dedicated his life to The continent loses money through money of the people of Western Sahara to self- the liberation, freedom and equal opportunity of all South Africans. laundering, tax evasion and tax avoidance, Nuclear for peaceful means International relations determination. “It is appropriate that we are holding this celebration here at the Headquarters of the UN, corruption and transfer pricing by multinational President Zuma used his address to call on President Zuma reiterated that South Africa “The UN must remain seized with this issue because a significant part of OR’s contribution to our democratic, non-racial, free South companies. UN member states to dismantle their nuclear stood with the people of Cuba and Palestine, for the benefit of the people of Western Sahara Africa, was through his mobilisation of international solidarity against apartheid.” “[This undermines] the integrity of the weapons and instead use them for peaceful and called for the end of the war in Syria and and the African aspirations of integration and Tambo was synonymous to the corridors of the world body at a time while he was global financial system, efficient tax collection means. Libya. peaceful co-existence,” President Zuma said. campaigning for the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime. and equitable allocation of resources. We “It can no longer be acceptable that a few The war in Libya contributes a great deal to President Zuma also expressed South In his toast remarks at the dinner, President Zuma, who recalled Tambo’s life, said he left appeal for the cooperation and commitment countries keep arsenals and stockpiles of the destabilisation of the Sahel region and all Africa’s disappointment at the June 2017 a lasting legacy, not only for the ANC, but for South Africa, and the world at large. of every member state of the UN, and the nuclear weapons as part of their strategic the way to Central Africa, creating a corridor decision of the United States Administration “Comrade OR’s exemplary leadership as an international statesman and consummate international community at large to address defence and security doctrine, while expecting for illicit trafficking in arms as well as terrorist to reverse the progress that was registered in diplomat shaped the vision of a post-apartheid democratic South Africa and the country’s this phenomenon,” President Zuma told the others to remain at their mercy. We are activities. the past two years towards ending the Cuban foreign policy, and the principles on which it is grounded. These are patriotism, loyalty, General Assembly. concerned that any possible accidental President Zuma said had South Africa’s blockade. dedication, ubuntu, equity, integrity and Batho Pele meaning putting people first.” He said developed countries, in particular, detonation would lead to a disaster of epic warning been heeded that the supply of President Zuma ended his address by President Zuma also thanked the international community for its support during the had a historic and moral obligation to proportions.” arms to civilians in Libya and the arming of reinforcing South Africa’s readiness to work liberation struggle. contribute to achieving a fair global economic The President’s call came hot on the heels of civilians in Syria would cause loss of life, great with the UN to promote peace, human rights “As we celebrate his life, we thank all of you, the international community, because of environment and to eradicate the scourge of him signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of instability and mayhem, the world would be and sustainable development. your support and solidarity during that most difficult period in the . We

illicit financial flows from the continent. Nuclear Weapons on Tuesday, 19 September. more peaceful today. SAnews.gov.za thank you because you chose to care, as Madiba said on his release.” SAnews.gov.za

32 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 33 DIPLOMACY HOW TO FINANCE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS? HOW TO FINANCE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS? DIPLOMACY

financial services for low-income groups and job creation and economic growth. Moreover, the much-needed finance for development. improve access and the cost of credit to small declares the commission, the outflows are a The analysis by UNECA reveals the flaws businesses. serious threat to Africa and require a global from the current relations between donors How to finance the Thirdly, the commission advises African and political solution. and beneficiaries, which include lack of countries to address capital markets’ failure to In response to the illicit outflows scourge, accountability and minimal progress in attract foreign investors and suggests setting the African Union set up a High-Level Panel changing current global trade rules largely sustainable development up effective regulatory and legal frameworks on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, chaired by viewed as unfair by poor countries. to make it easy for capital markets to raise former South African President, , Other weaknesses are “the inability of investment funds. And finally, it calls on Africa to gauge their magnitude and to recommend current partnerships to deal with global to adopt strategies that help them to identify measures to curtail them. Its 2015 report, Illicit challenges, such as climate change and goals? and pioneer other innovative domestic Financial Flows: Report of the High-Level financial instability” and the failure by rich sources of finance such as public-private Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, countries to fulfil their promised official partnerships, sovereign wealth funds and concluded that despite foreign aid, Africa was development assistance target of 0,7% of Africa’s experience with development partners over the past decades has Diaspora bonds. a net creditor to the world. These outflows their gross national incomes. reduce Africa’s tax revenues, undermine trade UNECA argues that these failings reinforce . produced mixed results that now require a rethinking of partnerships Illicit financial outflows and investment and worsen poverty. pleas for new types of partnerships that Surprisingly, one of the major sources of generate innovative sources of finance. This By Masimba Tafirenyika funds for SDGs in Africa lies in an unlikely Track it … stop it … get it is supported by SDG 17, which calls for a Director: United Nations Information Centre, Pretoria quarter: money saved from curtailing illicit Given the magnitude of the problem and its stronger commitment to partnership and financial flows from the continent. Critics insist damaging effect on African economies, the cooperation to achieve the development or the next 13 years, the for Sustainable Development. According Even in African countries where disposable there is a direct link between these outflows question that comes to mind is: “What can be goals in the areas of finance, information world will need a whopping to UNECA, the sources of finance include incomes are reasonably high, there are no and Africa’s failed efforts to marshal internal done to track, stop and get back the more than and communications technology, capacity- US$1,2 trillion a year to strengthening the manner in which countries incentives for workers to save part of their resources for investments. Illicit financial flows US$50 billion Africa is losing every year?” building, trade as well as data, monitoring and end global poverty, tackle mobilise domestic resources, reducing illicit salaries. The commission’s report says other are money earned illegally and transferred for Raymond Baker, the president of Global accountability. inequalities and combat financial flows and convincing rich countries root causes of lack of internal finance include use elsewhere. Financial Integrity, proposes five steps to curb However, the commission notes that there climate change as agreed that it’s also in their interest to provide the tax evasion, corruption, unjust giveaways to This money is generated from criminal illicit outflows. Firstly, he calls for laws that are limitations in existing partnerships on to by world leaders in order to attain the money needed to attain the SDGs. foreign investors and discrimination by banks activities, corruption, tax evasion, bribes and would require financial institutions to know the global challenges such as climate change or sustainableF development goals (SDGs) by Despite its natural wealth and currently against individuals and small businesses in transactions from cross-border smuggling or identity of their customers. financial stability. As a remedy, it calls for the 2030. This is an enormous amount of money. having the fastest economic growth globally, favour of big multinationals. trafficking in persons, drugs and guns. Secondly, he wants the global financial application of the principle of “common but It immediately raises the question: Where will Africa still remains the world’s poorest As a remedy, the commission recommends A report by Global Financial Integrity, a system to adopt consistent anti-money differentiated responsibilities”. the money come from? region. To reverse the trend, it has to face specific measures to help Africa marshal Washington-based advocacy group, revealed laundering policies that curtail money flows at Under this principle, there is a recognition In the past, Africa relied heavily on donors the challenge of mobilising domestic funds domestic resources. Firstly, it urges that about US$1,4 trillion left Africa in illicit the source, not when they have already bolted that industrialised countries have caused to finance its development needs. However, for investments in social and economic African leaders to take strong and effective financial flows between 1980 and 2009, out of the gate. more damage to the environment than experience has shown that foreign aid alone infrastructure such as health, education, measures to enlarge their tax base and raise which was roughly equal to Africa’s current Thirdly, he says all countries should be developing countries and therefore bear is not enough to move the needle. A recent transport and electricity. Right now, it relies savings by “reducing tax exemptions or tax gross domestic product. Experts estimate that involved in the automatic sharing of tax greater responsibilities in the fight against analysis by the Addis Ababa-based United on a narrow tax base to finance its budget, holidays for foreign investors”. Secondly, if Africa stops illicit financial outflows, it would information. climate change. Nations Economic Commission for Africa often from the few – mostly public employees it says governments must craft innovative not need money from donors. The loss, which Fourthly, he wants trade mispricing To this end, and to avoid repeating past (UNECA), one of the leading Pan-African – who hold formal jobs. Its capacity to collect averages US$50 billion per year, exceeds by curtailed. And finally, Mr Baker says the world mistakes, the commission recommends a institutions on the continent’s development, even such measly income taxes is weak far the money Africa receives in foreign aid should adopt country-by-country reporting so new approach to development finance. argues that despite its benefits over the years, and fraught with corruption and inefficiency. each year. that companies do not continue losing money This new form of partnership should stress foreign aid “is not only insufficient to meet Another barrier to raising internal resources is Worse still, the figure is probably much where they are in business and making the expanding global economic and political Africa’s development needs, but also it will low national savings – both private and public. higher because the number did not capture money where they are not in business. role being played by emerging and developing not be the route to Africa’s transformation”. money lost through drug trafficking and Experts agree that if fully implemented, countries, including Brazil, China, India and In its publication, Innovative Financing for smuggling. these measures could go a long way towards South Africa, while respecting Africa’s moves the Economic Transformation of Africa*, The Innovative Financing for the Economic curtailing illicit financial flows and generate to integrate its regional economic blocs. UNECA says Africa must cut its ties with the Transformation of Africa publication makes about US$50 billion per year in financing It calls for a new type of partnership in past and instead mobilise internal resources the case “that the curtailment of illicit financial SDGs. four critical areas: boosting intra-African for sustainable solutions to its development flows constitutes an important but unexplored trade; South-South cooperation; regional needs. source for mobilising domestic resources” for Rethinking partnerships and South-South initiatives to enhance This sounds easier said than done. But Africa to attain the SDGs. Identifying sources of funds for SDGs should resource mobilisation such as curtailing illicit fortunately, there are many ways to finance It reckons that the estimated loss from illicit be the responsibility of all stakeholders – financial flows, cutting remittance costs and Africa’s development needs as outlined outflows “may fall short of the true situation as governments, the private sector and civil harnessing official flows; and South-South in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s (AU) there are no accurate data for all transactions society – to come together through smart coalitions to reform multilateral trade and economic blueprint, and the 2030 Agenda and for all African countries”. partnerships to ensure no one is left behind. financial systems. UNECA asserts that illicit outflows have Africa’s experience with development If African countries and their partners thwarted Africa’s development agenda partners over the past decades has produced implement these policies, they would provide because they are hidden from African tax mixed results that now require a rethinking of the resources required to finance Africa’s authorities, undermine the continent’s income partnerships. development agenda without having to rely base and deny it additional tax revenues. There is now a recognition that since on foreign aid. These outflows also severely affect the SDGs are meant to benefit both rich and poor * This article is based on the publication, Innovative Financing for the Economic Transformation of Africa, by the United Nations Economic continent’s savings, denying local investors countries, it’s also in the interest of developed Commission for Africa and from an article published by Africa Renewal on access to financial resources for investments, countries to fulfil their commitments to provide Illicit Financial Flows from Africa.

34 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 35 Our oceans, our future: Partnering for the implementation of SDG 14

By Edna Molewa Minister of Environmental Affairs

South Africa has earmarked the ocean to promote economic growth and boost job creation in line with the National Development Plan.

36 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 37 DIPLOMACY OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE: PARTNERING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDG 14 OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE: PARTNERING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDG 14 DIPLOMACY

he Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 commits world South Africa has an ocean space that is greater than leaders to “conserve and its land territory, with a land size of 1,2 million km2 and sustainably use oceans, seas 2 and marine resources for an exclusive economic zone of 1,5 million km . The sustainable development”. There is high accelerated economic activity extended continental shelf claim will double the size of Tin and around oceans, growing populations this ocean geographic extent. moving towards the oceans, increasing consumption of marine resources, as well as of Environmental Affairs and focusses on sources of marine pollution will require the a growing need for new resources, energy unlocking the economic potential of South challenging but necessary collaboration with a and minerals. Africa’s oceans, which are estimated to have variety of sectors and user groups, including, South Africa has earmarked the ocean the potential to contribute up to R177 billion to among others, sewage-disposal entities, to promote economic growth and boost job gross domestic product by 2033 compared to the agricultural sector, water management creation in line with the National Development R54 billion in 2010, and increase the number authorities, urban developers, and extractive Plan. of jobs from 316 000 to just over one million. industries such as mining, port and harbour South Africa has an ocean space that is Operation Phakisa has brought together developments etc. greater than its land territory, with a land size all stakeholders (government, state-owned In South Africa, we have certainly learned of 1,2 million km2 and an exclusive economic companies, civil society, industry, labour that problems around coastal pollution and zone (EZZ) of 1,5 million km2. The extended and academia) to develop detailed delivery coastal water quality cannot be solved by continental shelf claim will double the size of plans in four focus areas. These are Marine one government sector alone, and requires this ocean geographic extent. Transport and Manufacturing; Offshore Oil a willingness and commitment to work across The implementation of SDG 14 is key in and Gas Exploration; Aquaculture and Marine sectors in an integrated manner. addressing these ever-increasing global Protection Services; and Ocean Governance. We have also optimised our efforts to environmental challenges of our times and In the short period of implementation, handle this important matter through our on coastal zone management, environmental recommits the international community to we have already seen some success. The regional partnerships such as the Western standards for the oil and gas industry and the The South African ocean region is globally recognised a strengthened global partnership, given programme has demonstrated that we have Indian Ocean (WIO) region’s efforts to protection of coastal mangrove ecosystems. as unique and a hotspot of biodiversity with over the necessary means of implementation, to to work together as different government address land-based sources and activities secure a sustainable future. departments and all relevant stakeholders to and preparations are currently being made by Managing, protecting, conserving and 10 000 marine species. The region is at a unique South Africa has an advantage by virtue of realise the aspirations of economic growth, the United Nations Environment Programme restoring marine and coastal ecosystems crossroads. The Atlantic, Southern and Indian oceans' its geographical positioning. It is bordered by yet balance the economic opportunities which to roll out the implementation of a project that We are negotiating interdepartmentally and the cold Benguela Current in the west. our ocean space affords while maintaining seeks to implement the WIO Strategic Action with our stakeholders for marine protected fishing grounds are among the healthiest worldwide, Along the east is the warm Agulhas Current. and securing its environmental integrity. Programme, with key focus on the protection areas (MPAs) that will bring our ocean and coastal tourism is among the biggest income Globally, the Agulhas Current provides a key Maintaining this integrity means applying of the WIO from land-based sources protection within the South African EZZ to at pathway of heat and salt from the Indian high environmental standards when and activities, adopted under the Nairobi least 5% of this area. earners for many countries. Ocean into the South Atlantic, which is then undertaking activities such as fishing and Convention. The key focus areas of the WIO- This is being done in a representative and transported equator ward. This distribution mineral exploration, but also identifying and Strategic Action Programme Project will be to: well-focussed manner, so that this network Increase scientific knowledge Ports and other coastal infrastructure are of heat and salt in the oceans due to the formally protecting key habitats to ensure • Improve coastal water quality so that it of MPAs covering 5% of our EEZ will provide South Africa will be participating in the Second growing in importance and the region thermohaline circulation, is what regulates ecosystem sustainability. meets international standards by 2035. some protection to over 90% of all habitat International Indian Ocean Expedition under is crossed by some of the world’s main our climate, both locally and globally. South Africa ceded to the call by Agenda • Ensure that rivers are sustainably managed, types. South Africa is also developing marine the Intergovernmental Oceanographic shipping lanes. Emerging prospects of oil Between the Agulhas and Benguela 2030 for mobilising regional and global and that the management of the coastal spatial planning legislation, which seeks Commission of the United Nations Educational, and gas development offer unprecedented current regions is the Agulhas bank, which partnerships in implementing the SDGs. zone and river basins are fully integrated. to integrate all sector activities, protecting Scientific and Cultural Organisation. We opportunities for growth. is a diverse marine area where these two We are party to and is actively involved in This focus area will include the building of sensitive areas and achieving certainty for developed a National Science Plan, which will However, the accompanying challenges currents meet and interact – indeed a unique the activities of these regional conventions technical capacity on, and the application investors. be implemented through the environmental are great with a high risk of environmental oceanographic position. This presents an (Nairobi, Abidjan and Benguela Current as of, environmental flow assessment as a South Africa has achieved this through cruises by our research vessels, the SA and socio-economic impacts. Nevertheless, excellent opportunity for marine scientific well as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic tool for wise river basin management. its bilateral agreement with the Government Agulhas II and the RV Algoa. the prospect for a vibrant sustainable blue research in the region. Sub-Commission for Africa and Adjacent of Norway and technical support from a This expedition was launched during the economy is on our doorstep and the framing These bases are serviced by our state- Island States) whose main purpose is to Within the Benguela Current Large Marine German-funded project to develop the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim of the SDGs provides both a vision and of-the-art polar research and supply vessel, advance the objectives of SDG 14. Ecosystem, shared by Angola, Namibia and Benguela Current Commission Regional Association, which South Africa hosted in focussed goals and targets for balancing SA Agulhas II. Research undertaken from At global level, South Africa is party to South Africa, and which covers South Africa’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). To inform October 2017. economic, social and environmental aims, to that vessel and from our two bases, enables a number of multilateral environmental west coast and part of our south coast, MSP from a conservation perspective, South Data analyses from these cruises will close bring benefits to the people of the region. us to better understand, among others, the instruments, such as the Convention efforts are underway to identify hotspots of Africa is in the process of revising descriptions the existing information gaps, particularly South Africa also has a Sub-Antarctic process and impacts of climate change, and on Biological Diversity (CBD), with their coastal pollution, under the Benguela Current for its ecologically or biologically significant in the Indian Ocean, and guide our policy island in the Southern Ocean, which is a thus to meet our obligation to protect and objectives in advancing the objective of the Convention. areas following the successful worldwide direction to improve our ocean health and unique marine environment – the only African conserve fauna and flora around the Prince SDG 14. Coupled with this, a regional monitoring interventions undertaken by the CBD in this better understand global climate. country with its presence in the Antarctic. Edward Islands, and provide infrastructural South Africa has put much effort in programme is being developed to monitor regard from 2010 to 2015. The South African ocean region is globally This presents opportunity for global support for South Africa’s Antarctica Treaty implementing the SDG14 under the lead of water-quality trends at the identified hotspots. recognised as unique and a hotspot of partnerships in areas covered by deep commitments. the Department of Environmental Affairs, Initiatives such as these will provide us with Minimising and addressing ocean biodiversity with over 10 000 marine species. ocean, Southern Ocean and Antarctic The Government of South Africa initiated namely: an indication of which land-based areas and acidification The region is at a unique crossroads. The science programmes. South Africa is also at Operation Phakisa, which aims to implement adjacent river basins need to be investigated South Africa initiated a research programme to Atlantic, Southern and Indian oceans' fishing a point where it is open to new partnerships, priority programmes better, faster and more Reducing marine pollution as sources of marine pollution. monitor, among other parameters, long-term grounds are among the healthiest worldwide, and as such calls for mobilising global effectively. The first implementation of Considering the target of reducing marine The Abidjan Convention is also currently changes in the levels and distribution of the pH and coastal tourism is among the biggest partnerships to advance the objectives of the Operation Phakisa is led by the Department pollution, we realised that tackling land-based finalising protocols providing regional direction mainly along the west coast of South Africa. income earners for many countries. SDG 14.

38 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 39 DIPLOMACY THE G20: A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA THE G20: A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA DIPLOMACY

he G20 was founded in 1999 in at Purchasing Power Parity rates. Several issues which is an integral part of the G20 G20 and South Africa response to the Asian financial participants that are not permanent members agenda. South Africa’s participation in the G20 is crisis of the late 1990s and of the G20 are invited to participate in the South Africa is mindful of this criticism and is guided by the key pillars of its foreign policy, the subsequent impact of that The G20: A annual summits as well as preparatory of the firm view that its membership of the G20 namely: crisis on the global financial meetings; included among these are the is an important platform to further reinforce • advancing national interests to attain architecture. The primary New Partnership for Africa’s Development the centrality of the UN and multilateralism domestic objectives purpose of the G20 was to bring together (NEPAD) and the African Union (AU). through its activate participation in the G20. • enhancing the AU’s African Agenda Tfinance ministers and central bank governors strategic platform Several key international organisations are of advanced and developing economies of also permanent invitees to the G20. These the world to discuss policy issues pertaining include the United Nations (UN), IMF, World to the promotion of international financial for South Africa Bank, International Labour Organisation, stability as well as articulate ways and means World Trade Organisation, Financial Stability of strengthening the global economy and the Board and the Organisation for Economic improved governance of that economy. Cooperation and Development. Since the first G20 meeting convened and Africa The initial G20 Agenda conceived by by the finance ministers of Germany and policymakers focussed on the sustainability Canada in Berlin in December 1999, finance of sovereign debt and global financial stability By Professor Anil Sooklal ministers and central bank governors have in an inclusive manner. However, given the Deputy Director-General: Asia and the Middle East, met annually. However, following the global interlinkages between geopolitics and geo- Department of International Relations and Cooperation financial crisis of 2007, the G20 leaders met economics, the agenda of the G20 continues in Washington DC in November 2008 in a to evolve. Following the adoption of the UN summit format for the first time, not only as Sustainable Development Goals and the a response to the financial crisis but also The G20 economies account for almost two thirds Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, more acknowledging a growing recognition that of the world’s population and approximately half of issues of global significance continue to be key emerging market economies were not added to the G20 Agenda. adequately included in the core of the global the world’s land area and these countries account for In this regard, the discourse now includes economic governance discussions. approximately 85% of global gross domestic product climate change, migration, digitalisation, Following the third summit, held in global health, anti-corruption, employment, September 2009 in Pittsburg, the G20 was and 80% of world trade. energy, food security, terrorism, economic elevated to a premier forum for international empowerment of women and youth and economic cooperation, which brought together Union (EU). Currently, the G20 countries are account for almost two thirds of the world’s development cooperation. all countries that were strategically critical Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, population and approximately half of the Furthermore, with each new presidency from all regions of the world to build a stronger France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, world’s land area and these countries account of the G20, new issues are introduced to global economy, reform the international Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South for approximately 85% of global gross domestic the agenda each year, prompting several financial system and effectively address Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom product (GDP) and 80% of world trade. countries to raise concerns around the issue issues of poverty and underdevelopment. and the United States of America. The EU is According to the International Monetary of “agenda creep”, indicating that the G20 The G20 membership comprises 19 represented by the European Commission Fund (IMF), all 19 countries are among the is diverting attention from the international industrialised countries plus the European and the EU Presidency. The G20 economies top 30 economies as measured by GDP mandate entrusted with leading on key global

40 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 41 DIPLOMACY THE G20: A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA THE G20: A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICA DIPLOMACY

and promoting Africa’s sustainable and balanced growth, financial regulation, and youth. The partnership includes initiatives development the international financial architecture, tax such as rural youth employment, e-skills for • working with the South in reform, anti-terrorist financing, promotion of girls, Africa renewable energy, infrastructure addressing shared challenges of investment in infrastructure, green finance and investment compacts. South Africa was underdevelopment, equity and social and climate finance. instrumental in ensuring that the “Partnership justice with Africa” was aligned to the AU’s Agenda • working with the North to develop true G20 and Africa 2063, its First 10-Year Implementation Plan and effective partnerships for a better To enhance the African Agenda and promote and the various flagship programmes of the and more equitable world Africa’s sustainable development, South AU and NEPAD. • transforming and strengthening the Africa effectively utilises its position as the In addition to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral system to better reflect sole African country in the G20 to promote South Africa plays an important role within global diversity and its centrality in and improve coordination with Africa the Development Working Group (DWG) in global governance. observers in G20 meetings such as the AU ensuring that development is at the centre of and NEPAD to strengthen the voice of Africa G20 initiatives. South Africa has been Co-Chair In advancing national interests to attain within the G20. of the DWG since 2010 and has effectively used domestic objectives, South Africa’s The G20 Presidency under China in 2016 the DWG to advance issues that are key to engagement in all G20 fora, such as included a specific focus on Africa under the fast-tracking the development of Africa and the ministerial meetings and working groups, theme: “G20 Support for Industrialisation South. is underpinned by its national priorities, in Africa and LDCs”. This provided an South Africa’s membership of the G20 including reducing inequality, eradicating important opportunity to firmly place Africa’s provides it with a strategic platform to poverty and addressing unemployment driven development trajectory on the G20 Agenda, champion not only its national interest but by the national imperative of radical socio- thereby ensuring G20 support in advancing also more broadly the African Agenda as economic transformation. Engagement is Africa’s industrial development agenda. well as the Agenda of the South as the therefore grounded by the key targets of the Having firmly placed Africa’s development on G20 continues to evolve and exert greater National Development Plan, also giving due the G20 Agenda, South Africa in 2016 lobbied influence on the global geopolitical and consideration to the Nine-Point Plan. the incoming German Presidency to continue geo-economic agendas. South Africa must South Africa’s participation in the G20 the G20 focus on Africa as introduced by continue to ensure that the Agenda of the G20 is focussed on the two established work China during its Presidency. is focussed on people-centred development tracks, namely the Sherpa track and the As one of the priority areas during its G20 in order to create a more just and equitable Finance track. The Sherpa track, led by Presidency, Germany launched the G20 global community. The G20 Hamburg Summit the Department of International Relations Africa Partnership initiative in recognition of was witness to mass protests from various and Cooperation, focusses on promoting the opportunities and challenges in Africa as civil-society formations. It is important for the sustainable development and includes issues well as assisting Africa in the implementation G20 not to seen as an “exclusive club” but related to trade, energy, agriculture and food of the 2030 Agenda. The partnership seeks rather as an inclusive G20 focussed on critical security, employment, health, anti-corruption, to foster sustainable and inclusive economic global economic, financial, socio-political counter-terrorism and climate change. growth and development in response to the and developmental challenges to positively The Finance track, led by National Treasury needs and aspirations of African countries, impact on the lives of the most marginalised and the Governor of the Reserve Bank, including contributing to the creation of and disadvantaged. For South Africa, this is includes the promotion of strong sustainable decent employment, particularly for women fundamental to its G20 membership.

42 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 43 DIPLOMACY 50 YEARS OF PEACE, PROGRESS AND SOLIDARITY 50 YEARS OF PEACE, PROGRESS AND SOLIDARITY DIPLOMACY

n 8 August, 50 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) byO the founding fathers of ASEAN, namely: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. ASEAN’s achievements during the last 50 years include the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025, which was the result of ASEAN’s collective resolve to further integrate ASEAN’s three community pillars, namely: the ASEAN Political Security Community, AEC and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The Grand Celebrations of the 50th anniversary were held in Manila recently, highlighting the association’s successes and achievements under the theme: “50 Years of Peace, Progress and Solidarity”. South Africa and the Southeast Asian region enjoy cordial relations that date 50 years of back to the 1955 Bandung Conference, and ultimately, to the formation of the Non- in the effort to achieve regional economic ASEAN has emerged as the pivot of Pan- outward investment in physical and financial Aligned Movement in 1961. The historical peace, progress integration, driven by the common objectives Asian economic regionalism, especially infrastructure. South Africa has a proven importance of the Bandung Conference on to intensify solidarity, peace and friendship through its mechanisms for engaging its record in infrastructure development and Asian-African relations was emphasised by among themselves and to act jointly to provide regional neighbourhood. It remains at the stable financial services sectors. There is Deputy President when he a better life for their peoples”. centre of the drive for Asian cooperation also significant scope for expanding our addressed the Asia-Africa Business Summit and solidarity In April 2005, Asian and African countries and regional integration, which corresponds cooperation to collectively build the Blue in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 21 April 2015, during renewed their long-standing solidarity at to Africa’s vision of strengthening regional Economy to the advantage of our citizens the 60 years celebrations, and said: By Professor Anil Sooklal the 2005 Asian African Summit in Jakarta, integration and increased connectivity in the decades to come. The Africa-ASEAN “Sixty years ago, some of the most Deputy Director-General: Asia and the Middle East Indonesia. The summit yielded, among through our own Agenda 2063. Business Expo that took place in South outstanding leaders of our two continents, Department of International Relations and Cooperation others, the Declaration on the New Asia Accordingly, it would be important that Africa during November 2017 was a further Africa and Asia, congregated in Bandung, African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) ASEAN and SADC initiate a process of important building bloc in strengthening our driven by a desire to build a free, just and As a result of the strong bonds of friendship and the Joint Ministerial Statement on systematic exchanges as we share a relations. peaceful world. Many of those leaders the NAASP of Action. This was a further common vision on a range of global issues ASEAN, with its more than 600 million came from countries that had just attained established all those years ago, South Africa manifestation of intra-regional bridge- and domestic challenges. Democracy, people, offers huge tourism potential to South independence. The conference resolved is represented diplomatically in all the 10 building forming a new strategic partnership human rights, sustainable development and Africa and the historic links between us and to ‘condemn colonialism in all of its commitment between Asia and Africa, challenging the prevailing global system the countries of Southeast Asia provide a manifestations’ and promote Afro-Asian Southeast Asian countries with embassies or high standing on three pillars, namely: political and power structures, as well as the global mix of socio-cultural dynamics that should be economic and cultural ties. The Bandung solidarity, economic cooperation and socio- financial architecture, are pivotal in the foreign explored. It is my expressed hope that our two . Conference helped to shape the post- commissions in six of the 10 countries cultural relations, within which governments, and domestic policies of our countries. regions will move closer in the years to come colonial world. It has a rich and enduring regional/subregional organisations, as well A specific area where cooperation between as I firmly believe that our future cooperation legacy, binding our two continents together in Asian solidarity and said: “The Afro-Asian Southeast Asian countries with embassies or as peoples of Asian and African nations South Africa and the member countries of and collaboration is an integral part of our solidarity and cooperation.” solidarity movement has traversed a long high commissions in six of the 10 countries. interact. ASEAN has been especially beneficial is collective development. It is fitting that in the year when we celebrate and complicated but glorious path since the Another milestone in our relations was The 30th ASEAN Summit was hosted in skills development and training in areas I wish to conclude with the words of the centenary of the birth of Oliver Reginald days, 25 years ago, when a delegation of when former President Thabo Mbeki, in his by the Philippines in April 2017 under the identified in South Africa’s Nine-Point Plan former President Nelson Mandela during his Tambo, one of the most outstanding leaders the African National Congress travelled from capacity as President of South Africa and as theme: “Partnering for Change, Engaging and the five government priorities with a view visit to Manila, Philippines, in 1997, when of the liberation struggle, who mobilised Johannesburg to Bandung in Indonesia to Chairperson of the African Union, became the World”. Taking this theme forward, I to boost economic growth and create jobs. he addressed closer cooperation between international solidarity against apartheid join hands with representatives of the peoples the first foreign leader to address the ASEAN wish to reiterate the previous proposal that If South Africa were to succeed in executing ASEAN and SADC, and stated: and contributed to shaping the vision of a of the rest of Africa and Asia to bring into Summit. On 5 November 2002, he addressed South Africa and ASEAN should look at its plan of growing an inclusive economy, “The will is there. The geographic and post-apartheid democratic South Africa, we being what has proved itself as a steadfast the Eighth ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, strengthening Africa-ASEAN relations. The some of the models used by some of the political conditions make this opportune. The remember his statement, titled: “The Spirit friend of all peoples fighting for national and Cambodia, further endorsing the close Southern African Development Community Southeast Asian countries should be studied social and economic challenges dictate it.” of Bandung” at the international conference social emancipation, the Afro-Asian People’s cooperation between our continents. Former (SADC) would be the most appropriate to assist this initiative. Let us collectively start to realise this vision in support of the liberation movements of Solidarity Organisation.” President Mbeki committed to ensure partner for ASEAN, and with South Africa Both South Africa and ASEAN are and formulate practical mechanisms towards southern Africa and in support of the frontline As a result of the strong bonds of friendship cooperation between Africa and ASEAN when being the SADC Chair, we should develop developing economies, and are both in future cooperation, in our common endeavour states on 10 April 1977 in Lusaka, Zambia, established all those years ago, South Africa he stated: “Our continent deeply admires the contact established in 1997 between the dire need of foreign direct investment. In to achieve collective peace and prosperity for when he on that occasion refered to African- is represented diplomatically in all the 10 the progress made by the ASEAN countries two regional formations. the case of ASEAN, there is potential for the people of our continents.

44 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 45 DIPLOMACY SA SHINES IN ASTANA SA SHINES IN ASTANA DIPLOMACY

and innovation, and will certainly put Africa an environment for investment into the on the world map in science, technology continent and we once again invite the Central and innovation. It is going to be the world’s Asia region to play its role in this regard. Our biggest telescope and an asset for all in better peace and stability efforts go hand in hand understanding space science. with global peace and stability. “It is good to bear all these things in mind "With Kazakhstan assuming a non- today, 18 July, as it is a day with special permanent seat at the UN Security Council significance to all South Africans, and to (SC) from January 2017 to 2018, we are an ever-growing number of citizens of the confident that our mutual efforts to reform world. On this day, we celebrate the life of the UN, particularly the SC, will be greatly South Africa’s greatest icon, former President supported in line with our continental position Nelson Mandela. For 67 years, Nelson declared in the Ezulwini Consensus. South Mandela devoted his life to the service of his Africa has already expressed its appreciation people and indeed, to the service of humanity to Kazakhstan for its principled position on as a whole. In November 2009, the United "This binds our solidarity the calls for the reform of the UNSC. Nations (UN) General Assembly therefore “Going forward, we only have to look at some declared 18 July as International Nelson as African countries and of Kazakhstan’s most recent achievements to Mandela Day, in recognition of Mr Mandela’s we invite Kazakhstan realise the value of continuing to nurture and contribution to the international culture of develop the affiliation. peace and freedom. We urge all on this day, and Central Asia “Notwithstanding the great strides that to heed the call to action, and for people to have been made over the past 25 years, recognise their individual power to make an partners to assist us I am convinced that the future South Africa- imprint and change the world around them. in implementing this Kazakhstan relationship will be even more “It is therefore, befitting that the South dynamic with, particularly the economic African Government under His Excellency, vision.” component of our relationship, showing great President Jacob Zuma dedicated 2017 to potential for further expansion.” commemorate the centenary of another South history, as we stood at the doorstep of “Our region, the African continent, is well n 10 June 2017, African icon and stalwart, Oliver Reginald transition that was realised with the holding of represented here and it pleases me to warmly South Africa became Tambo, one of the most outstanding leaders the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994, acknowledge the participation of sister African one of 115 countries of the liberation struggle, who mobilised which finally ended an inhumane system of countries and the African Diaspora in this very and 22 international SA shines in international solidarity against apartheid and racial segregation, called apartheid. important event. organisations to contributed to shaping the vision of a post- “South Africa and Kazakhstan share many Deputy Minister Mfeketo concluded by participate in Expo apartheid democratic South Africa. commonalities, including our histories, and thanking the Kazakh Government for the 2017, which was hosted in Astana until Astana “Kazakhstan was one of the countries that this has served to shape our relationship opportunity to enjoy some of the offerings 10O September 2017. showed great solidarity with the anti-apartheid into the strategic partnership that it is today. the two cultures had to offer and, in doing Held under the theme, “Future Energy”, The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) exhibition, which struggle, and I am therefore honoured to We know that this strategic partnership with so, to celebrate 25 years of friendship and the Expo 2017 global gathering showcased participate in this event where we are further Kazakhstan extends beyond the South cooperation while looking forward to excellent developments from around the world in the showcased the largest science project in the world, celebrating the significant milestone of African borders to include the rest of the relations in the next 25 years. field of green, renewable and sustainable illustrated how renewable energy technologies 25 years of diplomatic relations between our African continent. The programme included performances energy. two countries. “The regional body, the African Union, has of the Soweto String Quartet and drummers During the world-class event, Kazakhstan would support this project in the future. “In 1992, the Republic of South Africa adopted Agenda 2063 as our continental from South Africa, Danny and Daniel Petersen hosted delegations from over 100 countries and the Republic of Kazakhstan established vision and roadmap. (father and son), holders of the Outstanding and highlighted cutting-edge green energy The Deputy Minister of International between South Africa and Kazakhstan, which diplomatic relations. This achievement took “Our continental efforts on peace and Achievement Award from former United and sustainability technologies that could Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindiya are expected to take place during the course place at a critical moment in South Africa’s stability have improved greatly. This provides States President, Barack Obama. provide solutions to energy issues around the Mfeketo, undertook an Official Visit to Astana, of 2018 in Pretoria. world. It drew between three to five million Kazakhstan, from 17 to 20 July 2017. Addressing the South African National visitors, which made it the largest international As 18 July was International Nelson Day at Expo 2017, Deputy Minister Mfeketo gathering of its kind in both Kazakhstan and Mandela Day, South Africa’s exhibition congratulated the Government and people Central Asia. highlighted the life and legacy of former of Kazakhstan for an outstanding Expo 2017 South Africa’s exhibition focussed on President Nelson Mandela as well as the 67 that was not only colourful and exciting, but achievements with regard to the SKA. The years he devoted to the people of South Africa spoke directly to one of the major challenges SKA exhibition, which showcased the largest and the oppressed people around the world. that the world faced, namely energy. science project in the world, illustrated South Africa and Kazakhstan enjoy cordial “Kazakhstan has taken significant strides in how renewable energy technologies would relations. The two countries share similar promoting alternative energy sources and, in so support this project in the future. South views on a number of issues in various doing, is setting an example for the rest of the Africa’s exhibition also had a component multilateral fora. world. South Africa considers it an honour to be focussing on hydrogen energy, The visit by Deputy Minister Mfeketo not partnering with Kazakhstan and to participate which included the dissemination of only placed emphasis on South Africa’s in this historic event. South Africa has also information on the work done by Hydrogen achievements in the fields of science and embarked on the SKA programme, which is South Africa in relation to infrastructure, renewable energy, but was also utilised to a radio telescope to collect useful data that systems, catalysis as well as public further expand relations in the run-up to will work as a catalyst for science, technology awareness. the Sixth Round of Bilateral Consultations and engineering business opportunities, jobs

46 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 47 DIPLOMACY 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1987 DAKAR CONFERENCE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1987 DAKAR CONFERENCE DIPLOMACY 30th anniversary of 1987 Dakar Conference

his year, we commemorate Tambo went on to say that to get out of the Eloff. At the time, he was the Chairperson So many of our current challenges would be the 30th anniversary of the Oliver Tambo understood that the Dakar talks PFP and join such extra-parliamentary forces of the Student’s Representative Council at better addressed if we were to recognise the historic Dakar Conference. were an outstanding moment which broke with of change was a “very correct move”, and he Potchefstroom University and a Reformed importance of engaging more constructively The conference, organised by called on the rest of the members of the PFP Church minister. with each other, thereby increasing the Institute for Democratic the past in the history of the struggle against to leave Parliament to work for real change. However, after Dakar, his own church understanding and striving to bridge the gaps Alternatives for South Africa Such talks about talks would not have been and some of his congregants, as well in differences of opinion. . (IDASA), took place in Dakar, , from apartheid possible were it not for the unloosening of the as former President PW Botha, singled Numerous lessons can be taken from the T9 to 12 July, 1987. The participants comprised process of contact with the ANC initiated by Dr Eloff out as a target. Former President Botha 1987 Dakar Meeting that can inspire our youth 61 South Africans, of whom the majority were By Nomaindiya Mfeketo key individuals and organisations. even attacked him by name in Parliament. who are facing multiple challenges today. -speaking persons who had come Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation There can be no better testimony for the When the real talks between the National The Department of International Relations from South Africa, and a 17-person delegation value of constructive political dialogue than Party and the ANC started in 1991, Dr Eloff, and Cooperation will steadfastly continue its from the African National Congress (ANC). about our solidarity with oppressed masses. What stands out about this historic moment is that which the example of the Dakar Talks of however, became the head of administration efforts to institutionalise dialogue support The Dakar Conference is firmly engraved in Indeed, before this significant moment in that these Afrikaner intellectuals, professionals, 1987 provides us with. and an active facilitator at the multiparty talks through our research, training and mediation the annals of our history. It represents a day history, it was none other than Oliver Tambo, religious leaders, students and other civil- Unfortunately, on their return back to that resulted in a new Constitution for South support efforts. Success in all the elements when citizens who were concerned with the who had been driving the message that society figureheads were themselves South Africa, the IDASA delegation was at Africa. of the peace-building process is ultimately future direction of apartheid South Africa took dialogue and peaceful engagement, not war, beneficiaries of the apartheid system. The time the time, however, crudely charged with As South Africa celebrates 23 years of linked to the ability and capability of political the initiative to recognise the centrality of the with the adversaries was the most sustainable had come for them to recognise the ANC as a being unpatriotic and disloyal to the country, freedom this year, we should re-acknowledge rivals to engage in constructive political then banned and exiled ANC in determining a means to achieve franchise for the oppressed. legitimate voice of the people, which stood for and demonstrators demanded that they be the important role of constructive political dialogue. post-apartheid South Africa. This message had always been the clarion dialogue as a means of achieving democracy, charged with high treason. dialogue in our societies. And such efforts remain invaluable, globally. Significantly, the 30th anniversary call of his forebears who understood that peace, justice and reconciliation for all South And yet, the only crime that these This is of course especially true in societies The following statement was made by celebrations of the Dakar Conference take parties in conflict must, at some point, come to Africans. Oliver Tambo understood that the compatriots had committed was that they had that are today still busy transitioning towards Isithwalandwe Chief Albert Luthuli upon place during the Year of Oliver Tambo, our the table and resolve their problems through Dakar talks were an outstanding moment which engaged fellow South Africans, who happened democracy, where such critical political receiving his Nobel Peace Prize: “May the struggle stalwart and the longest-serving dialogue and not through armed conflict. broke with the past in the history of the struggle to be in exile, in an extensive debate about dialogue remains a crucial feature. day come soon when peoples of the world will president of the ANC who would have been Indeed, it was as an acknowledgement against apartheid. That is why he described how to bring about democracy in our country. However, constructive dialogue and its rouse themselves and effectively stamp out 100 years old this year. Oliver Tambo’s legacy of this commitment to peaceful transition Professor Van Zyl Slabbert, the leader of the Indicative of the kind of intimidation and practical outcomes are also imperative for any threat to peace, in whatever quarter of the is celebrated as he was South Africa’s chief through dialogue that Chief Albert Luthuli was Afrikaner delegation who was also a former condemnation that the IDASA delegates the long-term maintenance and deepening of world it may be found. diplomat in exile. OR Tambo laid the foundation honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo leader of the Progressive Federal Party (PFP), had to face and endure when they returned, democracy and the nurturing and broadening "When that day comes, there shall be peace for our foreign policy and was passionate on 10 December 1961. as a “New Voortrekker”. were the recriminations faced by Dr Theuns of constitutionalism. on earth and goodwill between men”.

48 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 49 DIPLOMACY 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1987 DAKAR CONFERENCE

i As part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Dakar 1987 talks and celebration activities around the twinning of Robben and Goree islands, Brand South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, the National Arts Council, South African Embassy in Senegal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Senegalese Ministry of Arts and Culture, hosted a series of activities from 10 to 14 July 2017. In the context of South Africa’s liberation, political dialogue played a significant role in the nation’s transition to democracy. In this regard, the 1987 meeting in Dakar between the African National Congress and an Institute for Democratic Alternatives for South Africa delegation, stands out as a significant moment in the history of South Africa’s journey towards democracy. Brand South Africa’s CEO, Dr Kingsley Makhubela said: “The Dakar Conference would not have been possible were it not for the assistance of countries like Senegal and then President Abdou Diouf, who paved the way for delegates to meet during a period when liberation movements were still banned internally, and the apartheid regime still presided over a pariah state sanctioned and internationally isolated.” “Likewise, the assistance that came from governments and individuals who contributed material resources to make the conference possible further attests to the fact that the liberation movement was not alone in its struggle against apartheid South Africa.” Contemporary developments in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent indicate that political dialogue is not a once- off. It remains a crucial feature of societies transitioning towards democracy and transforming an unequal socio-economic In the context of South Africa’s liberation, political TOGETHER WE HAVE EDUCATED environment. dialogue played a significant role in the nation’s In global terms, and particularly on the MORE THAN 500 000 CHILDREN African continent, the success of conflict transition to democracy. management and mediation, conflict prevention and resolution as well as significant moment not only to reflect on a platform for them to share their views on As an Old Mutual customer you are part of our great story. Together, we are changing South Africa for the better. intervention, are all linked to the ability and the past, but to celebrate what Senegal and the power of dialogue." We invest our customers’ funds into educational projects that deliver great returns, while making a positive impact capability of political rivals to engage in South Africa have in common. The colloquium covered three sessions, constructive political dialogue. Dr Makhubela added: “The colloquium where delegates from the South African and in the education system ensuring we have more doctors, engineers, teachers and entrepreneurs. As part of the week-long activities, brought together experts on conflict mediation Senegalese governments and other role Brand South Africa in partnership with and resolution from government, civil society players shared their experiences and insights Join us today and invest in a greater future for us all. www.oldmutual.co.za the Dakar-based CODESRIA hosted a and academia to discuss the role of political with attendees. colloquium on Thursday, 13 July 2017, under dialogue in conflict prevention, mediation This provided the background for further the theme, “The Power of Dialogue – Past, and resolution on the African continent and reflections in the second panel discussion Present and Future”. beyond. between Dakarites from Senegal and South During the week, the two countries also "The session also focussed on drawing the Africa, with the final session focussing on INVESTMENTS I SAVINGS I PROTECTION signed a Twinning Agreement between youth into the dialogue – the goal being not political dialogue in Africa today.

Robben and Goree islands. This was a only to impart knowledge but also to provide www.brandsouthafrica.com

Old Mutual is a Licensed Financial Services Provider FCB10022324JB/E

50 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14

10022324 OM Responsible Bus Print (education) 210x297.indd 1 2017/02/09 3:00 PM DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF AFRICAN NETWORK OF TELESCOPES SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF AFRICAN NETWORK OF TELESCOPES DIPLOMACY

Development Plan,” says Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Ghana Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and South Africa and Ghana Innovation (MESTI). As an SKA Africa partner country, Ghana welcomed and collaborated with the celebrate success SKA South Africa (SKA SA)/ HartRAO (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory) group to harness the radio astronomy of African network of potential of the redundant satellite communications antenna at Kutunse. A team of scientists and engineers telescopes from SKA SA/HartRAO and the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), which is under MESTI, has been working project, including Ghana is the first since 2011 on the astronomy instrument the operation of the partner country of the upgrade to make it radio-astronomy ready. telescope. In 2012, Ghana launched the GSSTI as the Several PhD students African VLBI Network vehicle through which to grow its astrophysics and one MSc student (AVN) to complete programme. from Ghana have The South African Department of received SKA SA the conversion of International Relations and Cooperation has bursaries to pursue been funding a large part of the conversion further education in various a communications project through the and fields of astronomy and antenna into a International Cooperation Fund (ARF). engineering while the Royal The South African Minister of International Society has awarded funding functioning radio Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana- in collaboration with Leeds telescope. Mashabane, says: “The ARF is aimed at University to train two PhDs and The South African strengthening cooperation between South 60 young aspiring scientists in the Africa and other African countries and to field of astrophysics. Department of he science and technology support the development of skills and build Based on the success of the Leverhulme- International Relations ministries of Ghana and institutional capacity on the continent.” Royal Society Programme, a joint UK- South Africa recently Nine African partner countries are members South Africa Newton Fund intervention (the and Cooperation has announced the combination of the SKA AVN, including Botswana, Ghana, Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy) of “first light” science Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, has since been initiated in other partner been funding a large observations, which confirm Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. countries to grow high-technology skills that part of the conversion the successful conversion of the Ghana “A vital part of the efforts towards building could lead to broader economic development Tcommunications antenna from a redundant the SKA on the African continent over the next in Africa. project through the telecoms instrument into a functioning Very decade is to develop the skills, regulations and This Newton Fund Programme is providing African Renaissance Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio institutional capacity needed in SKA partner a pool of talented young people who have telescope. countries to optimise African participation in been inspired by astronomy ultimately play and International Ghana is the first partner country of the SKA,” says the South African Minister of a leading role in the emergence of new . the AVN to complete the conversion of a Science and Technology, . economies. Cooperation Fund communications antenna into a functioning The AVN programme is aimed at A ministerial forum comprising ministers radio telescope. The 32-metre converted transferring skills and knowledge in African from the nine SKA AVN partner countries Kempinski Hotel in Accra ahead of the launch telecommunications antenna at the Ghana partner countries to build, maintain, operate convenes on an annual basis to provide of the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory. Intelsat Satellite Earth Station at Kutunse will and use radio telescopes. strategic and political leadership on the The Minister said as part of the work of be integrated into the African VLBI AVN in Minister Pandor continued by saying: “It cooperation with the SKA and AVN projects, the AVN, South Africa, along with the eight preparation for the second phase construction will bring new science opportunities to Africa and on other relevant radio astronomy member countries that were part of the SKA of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) across on a relatively short time scale and develop programmes and initiatives. Project, would add to the science that could the African continent. radio astronomy science communities in SKA An SKA AVN Ministerial Forum was held in be conducted by a global network of radio Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, confirm that the instrument can operate as a analysing the data generated with the aim partner countries.” Accra, Ghana, in August when the Kutunse telescopes. launched the Ghana Radio Astronomy single dish radio telescope and also as part to characterise the system and improve its The Leverhulme-Royal Society Trust and radio telescope was officially launched. “As you know, the 26-metre dish at one Observatory in Kuntunse in Ghana on of global VLBI network observations, such as accuracy for future experiments. Newton Fund in the United Kingdom (UK) Minister Pandor said the launch of a of our National Research Foundation's key 25 August 2017. the European VLBI network. Following the “The Ghanaian Government warmly are co-funding extensive human capital 32-metre radio telescope in Ghana would national facilities, the Hartebeesthoek Radio The combination “first light” science initial “first light” observations, the research embraces the prospect of radio astronomy development programmes in the SKA AVN help improve collaboration between African Astronomy Observatory … is part of this observations included Methanol Maser teams from Ghana and South Africa together in the country and our radio astronomy partner countries. A seven-member Ghanaian and European astronomers. network. detections, VLBI fringe testing and Pulsar with other international research partners, development plan forms part of the broader team has undergone training in South Africa The Minister said this when she chaired “The science being done by this global AVN observations. Reaching these three objectives continue to do more observations and are Ghana Science, Technology and Innovation and has been trained in all aspects of the the SKA African Ministerial Forum at the is frontier astronomy,” she said.

52 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 53 The Russian satellite ranging system, Sazhen-TM+OWS, at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). HartRAO is located west of Johannesburg and operates as a national research facility under the auspices of the National Research Foundation. Sazhen-TM+OWS has become the second laser and radio ranging system of the foreign segment of the Roscosmos network of stations developed in support of GLONASS (the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System). The first Sazhen-TM+OWS system was commissioned on 14 July 2014 in the city of Brasilia, Brazil. This system is designed to perform precision orbital measurements of spacecraft – those equipped with laser retro-reflectors. The system can range to satellites with an orbital altitude of up to 25 000 km, do continuous tracking of navigation signals of the GLONASS and GPS satellites, perform measurement of the current navigation parameters and receive navigation messages transmitted from the satellites.

54 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 55 DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA‘S INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD SOUTH AFRICA‘S INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD DIPLOMACY

Since the democratic breakthrough of 1994, nationalism, populism and anti-immigration the Founder and Executive Chairperson we have been true to this vision by promoting sentiment. It is heartening though to note of the World Economic Forum, “will peace, friendship and cooperation among that there has been a reversal of this trend fundamentally alter the way we live, work and nations, and taking an active part in the following its emphatic repudiation by the relate to one another. In its scale, scope and resolution of conflicts on our continent and recent electorate in The Netherlands and complexity, the transformation will be unlike beyond. France. anything humankind has experienced before. As we celebrate the centenary of The global economy has now entered We do not yet know just how it will unfold, OR Tambo, we draw inspiration from his its sixth year of stagnation, and the growth but one thing is clear: the response to it must exemplary leadership and vision, which outlook for 2017 shows a continuation of this be integrated and comprehensive, involving accorded him international status of a trend. A projected stabilisation (and even all stakeholders of the global polity, from the statesman and an astute and consummate strengthening) in energy and commodity public and private sectors to academia and diplomat. prices may provide a small tailwind for civil society”. This year, we also mark the 60th anniversary resource-rich economies in 2017, but Whereas the First Industrial Revolution of the independence of Ghana, the diamond the medium-term trend continues to be used water and steam power to mechanise jubilee. Ghana was the first African country dominated by weaker growth in key inputs, production, the second used electric power south of the Sahara to gain independence notably investment and labour supply. to create mass production. The third used from colonial rule. As we forge ahead with Global growth for 2017 is projected at 2,7%, electronics and information technology the project of our continent’s integration, 0,1 percentage point lower than the June to automate production. Now, the Fourth it is fitting that we pay tribute to Ghana’s 2016 forecast, and 0,4 percentage points Industrial Revolution is building on the third; founding President, Nkwame Nkrumah, for higher than the estimate for 2016. Going the digital revolution that has been occurring championing the decolonisation project and forward, global growth is projected to pick up since the middle of the last century. It is inspiring us with the vision of African unity. As modestly, reaching 2,9% by 2018. characterised by a fusion of technologies that a pioneer republic, Ghana was the epicentre The consolidation of the Brazil, Russia, is blurring the lines between the physical, of the wave of decolonisation that swept India, China and South Africa (BRICS) digital and biological spheres. through the continent, leading to the freeing of group and the continued shift of the centre There are three reasons why today’s Africa from the bonds of slavery, colonialism of global economic gravity from the West, transformations represent not merely a and neo-colonialism. South Africa is firmly to the East and the South has introduced a prolongation of the Third Industrial Revolution commited to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, new, welcome dynamic in the structure of the but rather the arrival of a fourth and distinct namely unity, peace and development of the global economy. Representing over 40% of one: velocity, scope and systems impact. African continent and its Diaspora. the world’s population and 30% of the world’s The speed of current breakthroughs has no In 2017, we also commemorate 50 years gross domestic product (GDP), BRICS historical precedent. When compared with South Africa‘s international of the occupation of the Palestinian lands, growth rates have helped counterbalance the previous industrial revolutions, the fourth Gaza and the West Bank. The struggles of effects of low advanced-country growth on is evolving at an exponential rather than a the Palestinian people against oppression, overall global growth. linear pace. Moreover, it is disrupting almost discrimination and for self-determination and China’s growth rate is expected to be every industry in every country. And the engagements in a rapidly statehood has been synonymous with those around 6,5% in 2017, and inflation will breadth and depth of these changes herald of our own against apartheid, hence the remain low at around 3%. China has the transformation of entire systems of solidarity the Palestinian people continue to adopted measures to rebalance its economy production, management and governance. enjoy from our people and government. We away from an over-reliance on investment While this development poses real risks changing world reaffirm our support for a free, independent spending and exports in favour of greater and threats to the status quo, it creates By Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, co- consumption spending, and its transition enormous, unimaginable potential for Deputy Director-General: Global Governance and Continental Affairs existing with the State of Israel, within the from a manufacturing economy to one with technology to be used not only to provide Department of International Relations and Cooperation framework of the two-State solution. a significant services sector. Indeed, the business solutions, but to address a myriad anticipated benefits from this transition have of contemporary development challenges, he South African Government Current global context allowed China to remain a top destination including but not limited to access to clean/ has correctly dedicated the South Africa is firmly commited to the ideals of Pan- The world we live in is characterised by an for future foreign direct investment. China renewable energy, education and healthcare. year 2017 to the memory of Africanism, namely unity, peace and development interplay between power, influence, vested therefore also provides potential for value- As a country, we need to catch this wave Oliver Reginald Tambo, the interests and the expression of strategic added exports. by investing in research, development and 10th and longest-serving of the African continent and its Diaspora . interests of states through military means and Africa’s growth remained higher than world innovation: we should embrace the digital President of the African economic power. Increasingly, the conduct growth despite strong headwinds from the age by modernising our systems and work National Congress (ANC). Had OR, as he of states is informed by the international international economy. Despite its slowdown, process, while taking deliberate measures to Twas affectionately known, been alive, he "The gentle voice who’s measured words of foreign policy of a free and democratic relations theory of realism, which finds the African continent remained the second mitigate its negative effects. would have been 100 years old this year. In a reason shook the thrones of tyrants has been South Africa. During his address to the first concrete expression in the projection of hard fastest-growing economy in the world. moving eulogy on the occasion of his funeral silenced. Congress of the People’s Movement for the power to preserve, promote and protect Several African countries (Cote d’Ivoire, Key milestones in the evolution of South on 2 May 1993, then President of the ANC, "Peoples of the world! Liberation of Angola in Luanda, Angola, on geographic, territorial, security and economic Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda and Africa’s foreign policy Nelson Mandela, said of the demise of OR: "Here lies before you the body of a man 12 December 1977, Oliver Tambo defined the interests. This world of geopolitics poses Tanzania) were among the fastest-growing South Africa’s current foreign policy has been "A great giant who strode the globe like a who is tied to me by an umbilical cord which thrusts of South Africa’s foreign policy when a major threat to international peace and countries in the world with growth between shaped by various epochs of history, starting colossus has fallen. cannot be broken.” he stated: security and people-centered development. 6% and around 10%. with our African identity that was eloquently "A mind whose thoughts have opened the His selfless life was an embodiment of “We seek to live in peace with our Complicating this global state of insecurity articulated by Pixley ka Isaka Seme who doors to our liberty has ceased to function. humility, honesty, compassion, self-sacrifice, neighbours and the peoples of the world in is the earlier onset of the VUCA phenomenon: Fourth Industrial Revolution distinguished himself as an orator of note and "A heart whose dreams gave hope to the human solidarity, integrity and self-discipline. conditions of equality, mutual respect and volatility, uncertainty, complexity and We stand on the brink of a technological published the timeless essay, entitled: The despised has for ever lost its beat. In exile, he laid the foundation for a future equal advantage”. ambiguity, as evidenced by the surge in revolution that, in the words of Klaus Schwab, Regeneration of Africa in 1906. The seminal

56 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 57 DIPLOMACY SOUTH AFRICA‘S INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD SOUTH AFRICA‘S INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD DIPLOMACY

piece was the first real conceptualisation of Development Programme (RDP). The RDP sum impositions. Guided by this template, regional office in Johannesburg. This office Africa’s growth remained higher than world growth the African Renaissance. envisioned a southern African regional we have significantly contributed to peace- will serve as a catalytic institution to fast-track The next phase in the evolution of our economy that is sustainable and contributes making efforts in, among others, Burundi, our continental infrastructure development despite strong headwinds from the international foreign policy took place in 1955, with the late to shared prosperity. the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, programmes. The regional office will focus . Moses Kotane and Maulvi Cachalia attending, The Southern African Development South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Madagascar and initially on project preparation and facilitation. economy Despite its slowdown, the African on behalf of the South African liberation Community (SADC) is the fourth most Zimbabwe. The BRICS-Africa’s trade engagement continent remained the second fastest-growing movement, the Bandung Conference in advanced regional economic community Currently, our efforts are directed at continues to show exponential growth, April 1955. At this historic conference, (REC) in Africa, having grown its intra- contributing to the realisation of the AU’s reaching approximately US$300 billion by economy in the world. Several African countries representatives from 29 governments of regional growth from US$20 billion in 2004 to Agenda 2063 Vision and the implementation 2015. This success was driven not only by the (Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Asian and African nations gathered in US$72 billion in 2014. SADC has attained the of its first 10-year plan. We are conscious that industrialisation and innovation trajectories of Indonesia to discuss peace and the role of following achievements. strong structures are required to effectively BRICS partners, but also by the expansion Rwanda and Tanzania) were among the fastest- the global South in the Cold War, economic The SADC Free Trade Area (FTA), as implement AU decisions as well as the of South African business into the markets development and decolonisation. South- envisioned in the 2005 SADC Protocol realisation of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. of our BRICS and African partners, creating growing countries in the world with growth South solidarity, as a canon of the future on Trade, entered into force in August, In this regard, RECs are essential building an unprecedented consumer demand for our between 6% and around 10%. South African foreign policy, crystallised 2008, when the REC attained the minimum blocs for the continent’s eventual integration goods and services. during this conference. conditions of having zero duty on 85% of within the framework of the Lagos Plan and In 2018, South Africa will be honoured The third phase in the evolution of South intra-regional trade. The maximum tariff the Abuja Treaty. As a build-up towards to assume the Chairship of BRICS. The economic development, social development which had as its theme the strengthening Africa’s foreign policy can be traced to the liberalisation was attained in January 2012, continental economic integration, a key intensification of intra-BRICS cooperation in and environmental sustainability, are of the partnership between the UN and period when then ANC President, OR Tambo, when the tariff phase-down process for advance was that representatives of most of diverse fields, as well as its consolidation as the plank on which the recently adopted the AU. Building on the success of South was mandated to establish an international sensitive products was completed. the 26 member states of the Common Market a significant player in shaping a new global sustainable development goals are built. The Africa’s 2007/08 UNSC term in promoting mission in 1960 following the unbanning of In 2003, SADC’s Regional Indicative for Eastern and Southern Africa, East African political and economic order, will, among outcome document of the 2015 UN Summit closer cooperation between the UNSC and the ANC. It was in this third phase that the Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) set out Community and SADC, with a combined GDP others, be our strategic focuses. has given renewed hope to millions in the the AUPSC, South Africa promoted greater ANC mobilised the largest movement of anti- for the REC to become an FTA by 2008, a of US$1,2 trillion, signed the Tripartite Free global South as it affirms the resolve of the coordination between the two bodies in apartheid forces across the globe, the iconic Customs Union (CU) by 2010, a Common Trade Area Agreement on 10 June 2015 in Mutually beneficial relations with international community to remain engaged order to increase the effectiveness of Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM), which Market by 2015 and a Monetary Union Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. It aims to liberalise countries of the North in continuing the unfinished business of the UNSC in addressing African conflict contributed immensely to the democratic by 2016, with a single currency by 2018. 100% of tariff lines. Sixty per cent to 85% of Our cooperative relations with the developed the millennium development goals. We situations. President Jacob Zuma presided breakthrough of 1994. The AAM brought However, we have been unable to establish tariff lines are to be liberalised upon entry into countries of the North are based on consider this as a major achievement for the over a meeting, which resulted in the two key elements that were to conclude a CU due to several challenges, including: force of the agreement, while the remaining our shared commitment to build mutual developing world at a time when the world’s unanimous adoption of Resolution 2033 the quartet of pillars of democratic South multiple membership of SADC countries 15% to 40% will be negotiated over five to beneficial partnerships to address the preoccupation with security issues could (2012). This resolution formalises cooperation Africa, namely: South-North cooperation and to several overlapping regional integration eight years. needs and aspirations of our people. Our have pushed development issues to the back between the UN and AU as a permanent multilateralism. Pan-Africanism, South-South arrangements (RIAs) and the African Union’s A key prerequisite to the continent’s mutual beneficial cooperation takes place burner. part of the council’s work and focusses on solidarity, South-North cooperation and (AU) RECs and the subsequent challenge of development is the expansion and at both bilateral and multilateral levels. It is Another landmark development in the achieving coherence between the two bodies reform of the multilateral system of global having to meet multiple obligations; complex rehabilitation of infrastructure, particularly in our continued commitment to leverage the multilateral system was the 21st Conference in dealing with African conflicts. governance (multilateralism) have been and divergent trade policies and revenue the transport, energy and communications opportunities presented by these relations in of Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework While we have been vocal proponents for consistent themes in South Africa’s foreign constraints; differences in the levels of sectors. Work in this regard is currently being an effort to close the widening gap between Convention on Climate Change, which the reform of the UNSC long before our stint policy since 1994. development of member states; complicated undertaken within the framework of the New the prosperous North and the deprived adopted a historic agreement in Paris to in the non-permanent category, our tenure on The African Agenda remains a cornerstone rules of origin; poor infrastructure; and trade Partnership for Africa’s Development, which developing South. address greenhouse gas emission for the UNSC has convinced us that the reform of our foreign policy and as such South facilitation systems. is a core element of our development agenda. We will continue to prioritise consolidating the post-2020 period. The watershed of this premier organ of global peace and Africa’s own development is inextricably The RISDP, which covers the period from the Strategic Partnership with the European Paris Conference constitutes a successful security is more urgent than ever before. linked to the development of the African 2005 to 2020, underwent review and the Global South and emerging economies Union (EU). We are conscious of the conclusion of the mandate agreed to by We are of the firm view that the continent. Consequently, we have defined revised document was adopted by the SADC In October 2017, South Africa assumed development in relation to Brexit and as such, consensus at the Durban conference in 2011 enlargement of the UNSC to reflect current and continue to pursue an African Agenda Summit in April 2015. We are committed to the Chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim we will negotiate a bilateral trade regime with to enhance the implementation of the Climate realities will ensure that it is representative which is predicated on the entrenchment achieving the outstanding milestone set in Association (IORA), which brings together the United Kingdom while maintaining our Change Convention. and democratic and enjoys legitimacy. In of democracy, peace and security, and the RISDP. 28 countries from the East and South relations with the EU as a bloc. The agreement represents a big step addition, internal reforms will have to be acceleration of economic growth for the South Africa assumed the Chairpersonship Coast of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, forward in committing all countries to act undertaken to improve the working methods betterment of all Africans citizens. of SADC from August 2017, and will use the Gulf region and Indian Ocean islands. Multilateral relations decisively against climate change. Through of the UNSC to enhance its efficiency and In essence, this commitment encapsulates its position to drive the acceleration of Unlocking the potential presented by the Since our readmission and acceptance to this agreement, hope has been restored for effectiveness. our Pan-Africanist foreign policy configuration the regional integration agenda with a Blue Economy, including the sustainable the family of nations, our efforts have been a safe and prosperous future, where climate In conclusion, we remain convinced that referred to earlier in the article. specific focus on creating a framework for exploitation of marine resources, the creation focussed on contributing to a just, fair and change will be adequately addressed. the path and role history has determined for industrialisation. of value chains as well as maritime security equitable world order. We have consistently South Africa’s approach to peace and us is the correct one. It defines where we Southern Africa will be a major priority for South Africa. The advocated for people-centred development security on the continent has been magnified come from, who we are, the exigencies of Firstly, colonialism and apartheid had The broader African continent goals set in Operation Phakisa will guide our that takes into consideration all dimensions in the UN Security Council (UNSC), where we the moment and our future aspirations as a destructive effects on the entire southern Our experiences during the anti-apartheid engagement in this regard. of development. This multifaceted approach have championed the prioritisation of African nation. Africa and left a legacy of a disintegrated struggle, including the period leading up to At the Fifth BRICS Summit, South Africa to sustainable development got traction at conflicts and at the same time advocated for It is encapsulated in the apex policy region. The leadership of democratic South the democratic breakthrough of 1994, guide hosted the first outreach dialogue session the historic United Nations (UN) Millennium closer collaboration between the UNSC and statement of government, the National Africa undertook to rebuild our country and and inform our foreign policy approaches of BRICS in 2013, during which the AU Summit, which adopted the Millennium the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). Development Plan Vision 2030, that enjoins contribute to peace and development in Africa and strategies on the African continent. We leadership was invited to dialogue with the Declaration in 2000. This summit represented We have also focussed on defending the us to assume our role as a responsible and the world. The South Africa reconstruction have always sought, and continue to seek, BRICS leaders regarding the continent’s a high watermark in global efforts to place integrity of the UN Charter and the Rule global citizen in the community of nations, agenda was linked to that of the entire region a peaceful resolution of conflicts based on infrastructure development agenda. development at the centre of the global of Law as the foundation for multilateral and develop partnerships that advance in order to achieve sustainable development an inclusive political framework. This we A pertinent outcome of the summit was agenda. cooperation. our national interests and values, thus as clearly articulated in the apex national believe, is the only guarantee for durable the decision of BRICS leaders to establish The three dimensions of sustainable A highlight of our term on the UNSC was contributing to a better South Africa, in a policy document, the Reconstruction and solutions rather than non-inclusive, zero- the New Development Bank, which has its development, namely the promotion of our Presidency of the council in January 2012, better Africa, in a better and just world.

58 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 59 Africa never stops. The world’s second largest continent has plenty of room for growth. There’s an energy here you won’t find anywhere else. As host to many of the world’s growing economies, we’re proudly playing our part in the global arena. Let’s take our continent forward, together.

standardbank.com/neverstop

Authorised Financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP15). The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (Reg. No. 1962/000738/06). Moving Forward is a trademark of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited. SBSA 243920-10/16

243920 Quiet A3.indd 1 2016/10/07 1:27 PM DIPLOMACY FROM SOUTH AFRICAN SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO CHILDREN IN SWAZILAND FROM SOUTH AFRICAN SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO CHILDREN IN SWAZILAND DIPLOMACY

for maize and sugar beans, thus it is possible are based around the achievement of jointly The expected outcomes of this development to trace which smallholder farmers have defined objectives, and will leverage on project are to increase equitable access to From South African benefitted from the project. Most smallholder synergies and complementarity of resources. education and strengthen the capacity of the farmers already identified are presently The WFP aligns this activity with the national Government of Swaziland to provide assistance working together as cooperatives. The main priorities of South Africa, the Development to children while investigating innovative capacity-building activities include financial Assistance Framework of the United Nations approaches to procuring smallholder farmer smallholder farmers to literacy, organisation management, post- and Swaziland’s development priorities. produce in striving to achieve zero hunger and harvest handling and loss training, as well The South African Government, WFP and encouraging further South-South cooperation. as quality and quantity control training for the Government of Swaziland, which through On the South African side of the border, emerging millers. This will ease the work of the declaring a national emergency in February the development project seeks to empower children in Swaziland WFP, especially when it comes to capacity- 2016 for the El Niño induced drought, smallholder farmers in South Africa with By Peter Shivute building and farmer access. There is an facilitated this much-needed assistance, greater access to markets for their products, World Food Programme emphasis on women smallholder farmers too. and will ensure the food assistance project while ensuring that small business and Tebalo Elias Makubo, 34 years old, is one complements other social safety net emerging millers form part of the entire value waziland – a landlocked Due to a lack of resources, the World Food of the smallholder farmers who are supplying initiatives. chain. country almost entirely the WFP with sugar beans for the Swaziland contained within the north- Programme (WFP) was forced to halt support to project. His relationship with the WFP began eastern corner of South in 2014 when he supplied sugar beans for i Africa – faces challenges children at neighbourhood care points (NCPs) since the Lesotho initiative and he has continued World Food Programme (WFP) of poverty, chronic food May 2016. However, now the children of Swaziland his relationship with the WFP by supplying WFP school meals are beneficial in many ways and can be tailored to address specific insecurity and HIV and AIDS. Like other sugar beans for the Swaziland project. Since needs: Scountries in the region, it is only now emerging will once again receive nutritious meals at the NCPs 2014, Mr Makubo has reinvested his profits • Safety nets: School meals are the most prevalent safety net worldwide. They can from the shadow of two successive years and continue to grow, learn and play. back into his farm by increasing the number of help families support their children’s education while protecting their food security. of drought caused by the El Niño weather his staff from 24 to 54 people and purchasing They help break the “cycle of hunger and poverty” by increasing the chances of phenomenon. new machinery. children becoming healthy and productive adults. Following a contribution of R180 million by Learning from experience, particularly the • Education: A daily school meal allows children to focus on their studies rather than South Africa in 2013 to provide assistance to Lesotho initiative, as well as discussions their stomachs. It helps to increase enrolment and attendance, reduce drop-out rates more than a quarter of a million vulnerable with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and improve cognitive abilities. Where there is a gender gap in key, education-related women and children in Lesotho, South Africa, and Fisheries, capacity-building within areas, school meals can be complemented with take-home rations to provide further through the Department of International the Swaziland project aims to build on the incentive. Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and learning generated through earlier activities • Nutrition: In poor countries, school meals are often the only regular and nutritious the African Renaissance and International and assessments of capacity-building meal a child receives. Without them, hunger and micronutrient deficiencies can cause Cooperation Fund (ARF), announced in activities as well as utilise existing resources irreversible damage to children’s growing bodies. March 2017 the contribution of US$3 million in an effective and cost-efficient way. As (R40 million) to support the WFP's work in such and in line with the South African NDP, reaching some 52 000 orphaned and other capacity-building under the Swazi Orphans vulnerable children with food assistance in and Vulnerable Children Project will fall under i neighbouring Swaziland’s NCPs. three key areas: The Diplomacy of Ubuntu in Action Food assistance through the NCPs is • quality and quantity control for On 14 August 2017, the Republic of Sierra Leone was affected by devastating torrential required to meet young, orphaned and smallholder farmers (post-harvest rains that triggered a mudslide 32 kilometres east of Freetown. vulnerable children’s basic nutritional needs handling and storage) The devastation was dreadful with reports of over 500 people killed in the tragedy, in the absence of other safety nets for this • financial literacy training for female thousands left homeless and hard and soft infrastructure devastated. As a consequence target population. Swaziland has a number of smallholder farmers thereof, the President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, made a humanitarian appeal for social protection initiatives in place, however, • food safety and quality handling for emergency relief to the thousands affected. there is a gap in the services available to the beans directly from smallholder farmers in as articulated in the National Development emerging industrialists (millers). The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, youngest children (aged two to eight years) South Africa. Maize is transformed into maize Plan (NDP), in order to eradicate poverty and responded to the appeal on behalf of the Government in line with South Africa’s spirit of who are not yet in school. meal by using emerging millers before being reduce inequality characterised by increased The WFP is committed to the implementation solidarity with the rest of the continent, underpinned by the philosophy of Ubuntu and its “The food really helps the children,” says transported into neighbouring Swaziland for participation of previously marginalised of a Food Safety and Quality Management advancement of humanitarian diplomacy. South Africa rose to the challenge and responded one of the volunteer caregivers. “You can see delivery to thousands of vulnerable children. citizens and regions of the country. System and continuously strives to improve promptly and positively to Sierra Leone’s humanitarian appeal for emergency relief in order the difference – after a few weeks of receiving Further to this, South Africa, which This example shows the commitment by food safety and quality along the whole WFP to save human lives and alleviate suffering. a hot meal, they are healthier and energetic.” has recently assumed the Chair of the South Africa in furthering major economic and supply chain. As such, technical guidance to Minister Nkoane-Mashabane made an initial contribution of an amount of R8 million Due a to lack of resources, the WFP was Southern African Development Community technological transformation at national and emerging millers is presently taking place. towards food aid and medical supplies through the World Food Programme to Sierra Leone. forced to halt support to children at NCPs (SADC) after Swaziland Chairship, is regional level within the context of deeper The longer-term effect of contributions such Furthermore, the Minister initiated the launch of a nationwide public appeal in order to allow since May 2016. However, now the children pushing boundaries in line with the SADC regional integration; therefore, accelerating as those made by South Africa, serves all South Africans to show solidarity and support to the people of Sierra Leone during their of Swaziland will once again receive nutritious Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap the growth momentum and enhancing the an important role in reaching the goals of most difficult and trying times. meals at the NCPs and continue to grow, 2015 – 2063, the African Union Agenda comparative and competitive advantage of sustainable development both in South Africa South Africa’s humanitarian gesture, which is aimed at restoring human dignity, is made learn and play. 2063 and in line with the timeframe of the the economies of the region. and the region. within the context of the United Nations Agenda for Humanity, calling on global leaders to An innovative approach, with a dual sustainable development goals and Agenda Operational aspects of the project are The first distributions to the NCPs have stand up for common humanity. development outcome, has been adopted by 2030. This approach serves to achieve the currently underway. Smallholder farmers begun, and the children are now receiving The Official Handover Ceremony was held on 8 September 2017 in Freetown, Sierra DIRCO and the ARF to meet the requirements demographic transformation of South Africa, have been trained on WFP registration and much-needed food and nutrition. Leone, with South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, (accredited of the NCPs. the WFP will endeavour to as outlined in the Industrial Policy Action Plan operational modalities, and informed of the These ongoing activities place emphasis on to Sierra Leona), handing over the humanitarian aid to the Government of Sierra Leone. source 40% of the maize and 100% of the and the objectives of national development project as an alternative marketing channel strategic and collaborative partnerships that

62 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 63 DIPLOMACY SA AND USA COMBINE FORCES SA AND USA COMBINE FORCES DIPLOMACY

he United States (US) military, Combat Training Centre at Lohatla, which at Shared Accord returns in partnership with the South 610 square miles is the largest training area Africa National Defence Force of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, giving to South Africa every (SANDF), conducted Exercise troops a unique training ground dominated Shared Accord 2017, a with thorny bushland and unforgiving, rocky three years and will command post and company- hills. They were supported by a company from be held in Rwanda in level field training exercise, from 17 July to 2 SA Infantry Battalion and a platoon from the SA and USA combine . T3 August, at Lohatla in the Northern Cape. SA Navy Maritime Reaction Squadron with 21 2018 Shared Accord 17 was a US Africa SAI the enemy – in total 300 SA Army soldiers, feedback to the soldiers on their performance Command directed and US Army Africa-led 100 US and South African marines and 50 in the actual execution of the tasks at hand. forces exercise designed to assess the capacity and soldiers from US Army Africa headquarters Events such as riotous crowd control, area capability of participating staff and forces in participated. domination patrols, cordon and search peacekeeping operations. Over 1 000 military During the live fire portion of the exercise, operations as well as key leader engagement Shared Accord personnel from the USA and South Africa soldiers used explosives to breach an obstacle were executed, with soldiers from both forces participate in the annual, combined, joint and fired at pop-up silhouette targets. Packing participating in these activities. (formerly Southern military exercise. more of a punch, the anti-armour weapons Shared Accord (formerly Southern Accord) Accord) 2017 is an “We are very pleased to be in South were then used on stationary vehicle targets 2017 is an annual, combined, joint military Africa for the Shared Accord exercise,” said – all while soldiers cleared buildings and exercise that brings together US forces and annual, combined, joint Brigadier-General William Prendergast, supplied cover fire. partner nations to foster security cooperation military exercise that Deputy Commander, US Army Africa. “We Before the live fire exercise, soldiers went while improving operational planning and could not have asked for a better training through situational training exercise lanes, mission command capabilities. brings together United environment and our soldiers are ready for learned bushcraft skills and fought against a Shared Accord promotes regional tough, realistic training, which increases South African-led opposing force. They even relationships, increases capacity, trains States forces and readiness for both organisations. I would like practised protecting defenceless people from US and South African forces and furthers partner nations to foster to thank the South African team for hosting a notional rebel group. cross -training and interoperability. this outstanding event.” The field training exercise was based on This exercise helped provide participating security cooperation The participating soldiers gained valuable a United Nations Chapter 7 Peace Support military forces with the skills required to while improving combat experience during the final, live fire, Operation and focussed on scenarios within enable readiness in support of peacekeeping portion of Exercise Shared Accord. such operations. operations. operational planning More than 230 American soldiers from The operations were supported by laser Shared Accord returns to South Africa and mission command the 327th Infantry Regiment participated in guided force-on-force electronic equipment. every three years and will be held in Rwanda Shared Accord 2017 at the South African Army This enabled the controlling staff to give in 2018. capabilities.

64 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 65 DIPLOMACY THAILAND AND SOUTH AFRICA SHARE 400 YEARS OF TIES THAT BIND US THAILAND AND SOUTH AFRICA SHARE 400 YEARS OF TIES THAT BIND US DIPLOMACY Thailand and South Africa share 400 years of ties that bind us By Patric Tariq Mellet Today, a large percentage of Cape Town’s population has Southeast Asian, Indian, Malagasy and African roots from outside of the boundaries of South Africa due to the slave trade .

Research identifies slaves with toponyms support staff and interpreters. They were a against apartheid, become the “Land of the “Van Siam”, confirming the Thai origin of subset of 200 passengers and African slaves Free” in 1994, under our late great President some slaves. As an example, archive records aboard the ship. Many drowned with the Nelson Mandela. show the presence Achilles of Siam in Cape wrecking but seven Siamese survived and In 1997, President Mandela visited Town in 1759, and Leonora of Siam in 1790. began the long march from Agulhas to the Thailand and met with the now late Great Their Thai first names were changed by Fort de Goede Hoop in Table Bay, after the King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama the IX, who slave traders when they found difficulty Portuguese survivors abandoned them to the passed away in 2016 year after 65 years on pronouncing the Thai names. Slavery was wilds. the Thai throne. Madiba conveyed his deep only abolished by law in Siam in 1905, The Thai party had no rations, but respect for the Thai King and the Thai people, due to the relentless abolitionist efforts of they managed to stay alive on edible saying: “The name of your country, Prathet King Chulalongkorn Rama V against the leaves, flowers, lizards, snakes, frogs and Thai, embodies the very essence of what nobility who enslaved one third of the Thai grasshoppers and by collecting rainwater. By has become our dearest possession; namely population and gained powers that rivalled the time they were rescued by the Hessequa our freedom. You are the only country in this and threatened those of the monarchy indigene Khoena people who led them to region which has never come under the yoke and Siam’s social cohesion. Therefore, safely and into the custody of the Dutch. of colonisation. This is a history of which you many from Cape Town share ancestors Governor van der Stel, the Africa-born can be justifiably proud”. from Thailand and other Southeast Asian head of the Cape VOC settlement, a man The South Africa-Thailand Heritage countries. of Asian slave heritage, received the Royal Reflection Centre in Cape Town, run bya Siam’s King had astute foreign policies credentials and hosted Ambassador Ok-Khun South Africa Thai family, is a celebration of hen Ambassador (VOC) as the Ambassador of King Narai, His Excellency, of opening up to the world to counter any Chamnan Chaichong for four months while he this deep heritage and a place of visitation Robina Marks first multinational company. By 1605, King Ok-Khun Chamnan Chaichong, thereafter attempt by one superpower to colonise it. and the other Thai survivors recuperated. The for both South Africans of distant Southeast was South African Ekathotsarot of Siam allowed the Dutch a recuperated in Cape Town. His host was the The King’s very active international relations Governor was later handsomely reimbursed Asian heritage and of new generations of Ambassador to trade mission at Baan Hollanda, in Ayutthaya first Governor of the Cape who had spent time policy played on the rivalries of Dutch, by King Narai for all the expenditure incurred, families where South Africans and Thai Thailand, she – 17th century Southeast Asia’s Paris. in Batavia (Jakarta), Simon van der Stel, and French, English and Portuguese and he sent when the Ambassador came on a return visit. nationals have married. sparked my interest Table Bay became a compulsory stop- had the appearance of a Southeast Asian due emissaries abroad to strengthen his status as It is these engagements in Cape Town that Business, cultural and academic ties to explore South Africa-Thai relations. This over for all English shipping from 1615 – to the fact that his mother was the daughter a free and powerful monarch in the region. began the ambassadorial relations between between the two nations are thriving and providedW an anchor for explaining 400 years followed by the Dutch, Portuguese, French of an East Asian slave who had married the It was during the rule of King Narai the South Africa and a free, non-colonial Siam South African diplomatic relations have greatly of ties that bind our two countries, resulting and Danish. All were serviced by the local Dutch Governor of Mauritius. Great in Siam from 1656 to 1688, that the power 331 years ago – the first diplomatic advanced, particularly through the sterling work from the European use of Cape Town as a indigene community, some of whom had Today, a large percentage of Cape Town’s King dispatched a party of ambassadors and relationship of its kind. of our ambassadors during the last decade. halfway refreshment station for sea traffic travelled to London and Java and returned. population has Southeast Asian, Indian, support staff to see the kings of Portugal and Siam changed its name to Thailand in 1939, The Baan Hollanda site at the ruins of bound for Ayutthaya in Siam. It was also a fact By 1652, the Dutch displaced the indigene Malagasy and African roots from outside France and then the Pope at the Vatican. which loosely translated means the “Land of the 17th century capital Ayutthaya, now also that our people shared slave ancestors. Goringhaicona trading community at the of the boundaries of South Africa due to His Excellency, the Ambassador Ok-Khun the Free” and this has great significance to has a museum of the VOC and its impact Furthermore, it’s rooted in a Thai diplomatic Camissa settlement in Table Bay led by Chief the slave trade. Over 13 300 slaves came Chamnan Chaichong, after leaving Siam on the descendants of slaves in Thailand and in Thailand and, Ayutthaya is a sister World mission, which was shipwrecked in 1686 at Autshumao – servicing 1 071 ships before from Southeast Asian countries, including his way to Portugal, spent one year at Goa in their distant relatives in the Western Cape Heritage Site to Robben Island. There are so Cape Agulhas with survivors recuperating at 1652. The Dutch built a fort and then quickly Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, learning Portuguese before making his today. The children, grandchildren and great- many ties that bind South Africa and Thailand the Cape of Good Hope settlement. edged out the indigenes servicing the sea Indonesia, Borneo, Philippines and Southern way via the Cape of Good Hope to Portugal in grandchildren of slaves imported into Cape that can be celebrated. Southeast Asia has loomed large in traffic. China and, around 17 500 slaves from January 1686. Town were born into slavery. Although formal Patric Tariq Mellet is a descendent of slaves from Myanmar, Sulawezi, South African history ever since European The first South Africa-Thai diplomatic India, Bengal and Sri Lanka; with a further Disaster struck with the shipwreck off Cape slavery was abolished and gradually phased Makassar, India and Africa; and also of indigenous Khoena, and Europeans economic interests opened up in that region relations took place in 1686 by accident, as a 48 000 slaves who came from Africa and Agulhas in April 1686. The party of Siamese out over 20 years after 1834, South Africa who with his Thai wife Asirawan Deeying Mellet, now runs Asirawan Siam Healing House and the South Africa-Thailand Heritage Reflection Centre in after the Dutch in 1602 established the United result of a shipwreck wherein the Thai Royal Madagascar. was made up of three ambassadors and 20 would only, after the resistance struggle Cape Town, as promoters of goodwill between our two peoples.

66 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 67 DIPLOMACY DIRCO HOSTS SA’S YOUNG LEADERS DIRCO HOSTS SA’S YOUNG LEADERS DIPLOMACY

DIRCO hosts SA’s young leaders

outhern Africa’s Outstanding participants from the South African brightest young minds recently presented their Institute of International Affairs' (SAIIA) youth recommendations on programmes were also named SAIIA Young harnessing the potential of young people and the Ambassadors. emerging youth demographic in Africa. SSeventy delegates, aged 15 to 23 years from Representatives from government, the United SAIIA has been running an annual Young across the region, participated in this event Nations (UN), various diplomatic missions Leaders Conference since 2012. Delegates for as the culmination of the fifth South African and civil society joined the conference as the conference are chosen from top-performing Institute of International Affairs' (SAIIA) Young speakers, mentors and observers. learners in the SAIIA Model UN Programme, Leaders Conference. During the conference, The negotiations culminated in the the SAIIA Environmental Sustainability Project delegates hosted their own negotiation presentation of the 2017 Young Leaders and the SAIIA Schools’ Quiz. sessions under the theme: "African Potential: Declaration at a special event hosted by the Outstanding participants from SAIIA’s youth Creating a Youth Dividend for the Continent", Deputy Minister of International Relations programmes were also named SAIIA Young which took place between 10 and 13 July at and Cooperation, Nomaindiya Mfeketo, at the Ambassadors and attended the conference in Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind. department’s OR Tambo Building in Pretoria. this capacity.

68 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 69 USING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUTH DIPLOMACY

Using diplomatic relations to

create opportunities for the This is why South Africa uses its diplomatic ties to address our domestic challenges, in particular through signing agreements youth in education and training as well as skills development and research. By Maite Nkoana-Mashabane The bilateral agreements that we have Minister of International Relations and with countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Cooperation Cuba, India, Russia, Azerbaijan and Sweden provide our youth with opportunities to acquire skills in areas such as medicine, statistics and nuclear science. Those skills have ne of the strategic become invaluable in the socio-economic priorities that we pursue development of our country. in the implementation Within multilateral institutions such as of our foreign policy is Brazil, Russia, India, China and South to ensure that, through Africa (BRICS), South Africa also uses its bilateral and multilateral membership to champion the need to train interactions, we protect and promote South and skill our youth. At the BRICS Summit, AfricanO national interests and values. held in Goa, India, in October 2016, the It is important that government uses all available This year, South Africa commemorated the BRICS leaders expressed their commitment 41st anniversary of the 16 June 1976 Student means, including working closer with our to take steps to establish a network of leading Uprising. It is important that government international partners, to progressively reverse the labour research and training institutes, “so as uses all available means, including working to encourage capacity-building, information closer with our international partners, to legacy of apartheid, particularly in the areas of skills exchange and sharing of best practices progressively reverse the legacy of apartheid, among BRICS countries”. . particularly in the areas of skills development, development, job creation and poverty eradication Youth unemployment and poverty can job creation and poverty eradication. breed instability. President Jacob Zuma Our skills development challenges must be In South Africa, the skills shortage to 14%. At the same time, the percentage of recognised this challenge when he told the placed within the broader continental context. phenomenon bears certain peculiarities, individuals without any schooling decreased last UN General Assembly that: “Global Africa is predominantly a youthful continent. which are consistent with our apartheid past. from 10,6% in 2002 to 4,9% in 2016. inequality and economic exclusion have It is estimated that over 40% of Africa’s Black people make up the largest percentage According to the United Nations (UN), become a serious threat to global peace and working age population is between the ages of the unskilled population. global unemployment increased from stability. Inclusive growth is thus a peace, of 15 and 24. This makes Africa the youngest The apartheid government tailored the 170 million in 2007 to nearly 202 million in security and prosperity imperative”. continent in the world. Africa’s youth are its Bantu education system deliberately to 2012, of which about 75 million are young In its 50-year vision document, Agenda greatest asset. achieve this outcome. women and men. The UN says 470 million 2063, the African Union has identified seven Our National Development Plan (NDP) We have, however, made significant jobs are needed globally for new entrants into aspirations, one of which is: “Ensuring well- says government must place emphasis on inroads in the past 23 years of democracy to the labour market between 2016 and 2030. educated citizens and a skills revolution capacitating the youth in the areas of research undermine the apartheid education legacy. It is clear that skills shortages and the underpinned by science, technology and and development. According to the NDP, According to the last General Household resultant unemployment situation affect not innovation”. South Africa stands ready to research and development play an important Survey, released by Statistics South Africa in only South Africa, but other economies as lead in youth empowerment, working with our role in helping middle-income countries to 2016, the percentage of individuals with some well. Developing economies need to work African and global partners. advance to high-income status. post-school education increased from 9,3% closer to address the challenge.

70 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 IssueIssue 14 14 South South Africa’s Africa’s Public Public Diplomacy Diplomacy in actionin action UBUNTU UBUNTU 7171 FEATURE LIBERATION HERITAGE: LIBERATION HERITAGE: STEVE BIKO FEATURE

Organisations was also formed to cater for the youth more generally. Biko was instrumental in the development and formation of a core SASO project – the Black Workers’ Project (BWP), which was LIBERATION HERITAGE co-sponsored by the Black Community Programmes (BCP) for which Biko worked at the time. The BCP addressed the problems of black workers whose unions were not yet recognised by the law. After being expelled from medical school in 1972, Biko joined Steve Biko the BCP at their Durban offices. The BCP engaged in a number of community-based projects and published a yearly journal, called the Black Review, which provided an analysis of political trends in the country. In March 1973, Biko was banned and restricted to King William's Town. There he set up a BCP office and served as branch executive. It was not long before his banning order was amended to restrict him from any association with the BCP. Despite his banning, Biko was instrumental in the founding of the Zimele Trust Fund in 1975, which was set up to assist political prisoners and their families. He continued his work, setting up the Ginsberg Trust to assist i black students. On 30 November 2012, the Steve Biko Foundation officially opened the Steve Biko Centre. In his short but remarkable life, Biko was Located in the Ginsberg Township of King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, the centre frequently harassed and detained under the focusses on translating global interest in the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Bantu Stephen country’s notorious security legislation. This Biko into a developmental resource for the region. interrogation culminated in his arrest, together The centre is central to the Steve Biko Heritage Trial, which comprises various sites in with his colleague and comrade, Peter Cyril the Eastern Cape. Some of the sites were declared national monuments in 1997 on the Jones, at a police roadblock outside King occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Steve Biko. These sites have been declared William’s Town on 18 August 1977. national heritage sites and consistently garner both local and international attention. They Biko and Jones were tortured at the include the: headquarters of the Security Division housed • Steve Biko Monument in the Ginsberg Township, which falls in the King William’s Town/ in what was then known as the Sanlam Bisho tourism node building in Port Elizabeth. It was during this • Biko Statue in East London period that Biko sustained massive brain • Steve Biko’s office in King William’s Town haemorrhage. • Zanempilo Clinic outside King William’s Town his year is the 40th showed an expansive search for knowledge formidable political force spreading to On 11 September 1977, Biko was • Garden of Remembrance in King William’s Town commemoration of the death that far exceeded the realm of the medical campuses across the country and beyond. transported to Pretoria Central Prison – a 12- • Steve Biko Bridge, East London Harbour. of Black Consciousness leader profession, ending up as one of the most After serving as the organisation’s President, hour journey, naked, without medical escort, Steve Biko. On 21 March 2017, prominent student leaders. Biko was elected publications director for in the back of a police Land Rover. Biko contribution extends well beyond black society Human Rights Day, the official In 1968, Biko and his colleagues founded SASO where he wrote prolifically under the died on the floor of an empty cell in Pretoria and its consciousness. By abandoning politics celebrations were held at the the South African Students’ Organisation pseudonym, . Central Prison on 12 September. It was in this of comfort, Biko challenged liberal white society slain liberation fighter's gravesite in Ginsberg (SASO). He was elected the first President of With the seed of Black Consciousness way that South Africa was robbed of one of its to revisit its own consciousness. In this way, he Tin the Eastern Cape where President Jacob the organisation at its inaugural congress held having been sown outside of student foremost political thinkers. contributed significantly to white consciousness Zuma, along with Biko’s wife, Nontsikilelo, at Turfloop in 1969. This organisation was campuses, Biko and his colleagues argued for Biko became officially the 46th victim of and thus to ploughing the ingredients of mutual unveiled a memorial. borne out of the frustrations black students a broader-based black political organisation torture and death under the State Security respect and non-racialism. Bantu Stephen Biko was born in Tylden encountered within the liberal and multiracial in the country. In July 1972, the Black Laws. His death helped highlight the Before he died, Bantu Stephen Biko wrote on 18 December 1946, the third child of the National Union of South African Students People’s Convention (BPC) was founded and brutality of South African security laws to these words: late Matthew Mzingaye and Alice Nokuzola (NUSAS). inaugurated in December the same year. the international community and the general “We have set out on a quest for true “Mamcethe” Biko. He attended primary school In the eyes of Biko and his colleagues, Inspired by Biko’s growing legacy, the plight of South Africans. It led directly to the humanity and somewhere in the distance we in King William’s Town and secondary school NUSAS showed signs of an organisation youth of the country at high-school level decision by Western countries to support the can see the glittering prize. Let us march forth at Marianhill, a missionary school situated in unwilling to adopt radical policy positions and mobilised themselves in a movement that United Nations Security Council vote to ban drawing strength from our common plight the town of the same name in KwaZulu-. comfortable with playing safe politics. SASO became known as the South African Students’ arms sales to South Africa (Resolution 418 of and brotherhood. In time we shall be in a Steve Biko went on to register for a degree was founded, therefore, as a call on black Movement. This movement played a pivotal 4 November 1977). position to bestow upon Africa the greatest in Medicine at the Black Section of the Medical students to refrain from being spectators in role in the 1976 , which Although Biko is often regarded as the gift possible, a more human face.”

School of the University of Natal in 1966. a game in which they should be participants. accelerated the course of the liberation father of Black Consciousness, his political Steve Biko Foundation Very early in his academic programme, Biko It was not long before it became the most struggle. The National Association of Youth

72 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 73 FEATURE MANDELA AND TAMBO: A LIFETIME AS COMRADES MANDELA AND TAMBO: A LIFETIME AS COMRADES FEATURE

“Jails are jam-packed with Africans imprisoned “One of my comrades on these expeditions In the city, Tambo wrote: "Mandela had his for serious offences – and crimes of violence was a serious young Science scholar whom first encounter with the lot of the urban African are ever on the increase in apartheid society I had met on the soccer field,” he wrote. in a teeming African township: overcrowding, – but also for petty infringements of statutory “He came from Pondoland, in the , incessant raids for passes, arrests, poverty, law that no really civilised society would and his name was Oliver Tambo. From the the pinpricks and frustrations of the white punish with imprisonment. start, I saw that Oliver’s intelligence was rule”. “To be unemployed is a crime … To be diamond-edged; he was a keen debater and In Johannesburg, both joined the ANC. landless can be a crime … To brew African did not accept the platitudes that so many of They became part of a group of young ANC beer, to drink it or to use the proceeds to us automatically subscribed to … It was easy members who increasingly thought the supplement the meagre family income is to see that he was destined for great things.” organisation was not taking strong enough a crime … To cheek a white man can be a In 1965, Tambo wrote: “At the age of 16, action to fight white rule. crime. To live in the ‘wrong’ area – an area Nelson went to Fort Hare and there we first declared white or Indian or coloured – is a met: in the thick of a student strike”. Tambo The ANCYL crime for Africans.” recalled that he and Mandela were “both Mandela wrote: “Many felt, perhaps unfairly, born in the Transkei, he one year after me. that the ANC as a whole had become the Beginnings We were students together at Fort Hare preserve of a tired, unmilitant, privileged Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Oliver University College. With others, we had African elite more concerned with protecting Reginald Tambo met at Fort Hare in the founded the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). their own rights than those of the masses”. 1930s. The institution was renowned for We went together into the Defiance They proposed forming a youth league “as producing leading African intellectuals for Campaign of 1952, into general strikes a way of lighting a fire under the leadership more than 40 years until its proud academic against the government and sat in the same of the ANC”. standards were gutted by the apartheid Treason Trial dock”. In 1943, a delegation, including Mandela, government in 1959. Govan Mbeki was a Life in Johannesburg Tambo, Anton Lembede, Peter Mda and graduate, as was , Dennis After Fort Hare, Tambo went on to teach Walter Sisulu visited AB Xuma, the head of Brutus and Can Themba. Mathematics at St Peter’s School in the ANC. Fort Hare was the start of a partnership Johannesburg. “At our meeting, we told him that we – as friends, attorneys and comrades – that The school was eventually shut by the intended to organise a youth league and would last 60 years. Mandela would become Nationalist government because, like Fort a campaign of action designed to mobilise South Africa’s most famous political prisoner Hare, it gave its black students a quality mass support,” Mandela wrote. and first democratically elected President, education. “We told Dr Xuma that the ANC was in danger while Tambo joined the struggle in exile and “From this school, killed by the government of becoming marginalised unless it stirred served as president of the African National in later years because it refused to bow its itself and took up new methods.” Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991. head to government-dictated principles of The ANCYL was formed in 1944 with The two had different memories of their first a special education for ‘inferior’ Africans,” Lembede as President and Tambo as meeting. Mandela, always the sportsman, Tambo wrote, “graduated successive series Secretary. Sisulu became the Treasurer recalled it being on a football field. Tambo, a of young men drawn inexorably into the ANC, and Mandela was part of the Executive Mandela and Tambo: studious young man, remembered it as at a because it was the head of our patriotic, Committee. campus protest. national movement for our rights.” On Sundays, Mandela would venture out Mandela, meanwhile, fled to Johannesburg The to teach bible classes at rural villages near from his Transkei home to escape an The NP victory in the white elections of 1948 A lifetime as comrades Fort Hare. arranged marriage. came as a surprise to many – including By Mary Alexander Mandela. The stated election manifesto was Brand South Africa overtly apartheid: cementing legislating and extending black repression and white minority orn in the Transkei a year rule. apart, Nelson Mandela and “We were not the only African lawyers in South “The victory was a shock,” Mandela wrote. Oliver Tambo were friends “I was stunned and dismayed, but Oliver . for more than 60 years; from Africa, but we were the only firm of African lawyers " took a more considered line. ‘I like this,’ he their student days through a said. ‘I like this.’ I could not imagine why. He partnership in a law firm, the African lawyers in South Africa, but we were patient queues of people overflowing from the explained, ‘Now we will know exactly who our darkest days of resistance, imprisonment and the only firm of African lawyers." chairs in the waiting room into the corridors.” enemies are and where we stand'.” Bexile, until the final victory over apartheid. "For Africans, we were the firm of first Tambo and Mandela were highly educated The battle lines were drawn. The softer “Mandela and Tambo” read the brass plate choice and last resort. To reach our offices young men, the products of independent policies of negotiation and compliance with on the door of the attorneys’ shabby offices each morning, we had to move through a missionary schools and the University of Fort white leadership had achieved nothing. The in downtown Johannesburg. It was late 1952, crowd of people in the hallways, on the stairs Hare. They thought they knew what racial next year, 1949, there saw a jump in ANC four years after the National Party (NP) and in our small waiting room.” injustice was all about. But their experience membership, which previously had lingered victory, and the two young partners of South Oliver Tambo’s memories presaged of overflowing human misery in their cramped at around 5 000. It began to establish a firm Africa’s first black-owned law firm were busy. Mandela’s. “For years, we worked side by lawyers’ offices opened their eyes to the real presence in South African society. “Mandela and Tambo were besieged side in our offices near the courts,” he wrote in suffering of ordinary people. In 1952, Mandela and Tambo were key in with clients,” Nelson Mandela wrote in his his 1965 introduction to Ruth First’s No Easy Tambo wrote: “South Africa has the dubious organising the Defiance Campaign. The ANC autobiography, , Road to Freedom. “To reach our desks each reputation of boasting one of the highest joined other anti-apartheid organisations in published in 1994. "We were not the only morning, Nelson and I ran the gauntlet of prison populations in the world. defiance against the restriction of political,

74 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 75 FEATURE MANDELA AND TAMBO: A LIFETIME AS COMRADES

labour and residential rights, during which to apartheid. In 1967, he became president of protesters deliberately violated oppressive the ANC after the death of Chief Albert Luthuli. “As you directed, we laws. The campaign was called off in April In the year after Tambo’s exile, 1960, will bring freedom to the 1953 after the apartheid Parliament voted in came the . The ANC new laws prohibiting protest meetings. leadership concluded that non-violence was oppressed and liberation no longer the answer to the struggle against to the oppressor. As Arrest and exile apartheid. In June 1955, the Congress of the People, In 1961, the ANC’s military wing, Umkhonto you strived, we will organised by the ANC and Indian, coloured we Sizwe (MK), was formed. Mandela was its restore the dignity of the and white organisations at Kliptown near first leader. MK operations in the 1960s mostly Johannesburg, adopted the . targeted government facilities. Mandela was dehumanised. As you This became the fundamental document arrested in 1962, convicted of sabotage, and of the struggle. In the same year, Tambo in 1964, sentenced to life imprisonment on commanded, we will became Secretary-General of the ANC after Robben Island. defend the option of a Sisulu was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act, 1950. Endings peaceful resolution of our In December 1956, Mandela and Tambo “Nelson Mandela is on Robben Island today,” problems. As you prayed, were among 156 leaders, key members of Tambo wrote in 1965. the , arrested and charged “His inspiration lives on in the heart of every we will respond to the with treason. They included almost all of the African patriot. He is the symbol of the self- Executive Committee of the ANC, as well as sacrificing leadership our struggle has thrown cries of the wretched of the South Party, the South up and our people need. He is unrelenting, yet the Earth." African Indian Congress and the Congress of capable of flexibility and delicate judgement. Democrats. A total of 105 African, 21 Indian, “He is an outstanding individual, but he 23 white and seven coloured leaders were knows that he derives his strength from the “As you instructed, we will bring peace to our arrested. great masses of people, who make up the tormented land. The trial was to last until 1961, with the freedom struggle in our country.” “As you directed, we will bring freedom to State gradually reducing the number of Tambo died in April 1993, a year short of the oppressed and liberation to the oppressor. accused until all charges were eventually South Africa’s first democratic elections in As you strived, we will restore the dignity of dismissed. 1994. South Africa’s future was still uncertain. the dehumanised. As you commanded, we will In 1958, Tambo became deputy president Mandela gave the eulogy at Tambo’s defend the option of a peaceful resolution of of the ANC. However, in 1959, he was served funeral. our problems. As you prayed, we will respond with a five-year banning order. Tambo was “Go well, my brother, and farewell, dear to the cries of the wretched of the Earth. sent abroad by the ANC to mobilise opposition friend,” he said. “In all this, we will not fail you.”

76 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 77 Issue 13 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 83

UBUNTU MAGAZINE ISSUE 13 -2017.indd 83 2017/09/20 4:15 PM Madiba’s story is a journey across our land By Tokozile Xasa Minister of Tourism Places like these are not just about picturesque hills and sparse dwellings. They reveal layer upon layer of our history and heritage. They reflect the thoughts and values of leaders like Nelson Mandela, and convey the collective consciousness of our people. FEATURE MADIBA`SMADIBA'S STORY IS A JOURNEY ACROSS OUR LAND MADIBA'S STORY IS A JOURNEY ACROSS OUR LAND FEATURE

become a must-see site for passing tourists. our youth. They will also return home with a one of us a better person, and this is what That single moment in time, when a policeman renewed sense of what these sites mean for makes the world a better place for all of us. stopped a car driven by a man disguised as a all of us in South Africa, and for humanity We end our journey as changed people, chauffeur, was to become a defining moment all around the world. Experiencing the story with a deeper understanding of ourselves and in South Africa’s history. of Nelson Mandela, and understanding the each other, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of Standing at the capture site, you feel the full values and principles it reveals, makes each tourism. significance of that momentous event along this very ordinary road. From here, our journey follows Nelson Mandela to the prison cell he occupied for i over two decades on Robben Island. A short In a coup for South Africa, the Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, was elected one of two ferry ride from Cape Town takes you to the deputy chairpersons of the Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) during the 22nd General island’s small harbour. Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in China recently. A tour of the prison conveys the hardship its On the sidelines of the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, held from 11 to occupants were subjected to. 16 September 2017, Minister Xasa was appointed Deputy Chair of the CAF for a two-year Standing in the cell that held Mandela term alongside her counterpart from the Gambia, Amat Bah. Kenya’s Najib Balala was captive is an extraordinary, life-changing elected to chair the regional commission, succeeding Zimbabwe’s Walter Mzembi. experience. You cannot stop thinking about The regional tourism commissions enable member states to meet once a year to discuss how someone who was confined to the concerns and formulate proposals to submit to the UNWTO for consideration. brutality of this place can emerge with such “We extend our warm congratulations to Minister Xasa on this significant appointment. It’s humanity, even towards his captors. a vote of confidence in the vision and leadership shown by South Africa as a major tourism This experience forces all of us to look deep player on the African continent and, indeed, on the world stage,” said South African Tourism’s within ourselves, and to question our own Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona. sense of humanity towards others. It forces “Furthermore, to be voted into this important position by her peers on the African continent us to discover the Mandela within each of us, is an endorsement of Minister Xasa’s zeal in pushing the agenda of the African Union in and to express the values he espoused in multilateral engagements, and her passion for championing women and small businesses whatever ways we can. in the tourism sector. African tourism faces its own distinct opportunities and challenges, The penultimate leg of our trip once again and we have every confidence in her ability to articulate these on the global stage,” he said. follows the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, Minister Xasa is also the convener of tourism ministers in the Southern African this time from Robben Island to the Union Development Community, after South Africa took over the revolving Chairship of the regional Buildings in Pretoria, where the prisoner body in August 2017. became the President. On the front lawns, an imposing statue of oin me on a journey to some very history and hardships of our people guide experience the benefits of exploring their a smiling Nelson Mandela stretches out his special places in our country, our aspirations to transform our economy own country as our domestic marketing and arms, protecting his people with the warmth places that tell a remarkable and bring marginalised communities into the promotional campaigns take root. it exudes. It is a fitting tribute to Mandela the story for the whole world. tourism mainstream. More tourist traffic through Vilakazi Street man, the statesman and the father of our Let’s start our tour among This place was so important to former means better prospects for the economy of the democratic nation. the rolling hills around Qunu President Mandela that he chose to return there precinct. Here, the layer of our historic social From here, we will make one more stop in the Eastern Cape. Scattered homesteads to retire, after leading a divided nation striving struggle is interweaved with many economic before our journey ends. We return to a areJ sometimes clustered into little villages to reconcile itself, and serving our country as dimensions: the precinct supports jobs, small traditional family gravesite at Qunu, to Nelson reached only by dusty, bumpy roads. the world’s most revered statesman. businesses and many entrepreneurs. Tourist Mandela’s final resting place. The cattle that you can see dotted around Let’s leave the quiet rural countryside of guides, transport operators and vendors of As his family and comrades gathered the landscape would have been tended by Qunu for now, we will return later. memorabilia all benefit from tourism. here to return his body to the very soil a young Rolihlahla Mandela as they grazed Let’s head north to , to Soweto in The former home of Mandela, and the that sustained his early life, the nation all day long, nearly a century ago. There Johannesburg. It was here, in Vilakazi Street, Vilakazi Street precinct that developed around resumed life without one of the greatest sons would have been a small school in this area, that Mandela lived in a small red brick house it, demonstrate the power of tourism to convert of Africa. where a teacher bestowed the name “Nelson” typical of apartheid’s townships. Further down cultural heritage assets into tangible benefits But the story is far from over: Nelson upon a young man, little knowing that he the road, lived . for communities today. Mandela will be with us forever, through the was to become a universal symbol of the Together with church colleagues and We leave the city of Johannesburg and political legacy that brought freedom and spirit of humanity and reconciliation among comrades in arms, Tutu and Mandela led the head for the quiet town of Howick in the democracy for all in our country, and through people. Places like these are not just about long struggle to tear down the policies that KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. It was here, along a the many sites that continue to reflect on picturesque hills and sparse dwellings. They confined their people to live within their tiny winding back road, that Mandela was captured momentous events in his life. reveal layer upon layer of our history and boxes. by security police, leading to the Treason Trial, From Qunu to Vilakazi Street, from Howick heritage. They reflect the thoughts and values Vilakazi Street became the heart of the his imprisonment on Robben Island and the to Robben Island and Pretoria, and, finally of leaders like Nelson Mandela, and convey struggle against apartheid. remarkable transformation in our country back to Qunu, a journey through these sites the collective consciousness of our people. Today, the precinct is bustling with following his release. brings our history and heritage to life. You can have an authentic interaction by restaurants and street vendors who depend The capture site is marked by an iconic I hope that many more South Africans will living in private homes and local lodges in on the busloads of visiting tourists for trade. sculpture which gives visitors a sense of the be able to make this remarkable journey. many rural communities like these. Here, you It is the only street in the world that was once important historic event which changed the And I wish that corporate South Africa, can gain first-hand insight into how traditional home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates. course of our history so dramatically. The philanthropic foundations and others join hands beliefs and cultural practices intermingle with Most visitors are international tourists, but tourism economy around the site is not as well and work together to make the trip possible for modern life. You can understand how the more and more of our people are starting to developed as that of Vilakazi Street, but it has those who cannot afford to travel, especially

80 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 81 South Africa welcomes another world heritage site The Khomani Cultural Landscape is located at South Africa’s border with Botswana and Namibia in the northern part of the country. It falls within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park . FEATURE SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES ANOTHER WORLD HERITAGE SITE SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES ANOTHER WORLD HERITAGE SITE FEATURE

outh Africa’s ǂKhomani traditions with minimum threat of extinction because of their knowledge of the land, by the introduction of Christianity and the In her acceptance speech, the Director-General of Cultural Landscape in within the current society.” said the department. arrival of the Portuguese into Central Africa.” the Northern Cape has The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape “They [the ǂKhomani San] developed a Asmara, 2 000 metres above sea level and the Department of Environmental Affairs, Nosipho been inscribed as a world is located at South Africa’s border with specific ethnobotanical knowledge, cultural the capital of Eritrea, became a military heritage site. Botswana and Namibia in the northern part practices and a worldview related to the outpost for Italy, its colonial power. Ngcaba, said South Africa was committed to The United Nations of the country. It falls within the Kalahari geographical features of their environment,” After 1935, the city went through a massive supporting efforts of economic development in the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Gemsbok National Park. said UNESCO. “The ǂKhomani Cultural construction project. SOrganisation (UNESCO) World Heritage The landscape covers an area of Landscape bears testimony to the way of life “It is an exceptional example of early area, contributing to job creation, enhancing tourism Committee also inscribed two other sites from 959 100 ha, according to the Department of that prevailed in the region and shaped the modernist urbanism at the beginning of the experiences and contributing to skills development. Africa – in Eritrea and Angola – during its 41st Environmental Affairs. site over thousands of years.” 20th century and its application in an African Session in Krakow, Poland, recently. “The ǂKhomani and related San people are Angola’s Mbanza Kongo and Eritrea’s context.” “The decision that was taken today unique in that they descend directly from an Asmara were the other African sites inscribed Before the announcement, South In her acceptance speech, the on. “Conservation for us is not a planned marks a long-awaited historical moment ancient population that existed in southern as world heritage sites. Africa already had eight world Director-General of the Department of action or a buzzword to use to impress when for us, the ‡Khomani San, and all other Africa some 150 000 years ago,” said the Mbanza Kongo, said UNESCO, was the heritage sites: Fossil Hominid Sites of Environmental Affairs, Nosipho Ngcaba, said needed,” he said. “It is [not] a choice but San/Bushman communities,” said Dirk department. “[They are] the ancestors of the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of South Africa, Maloti-Drakensberg Park South Africa was committed to supporting a way of life that is instilled within all San Pienaar, a ǂKhomani community member, entire human race.” Kongo, one of the largest states in southern (Transboundary with Lesotho), Mapungubwe efforts of economic development in the people from a very tender age." addressing the session.He said it was an This area, with its abundance of red Africa from the 14th century to the 19th century. Cultural Landscape, Vredefort Dome, area, contributing to job creation, enhancing He also gave thanks to the elder acknowledgement of universal value and dunes, had changed minimally since When the Portuguese arrived, stone Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical tourism experiences and contributing to skills community members, including “Oupa Dawid importance. “This listing will thus provide a the Stone Age. The ǂKhomani Cultural buildings were added. “Mbanza Kongo Landscape, Robben Island Museum, development. Kruiper and Ouma Una Rooi, who died sadly foundation for us to continue to preserve, Landscape had been home to people who illustrates, more than anywhere in sub- iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Cape Pienaar said the community would while fighting for our cause”.

protect and practise our ancient culture and learned to survive in the extreme desert Saharan Africa, the profound changes caused Floral Region Protected Areas. continue to respect their culture and pass it UNESCO / Department of Environmental Affairs / Brand South Africa

84 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 85 FEATURE PUT FOOT IS PUTTING AFRICAN CHILDREN ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS WITH NEW SHOES PUT FOOT IS PUTTING AFRICAN CHILDREN ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS WITH NEW SHOES FEATURE

During its annual Put Foot Rally across southern Africa, volunteers deliver thousands of shoes to rural schoolchildren .

Guy. “Those who can afford it,” Lindque writes on his website, “take shoes for granted … but these kids don’t have that choice and to see the joy they get from a simple act of kindness is too good not to share.” In addition to their shoe donations, Put Foot is involved in wildlife conservation, particularly to take part in the life-changing experience of Meanwhile, Put Foot is also edging closer to rhino protection. gifting a brand-new pair of school shoes to a its 2017 goal of raising R1 million, which will The group has donated more than young, underprivileged child,” Skinstad writes mean more rallies around Africa and more R500 000 for the protection of Africa’s most on the Put Foot website. shoes for the continent’s children. endangered animals, including rhinos, the During its annual Put Foot Rally across Put Foot volunteer, Brent Lindeque, took Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the African southern Africa, volunteers deliver thousands part in a recent Put Foot Rally in Zambia: wild cat. of shoes to rural schoolchildren. In June “I met Audrey, an eight-year-old who had Put Foot also helps other Section 18A 2017, the rally visited communities in South never owned a new pair of shoes. organisations with similar objectives, Africa, Namibia and Zambia, delivering over "Every single piece of clothing she had ever including Habitat for Humanity and corporate 2 000 pairs of shoes; while 500 children in worn was a hand-me-down or second-hand fundraising. Otjiwarongo, Namibia, each received a pair of donation that had been given to her … [we] But, the main focus is on getting those shoes unique Shoes That Grow footwear. got to give Audrey her first pair of new shoes on feet, and the organisation is continually Shoes That Grow, invented by American ever. seeking out donations and volunteers to Kenton Lee, is a sandal-type shoe that can be "Fighting back the tears she smiled and help sustain its success. No contribution is adjusted for size and comfort, and grow with told me that one day she would make enough too small, says Put Foot, which welcomes the children’s feet, lasting up to five years. Lee money to give underprivileged kids the things individual and organisation donations. Put Foot is putting African works with a number of international charities that she hasn’t been able to afford in her life.” Put Foot Foundation / Good Things Guy / Brand South Africa to distribute shoe donations to Ecuador, Haiti Cliff Central radio personality, Lindeque, children on the road to and countries across Africa. runs the feel-good news website, Good Things success with new shoes The organisation believes that shoes are symbolic of pride and give confidence to young people so that they can walk to school in comfort.

South African charity is taking underprivileged rural children through owning Together with his co-founders, social on the challenge of making their own pair of new, quality school shoes. entrepreneur, Daryn Hillhouse, and digital sure underprivileged children The organisation believes that shoes are communications expert, Mike Sharman, across the continent have at symbolic of pride and give confidence to Skinstad says the organisation is focussed on least one good pair of shoes. young people so that they can walk to school addressing the needs of rural areas in South The Put Foot Foundation in comfort. Africa and across the rest of Africa that have donates shoes to underprivileged children in The Put Foot Foundation donates shoes to been overlooked by other charities and non- SouthA Africa and across Africa. underprivileged children in South Africa and governmental organisations. The foundation, a across Africa. “We believe that there is no greater public beneficiary organisation and non- In its Mission Statement, the organisation experience than providing our donors with the profit charity, was founded by former explains that “shoes are also a vital protection opportunity to experience the impact that their Springbok rugby player, Bob Skinstad. It is barrier between our children’s tiny soles and donations have made possible. That is why dedicated to giving hope, pride and dignity to Africa’s rough and unforgiving terrain”. we invite and strongly encourage our donors

86 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 87 FEATURE ATTRACTING INVESTORS AND TOURISTS TO SOUTH AFRICA ATTRACTING INVESTORS AND TOURISTS TO SOUTH AFRICA FEATURE

is estimated at about R10 billion. This which was developed under the guidance of The value of travel and related services presents a transformation lever through South Africa plays a the Tourism Broad-Based Black Economic consumed by organs of state annually is state procurement. Furthermore, government strategic role as one Empowerment (B-BBEEE) Charter Council. controls the allocation of other opportunities The plan includes but is not limited to: estimated at about R10 billion . This presents a such as licensing of tour operators, gaming of seven founding • putting together a framework for maximising operations (including casinos), duty-free empowerment of black people through . transformation lever through state procurement stores, car rental parking bays at strategic members of the Indian concessions in state-owned facilities hubs, accommodation and retail facilities at Ocean Rim Association. • partnerships to bring in existing black ourism is a significant and state-owned facilities that are concessioned operators to serve as management critical sector in South Africa’s to operators. These areas further present Intra Africa travel and trade account for around companies for state-owned facilities economy as it contributes opportunity for accelerating radical economic 12% of Africa’s total trade. This illustrates the • partnership with industry to scale up positively to the trade balance transformation and we will work with partner deficiency we also have in the movement of enterprise and supplier development through foreign exchange departments to pursue this goal. people and goods across the continent but • effective use of state procurement levers receipts, sustains 700 000 Tourism in South Africa is on the rise. The also presents an opportunity. Improvements in in partnership with National Treasury to direct jobs and is performing stronger than the Department of Tourism is using its budget of infrastructure linkages to improve connectivity empower black suppliers of tourism products otherT five growth sectors. R2,1 billion to ensure that, as tourism rises, and flow of people also mean discussions and and services Globally, we recorded our seventh year the people of South Africa rise with it. We resolutions around immigration regulations • strengthening market access for black- of sustained growth despite the economic will deploy this modest budget to pursue the such as issuing of visas and the efficiency and owned enterprises in terms of government- slowdown. In the past year, South Africa following strategic areas for tourism growth. care in that undertaking. driven marketing initiatives recorded 13% growth in international tourist Marketing takes the largest component Following the establishment of the Inter- • enhanced mechanisms for access to funding arrivals. Africa as a whole received 8%. This of this budget at 53% or R1,1 billion. The Ministerial Committee on Immigration for new initiatives and expansion projects. presents tourism as key in diversifying Africa’s remaining R1 billion is largely distributed Regulations, which was tasked with finding gross domestic product (GDP) income among tourism incentives, the Expanded a balance between ease of travel facilitation The ultimate goal is to participate in the Black stream. With the world record of 1,2 billion Public Works Programme (including skills for tourists and security needs, significant Industrialist Programme. Access to funding for tourists in 2016, Africa only enjoys a market development), destination development and progress was made in implementing the small and medium enterprises in the tourism share of 5%. enterprise development. Cabinet decisions. These include long-term space has been a challenge for some time. This sector deserves more support and With SA Tourism’s budget at 53%, it is multiple entry visas for frequent business This restricts growth of small enterprises, recognition in our country because it provides our strategic intent to drive government travellers, use of accredited travel companies expansion of their existing products and more opportunities and has lower barriers to imperatives through our entity. These to apply for their clients’ visas, visa waivers in participation by communities as it is difficult entry. include contribution to job creation and some cases and expansion of the network of to obtain operational finance. In recognition of The sector is already contributing to our radical economic transformation. A targeted visa facilitation centres. this challenge and with the support of National economy by supporting over 1,5 million jobs approach to positioning black enterprises in It is only through continuous strategic and Treasury, we have entered into a partnership in total and bringing in about 9% to our GDP. SA Tourism marketing efforts is a critical part constructive dialogue between the public and with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) Growth in tourism means that the prospects of fulfilment of that mandate. private sectors that we will be able to achieve to establish a Transformation Fund. for growing and transforming our economy This R1,1 billion will be deployed towards meaningful results. In the end, South Africa A combination of grant funding and are significantly enhanced, not only for the increasing our global market share and must remain the winner. debt financing will be used to drive sector tourism sector but for the entire value chain growing the domestic tourism market in a transformation and unlock capital investment that is supported by tourism. This presents a manner that promotes inclusive growth. Marine and coastal tourism in tourism. The fund is currently capitalised greater opportunity for integration with other Our goal is to attract five million additional Our approach to the implementation of the to an amount of R120 million with the aim of nine-point plan sectors such as agriculture, tourists to South Africa within the next five Marine and Coastal Tourism Strategy seeks building it to R360 million in the medium term. manufacturing and transport, among others. years. Simply put, the 5 in 5 strategy, brings to promote the integration of associated Every rand from the department is matched We recognise this potential and are working four million additional international tourist industries such as agriculture, fisheries, by R2 from the NEF. The fund includes NEF with our partners to maximise the social and arrivals and one million additional domestic creative arts, environmental management, equity, debt and National Department of economic benefits of tourism beyond just the holiday trips. The growth in the international small harbours development, cruise terminal Tourism grant funding. The grant funding will sector. market will be driven through establishment development etc. We are also taking a be capped at R5 million. To build on this growth, we have revised of a “Bidding Fund” to a tune of R90 million nodal approach in all identified projects to In October 2017, the Tourism B-BBEE Attracting our 2020 strategy. The new strategy aims over the medium-term period, strengthening tackle the entire value chain and product Charter Council in partnership with the to achieve over 200% growth in our direct our marketing and conversion mechanisms development. The plan will also seek to National Department of Tourism hosted a contribution to the 2015 GDP figure of in traditional markets, and expanding to new integrate coastal developments with existing Tourism Transformation Summit in Gauteng. R118 billion to R302 billion in 2026. The markets which include Asia, Iran, the Middle inland experiences with the view to maximise The aim of the summit was to create dialogue investors and indirect contribution to GDP will be just under East, the African continent and its Diaspora. participation opportunities. It will form a greater and exchange tourism sector transformation a trillion rand at R941 billion from the 2015 Some R110 million is allocated for attracting part of our destination development efforts. strategies as well as investment opportunities figure of R375 billion. We will also add 300 000 more businesses and delegates to South South Africa plays a strategic role as one of towards radically growing and sustaining tourists to South more jobs to bring direct employment to one Africa and R224 million for infrastructure seven founding members of the Indian Ocean black and women participation across the million from the 2015 figure of 700 000. This investment. Rim Association, and this opens opportunities tourism value chain. will bring the indirect employment to tourism It is our approach moving forward that all our beyond our South African coastal marine and figures to about 2,26 million. Building from strategic events should find their respective tourism and extends opportunities to one third Domestic tourism Africa South Africa known as a safari and business homes, which would allow the host city, of the world’s coastline. Our Domestic Tourism Strategy puts equal By Tokozile Xasa events destination, we added culture and provincial and industry partners to plan their emphasis on supporting strategic product Minister of Tourism heritage. investments with greater levels of certainty. Transformation development and enhancement with the aim of The value of travel and related services There are opportunities for partnerships and In pursuit of our transformation agenda, we broadening the product base to accommodate consumed by organs of state annually investments in this area. will be implementing our transformation plan, the needs of our diverse domestic tourism

88 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 89 FEATURE ATTRACTING INVESTORS AND TOURISTS TO SOUTH AFRICA

market. This will also broaden our product offering for the international market. We are developing a framework for precinct A NEW The initiative includes some of the over development, with the emphasis on township 700 state-owned products such as provincial ERA FOR and municipal resorts, some of which already and rural tourism. Initial efforts will be focussed attract international visitors but require on Vilakazi Street in Soweto with a view to THE SOUTH refurbishment. Our enterprise development programme replicate the model in other viable townships AFRICAN will also facilitate the development of a new across the country. breed of tour operator for the domestic tourism WINE market, which will work with small, medium and micro enterprise tourism product owners townships across the country. A combination Tourism, Department of Arts and Culture, and service providers to take advantage of of Vilakazi street residents’ entrepreneurship Department of Public Works and the Robben the growing diverse market needs. spirit and the uniqueness of this very special Island Museum. It’s been over two decades since South We will also be creating travel schemes place, once a home to two Nobel Peace This is yet another example of the power Africa became a democracy. In that time for social clubs and strengthening the role laureates and one of the kind in the world, of collaboration and the benefits of taking a our wine industry has taken quantum of events in growing domestic tourism. We has created a vibrant and globally sought- whole-of-government approach to tourism leaps forward. Plant improvement will work with key national and provincial after tourism attraction. This amplifies the development. programmes have been accelerated, and attractions such as parks, cultural and need for a targeted approach to precinct The department has also collaborated we are establishing vineyards with clones heritage sites to expose underprivileged development. with the Industrial Development Corporation South Africans to the country’s tourism to introduce a Green Tourism Incentive and varieties carefully chosen to suit offering. Incentives Programme. our specific climatic conditions, some in Through SA Tourism, we will also form The department has made significant This programme will support qualifying new cooler climate areas. Older heritage strategic partnerships to enhance conversion progress on the implementation of solar tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities vineyards have been found and restored. based on our domestic tourism marketing photovoltaic energy-generating systems with more energy-efficient technologies. This Our exports more than doubled between drive. at strategic tourism attractions as part of will not only save costs for small and medium 2005 and 2015. This growth has been greening our destination. black-owned enterprises and contribute to driven by an exponential increase in Destination development This includes the completion of a solar a greener destination, but the programme We are developing a framework for precinct power plant on Robben Island, which is will also create employment and local quality, with each year delivering exciting development, with the emphasis on township already supplying solar energy to the island. content promotion through retro-fitment of new wineries, more innovative young and rural tourism. Initial efforts will be This project was made possible by close products. winemakers and even better wines. focussed on Vilakazi Street in Soweto with cooperation between the Department of Today, South African wines have achieved a view to replicate the model in other viable international recognition and been deemed among the most exciting in the world, with adjectives like ‘rule-breaking’, ‘trailblazing’, ‘captivating’, ‘daring’ and ‘original’ increasingly linked to them by influential critics and sommeliers. As UK wine writer and judge Tim Atkin MW remarked in his South Africa 2015 Special Report: “South Africa – with its diverse terroirs, old vines and pure winemaking talent – is one of the most dynamic and exciting winemaking countries in the New World.”

www.wosa.co.za Wil Punt | Peartree Photography Punt | Peartree Wil

90 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 91

Wosa Ads.indd 16 2016/04/13 6:58 PM FEATURE MAPUNGUBWE: SOUTH AFRICA’S LOST CITY OF GOLD MAPUNGUBWE: SOUTH AFRICA’S LOST CITY OF GOLD FEATURE Mapungubwe: South Africa’s lost city of gold

Mapungubwe was home to an advanced culture of people at the time – the ancestors of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. They traded with China and India, had a flourishing agricultural industry and grew to a population of around 5 000.

ne thousand years leaders were separated from the rest of the ago, Mapungubwe in inhabitants). the Limpopo province The site was discovered in 1932 and has was the centre of the been excavated by the largest kingdom on the ever since. The findings were kept quiet at the subcontinent, where a time, since they provided contrary evidence highly sophisticated people traded gold and to the racist ideology of black inferiority ivoryO with China, India and Egypt. underpinning apartheid. The Iron Age site, discovered in 1932 but Nevertheless, the university now has hidden from public attention until only recently, a rich collection of artefacts made of gold was declared a World Heritage Site by the and other materials, as well as human United Nations Educational, Scientific and remains, discovered there. According to the Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in July 2003. University of Pretoria’s Mapungubwe website, Mapungubwe is an area of open savannah “Subsequent excavations revealed a court at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe sheltered in a natural amphitheatre at the rivers and abutting the northern border of bottom of the hill, and an elite graveyard at South Africa and the borders of Zimbabwe the top – with a spectacular view of the region. and Botswana. It thrived as a sophisticated “Twenty-three graves have been excavated trading centre from around 1220 to 1300. from this hilltop site”, the website continues. In its statement on the listing, UNESCO “The bodies in three of these graves describes Mapungubwe as the centre of the were buried in the upright seated position Golden Bowl, found in the same grave on flooding in the area. The wealth in the area and traded with cultures as far away as East linking Mapungubwe National Park with largest kingdom in the subcontinent before it associated with royalty, with a variety of gold Mapungubwe Hill. led to differences between rich and poor. Africa, Persia, Egypt, India and China.” Botswana’s Tuli Block and Zimbabwe’s Tuli was abandoned in the 14th century. and copper items, exotic glass beads and In the village neighbouring Mapungubwe, Mapungubwe’s fortune only lasted until Safari area. “What survives are the almost untouched other prestigious objects. Evidence of complex social formations called K2, an ancient refuse site has provided about 1300, after which time climate changes, Besides the rich cultural heritage of remains of the palace sites and also the “These finds provide evidence not only What is so fascinating about Mapungubwe archaeologists with plenty of information about resulting in the area becoming colder and Mapungubwe National Park, most of the entire settlement area dependent upon of the early smithing of gold in southern is that it is testimony to the existence of an the lifestyles of the people of Mapungubwe. drier, led to migrations further north to Great continent’s big game roam here. them, as well as two earlier capital sites, the Africa, but of the extensive wealth and social African civilisation that flourished before According to the University of Pretoria's Zimbabwe. There is also a tremendous diversity of whole presenting an unrivalled picture of the differentiation of the people of Mapungubwe.” colonisation. According to Professor Thomas website: “People were prosperous, and kept plant and animal life. development of social and political structures The most spectacular of the gold Huffman of the Archaeology Department domesticated cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. Mapungubwe National Park Sandstone formations, mopane woodlands over some 400 years,” UNESCO said. discoveries is a little gold rhinoceros, made of at the University of the Witwatersrand, The charred remains of storage huts have In 2004, South African National Parks and unique riverine forest and baobab trees Mapungubwe was home to an advanced gold foil and tacked with minute pins around Mapungubwe represents “the most complex also been found, showing that millet, sorghum (SANParks) opened Mapungubwe National form an astounding scenic backdrop for a rich culture of people at the time – the ancestors a wooden core. The rhino, featured in one of society in southern Africa and is the root of the and cotton were cultivated. Park, incorporating the UNESCO-designated variety of animal life. of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. They South Africa’s national orders – the Order of origins of Zimbabwean culture”. “Findings in the area are typical of the Iron Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape in an area Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, traded with China and India, had a flourishing Mapungubwe – has come to symbolise the Between 1200 and 1300 AD, the Age. Smiths created objects of iron, copper covering well over 28 000 hectares. gemsbok and numerous other antelope agricultural industry and grew to a population high culture of Mapungubwe. The rhino is Mapungubwe region was the centre of trade and gold for practical and decorative purposes The park forms part of an ambitious project species occur naturally in the area, while of around 5 000. also a symbol of leadership among the Shona in southern Africa. Wealth came to the region – both for local use and for trade. Pottery, to develop a major transfrontier conservation visitors can spot predators like lions, leopards Mapungubwe is probably the earliest known people of Zimbabwe. from ivory and later from gold deposits that wood, ivory, bone, ostrich eggshells and area, the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier and hyenas, and birders can tick off 400 site in southern Africa where evidence of a Other artefacts made in similar fashion were found in Zimbabwe. The area was also the shells of snails and freshwater mussels, Park, which will cross the borders of species, including kori bustard, tropical

class-based society existed (Mapungubwe’s include the Golden Sceptre and the agriculturally rich because of large-scale indicate that many other materials were used Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, boubou and pel’s fishing owl. Brand South Africa

92 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 93 Vredefort Dome – the world’s biggest meteor crater By Mary Alexander Brand South Africa The Vredefort Dome Conservancy, as it is now known, is not just of scientific value. It also has great scenic beauty, making it an ideal tourist destination.

94 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 95 FEATURE VREDEFORT DOME – THE WORLD’S BIGGEST METEOR CRATER VREDEFORT DOME – THE WORLD’S BIGGEST METEOR CRATER FEATURE

wo billion years ago, a Internationally, there are 1 073 world heritage then, the site has been studied extensively by It is also an important birding area, with over meteorite 10 kilometres wide, sites, in 141 countries. Africa has 77 sites earth scientists from around the world. 450 species already identified. It also has as hit the earth near what is today and South Africa a total of nine – five cultural, The Vredefort Dome Conservancy, as it is many identified butterflies as the whole of the town of Vredefort in the three natural and one of mixed cultural and now known, is not just of scientific value. It Great Britain, and is home to rare animals Free State, 100 kilometres natural heritage. also has great scenic beauty, making it an such as the rooikat, aardwolf, leopard and the south of Johannesburg. The The Vredefort Dome is a natural heritage ideal tourist destination. endangered rock dassie. impact created a massive crater that can still site. The Dome Conservancy contains a finely The Vredefort Dome site fulfils all the beT seen from space – the Vredefort Dome. balanced ecosystem made up of open criteria set by UNESCO for a world heritage The meteorite was a piece of rock bigger The Vredefort Conservancy plains, bushveld, mountains and ravines with site. than Table Mountain. When it hit the earth, it In 1937, earth scientists John Boon and abundant plants and wildlife. It is of outstanding universal value from exploded with a thousand-megaton blast of Claude Albritton Boon were the first to At least 99 plant species have already been a scientific point of view, and is remarkable energy equivalent to a bomb fired by a trillion suggest that the Vredefort structure was the identified, of which the world’s largest olive evidence of an important moment in the tons of dynamite. scar of an ancient meteorite impact. Since wood tree forest is probably the best known. earth’s geologic history. The impact was so powerful, it turned in a single moment 70 cubic kilometres of solid rock into dust. The turmoil it caused to our planet’s climate may have increased oxygen levels in the atmosphere, allowing multicellular life to flourish.

The oldest visible crater The world has about 130 crater structures of possible impact origin. The Vredefort Dome is the oldest and largest of these, clearly visible from space. At two-billion years old, Vredefort is far older than the Chixculub meteor impact site in Mexico. This meteor strike, 65 million years ago, is thought to be the event that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Vredefort’s original impact scar measures 380 km across and is made up of three concentric circles of raised rock. They were created by the rebound of rock below the impact site when the asteroid hit. Most of these structures have eroded away and are no longer clearly visible. The inner circle, measuring 180 km, is still visible and can be seen in the beautiful range of hills near Parys and the town of Vredefort. In 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named this inner circle the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. Internationally, there are 1 073 world heritage sites, in 141 countries. Africa has 77 sites and South Africa a total of nine – five cultural, three natural and one of mixed cultural and natural heritage. The Vredefort Dome is a natural heritage site.

96 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 97 FEATURE SA MINT CELEBRATES SA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS SA Mint celebrates SA’s marine protected areas WFP/Claudia Altorio/Lesotho WFP/Claudia

This theme concludes in 2017 with South Africa’s first offshore Marine Protected Area (MPA), namely the Prince Edward Islands MPA, consisting of Prince Edward and Marion Islands located in the southern Indian Ocean, halfway between South Africa and Antarctica .

he South African Government (Diomedea exulans) population. An adult has established a network Prince Edward Island albatross landing in the ocean is shown of marine protected areas supports about 40% of on the 10c. It has a circumpolar range in (MPAs) to conserve South the Southern Ocean and can travel great Africa’s offshore biodiversity the world’s wandering distances in search of food. and ensure the sustainable albatross (Diomedea Ranging from 2,5 m to 3,5 m, its wingspan use of its marine resources. is the largest of any bird, allowing it to remain Every year, WFP assists some 80 million TIn 2013, a four-coin sterling-silver series exulans) population. airborne for many hours without having to people in around 80 countries. featured the iSimangaliso MPA in the Delagoa flap its wings. Fighting bio-region, followed by the KwaZulu-Natal The southern elephant seal (Mirounga MPAs in 2014. In 2015, the MPAs in the leonina), featured on the reverse of the 5c, WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian Hunger Agulhas bio-region were denoted and in their chick standing among a colony of king spends most of its life out at sea. These agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering 2016, aspects of the south-western Cape penguins. seals haul themselves on to land during food assistance in emergencies and working bio-region were portrayed. This theme The Marion Island Killer Whale Programme the breeding season or when they moult in with communities to improve nutrition, provide Worldwide concludes in 2017 with South Africa’s first was established as a dedicated research summer and autumn. The males are instantly school meals and build resilience. offshore MPA, namely the Prince Edward wing of the Marine Mammal Programme to recognisable by their large, inflatable Islands MPA, consisting of Prince Edward observe, obtain tissue samples and track proboscis and large size. To learn more about our work, visit wfp.org and Marion Islands located in the southern the killer whales (Orcinus orca) visiting the From late August, the males arrive at Indian Ocean, halfway between South Africa island’s rocky shores. Most of the research the breeding grounds before the pregnant and Antarctica. is done inshore due to the proximity of the females congregate into groups called The reverse of the 50c features the king visiting killer whales which feed on elephant “harems”. Each group is dominated by a male penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), one of seals, fur seals and penguins. About 60 called a “beach master”. The competition the four penguin species which breed on the individuals have been catalogued. The 20c among the males is fierce, as depicted on islands. In 2008, there were approximately (1 oz) shows two killer whales leaping from the coin. Join us 2 000 pairs on Prince Edward Island and the sea. The common obverse depicts the national @WorldFoodProgramme about 6 500 pairs incubating eggs on Marion Prince Edward Island supports about Coat of Arms, the year of issue “2017” and Join us Island. The coin depicts an adult pair and 40% of the world’s wandering albatross “South Africa”. @WFP

98 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 FEATURE FROM BIG FIVE TO LITTLE FIVE FROM BIG FIVE TO LITTLE FIVE FEATURE

are known for aggressive behaviour, using Younger tortoises have dark brown patterns, They feed on insects, fruit, seeds and the horns to fight rivals. The horns are also while adult shells take on shades of yellow nuts. They in turn are food for snakes and used to dig, climb and mate. with somewhat smaller spots. raptors, making them extremely shy and From Big Five to Little Five Leopard tortoises live in savannah and wary. Leopard tortoise grassland areas, close to water. The chances of spotting them are slim The leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is indeed, so if you manage to see an elephant a striking feature of the bushveld landscape, Elephant shrew shrew before an actual elephant, you can While the big game is magnificent – and includes other giants such as giraffe, getting its name from its black and yellow This tiny insectivore lives in arid lowlands, count your safari a real success! hippo, whale and dolphin – there’s much more to South Africa’s wildlife. The spotted shell. The animal is one of the largest rocky outcrops and savannah grasslands, The Little Five is based on the “Small breeds of tortoise in this part of the world; getting its name from its elongated snout. 5005” concept developed by South African country has some of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, with remarkable a mature leopard tortoise can weigh over Elephant shrews (Elephantulus wildlife author and scientist Rael Loon. 23 kilograms, with a shell circumference of myurus) are found all over South Africa, For more information, read Hidden . birdlife, abundant buck, small game and bizarre insects up to one metre. The males are larger than and only grow to a length of 250 mm, with an Wonders: Southern Africa’s Small 5005.

the females. average weight of 60 grams. Brand South Africa

isitors to South Africa are conical depressions in dry, soft sand with always keen to catch a which to trap its prey – ants. In advanced glimpse and a photo of the stages, this larvae-like creature has wings country’s celebrated Big Five: and sometimes resembles a dragonfly, elephant, lion, rhinoceros, although it’s not well-adapted for flight. buffalo and leopard. While the big game is magnificent – and Buffalo weaver includesV other giants such as giraffe, hippo, Red-billed buffalo weavers (Bubarlornis niger) whale and dolphin – there’s much more to are social birds that build their nests in the South Africa’s wildlife. The country has some forked branches of tall trees. of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, They nest in open colonies and are a rather with remarkable birdlife, abundant buck, small noisy and busy lot. game and bizarre insects. The weavers’ nests can be recognised To promote these, some clever people by their rather bedraggled state, made came up with another must-see list: the Little from coarse grasses and with untidy twig Five. They are the elephant shrew, ant lion, structures. rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise. Here’s the lowdown on some of Rhinoceros beetle Africa’s finest little creatures. The rhinoceros beetle (Scarabaeinae dynastinae) is one of the largest beetles in Ant lion southern Africa, with horns on its head much The ant lion (Myrmeleontidae) is an odd, like those of its larger namesake. Both males yet familiar feature of the bushveld, digging and females are horned, but only the males

100 UBUNTUUBUNTU South South Africa’s Africa’s Public Public Diplomacy Diplomacy in in action action Issue Issue 14 14 IssueIssue 14 14 South South Africa’s Africa’s Public Public Diplomacy Diplomacy in in action action UBUNTU UBUNTU 101 Discover small-town South Africa Often a haven for artists and creative people who need peace and quiet to flourish, small towns give travellers the opportunity to meet colourful local characters who still have the time to talk and settings that can take your breath away.

Evita se Perron, Darling, Western Cape

102 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 103 FEATURE DISCOVER SMALL-TOWN SOUTH AFRICA DISCOVER SMALL-TOWN SOUTH AFRICA FEATURE

Nieu Bethesda outh Africa is known for its Franschhoek gold and diamonds, but if you want to discover its real gems, head for the small towns and villages that lie just off the beaten the track – the country’s heartland. SOften a haven for artists and creative people who need peace and quiet to flourish, small towns give travellers the opportunity to meet colourful local characters who still have the time to talk and settings that can take your breath away. flowers that blossom in the springtime. Quaint he built in the elegant Victorian style. It is as Don’t miss the pancake parlour in the middle Western Cape restaurants and coffee shops, a theatre, a fashionable today as it was way back then. of town or some of the more lively pubs and Knysna number of B&Bs and a myriad of shops have bars. There are some superb restaurants in Lying on the Garden Route in the Western since sprung up in this scenic setting. The town Eastern Cape the area and accommodation ranges from Cape, the coastal town of Knysna offers Groot Marico also has a famous ambassador, Mrs Evita Nieu Bethesda rustic to fabulous and five-star. incredible vistas of the lagoon and the ocean Bezuidenhout – otherwise known as South A Hollywood movie has even been made in and a famous forest that shelters elusive African actor and satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys. this tiny Karoo hamlet to celebrate its most Kaapschehoop elephants. famous inhabitant – Helen Martins – an Kaapschehoop is a haven for the last wild At the Knysna Heads, the ocean crashes Paternoster eccentric artist and recluse who created horses of South Africa that roam the town through a narrow rocky outcrop to feed Visiting the West Coast town of Paternoster, fantasy creatures out of glass and cement. freely. Harem, a young artist, is the town’s the waters of the lagoon – a nursery for all north of Cape Town, is like walking into a Her home, known as the Owl House, is most famous son after Richard Branson of manner of sea life, such as the tiny Knysna living painting, with colourful fishing boats, a museum where huge camel sculptures, Virgin Airlines’ fame discovered his work. seahorse. Voted South Africa’s best small fisherfolk's houses, holiday homes and huge wise men and owls stand testament to her Many artists live here permanently, and there town in a recent competition, Knysna is rich in boulders overlooking the bay. Everyone vision and passion. It has become a place of are a number of beautiful guesthouses in art galleries and offers great coffee shops and meets at the local hotel to swap stories, and pilgrimage for artists and travellers alike. town, plus other accommodation to suit all restaurants. Then there’s the feast of oysters, a beach braai of lobster and fresh local fish The Ibis Gallery on the main road of Nieu pockets. both cultivated in the lagoon and harvested in is tradition, with the sunset over the ocean Bethesda boasts contemporary South African the wild. providing the perfect setting. art, while the local watering hole is home to Free State Knysna’s people are by far its most colourful some of the area’s more colourful inhabitants. Clarens attraction, ranging from the obviously arty to Oudtshoorn Home to potters, actors, artists and a number Rastafarians – a whole settlement – as well The home of the local ostrich industry and Port St Johns of community-based art projects, this little Clarens as fisherfolk and the wealthy, who have found the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, Port St Johns is a swashbuckling village of town offers the visitor a relaxed but vibrant their paradise along South Africa’s Garden Oudtshoorn, lies in an arid but spectacular legend on the Pondo side of the Wild Coast atmosphere. The road between Clarens and Route. setting in the shadow of the Western Cape’s of the Eastern Cape. It is also one of the Fouriesburg is one of the most scenic in the Despite the extensive fires experienced on Swartberg Mountains. highlights on any international backpacker’s country. Just beyond the town lies the Golden the Garden Route earlier this year, the Knysna The mansions built by ostrich feather world itinerary because of its natural setting, Gate National Park, which has incredible Tourism Board has given the reassurance that farmers of yesteryear are a must-see, as are frontier atmosphere and appeal to more mountain outcrops, clear streams and wildlife. the town has resumed its normal business the spectacular Cango Caves, often a venue adventurous younger travellers. Clarens also boasts farm-stay activities and is welcoming visitors. for choral performances. Enjoy ostrich dishes From one of the most interesting airstrips accommodation, giving visitors an authentic In July 2017, the Knysna Oyster Festival, in local restaurants and shop for ostrich in Africa, one can see the famed Gates of farm experience – Free State style. “The one of the most popular annual events in leather products. St Johns (Mounts Thesiger and Sullivan) on Free State landscape gladdens my heart, the Western Cape, was held. It is an annual either side of the river. no matter what my mood,” former President celebration of the good life, with sport and Matjiesfontein Three good beaches, excellent fishing and Nelson Mandela said once. “When I am here oysters as its focus points. The festival has Today a testament to Victorian splendour, this a general atmosphere of live and let live have I feel that nothing can shut me in and that my taken place every year since 1983, where railway stop became a small town thanks to made this coastal village a hotspot for young thoughts can roam as far as the horizons.” it began as the Knysna Winter Festival – a one man – James Logan. An official with the tourists looking for adventure on the wild side combination of sport that drew people to Cape Government Railways, he suffered from of Africa. North West Knysna during the quiet winter season. The Africa. Home-made cheeses, preserves, walk the streets to soak up the atmosphere a chest complaint. A transfer to the Karoo Groot Marico year 2017 was the 35th celebration of the chocolates, baked goods and breads are on and relax in one of the many ocean-side proved so beneficial that he decided to stay, Mpumalanga Groot Marico in North West is known for its Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. show in all the local shops, and the town has restaurants and bars following a naval theme. farm and acquire land there, among which was Dullstroom mampoer – a distilled and potent alcohol a wealth of art galleries. Whales and great white sharks patrol these the area around the Matjiesfontein Station. The trout-fishing capital of South Africa made from peaches – and its most famous Franschhoek waters and sightings are common. He realised locomotives travelling inland and only two hours from Johannesburg, citizen, author Herman Charles Bosman, who In the heart of the Cape Winelands, Simonstown were thirsty for water – and so were their Dullstroom offers city dwellers the perfect set many of his works in the district. Franschhoek is a little bit of France in Africa. Simonstown near Cape Town is founded on Darling passengers. weekend getaway. The town hosts the annual Herman Charles Settled by French Huguenots who fled naval tradition. From the early days, this town The little town of Darling, lying between the He pumped water from his farm's boreholes Founded by Dutch settler Wolterus Dull 120 Bosman Literary Weekend every October, religious persecution in the 1700s, it is known functioned as the principal South Atlantic West Coast and the Swartland in the Western to the station and while the locomotives years ago, the town has beautiful scenery, with visitors from all over the country visiting for its restaurants, five-star guesthouses Base for the Royal Navy before it became Cape, is one of South Africa’s foremost artist tanked up, he served the passengers food great bird life, delightful decor and antique the Marico area to celebrate some of South and excellent wineries. This area is second the home of the South African Navy. Visitors colonies. Easily accessible from Cape Town, it and drink in his restaurant. The restaurant shops and lots of local colour. Trout fishing is Africa’s best-loved tales.

to Cape Town as the culinary heart of South can explore the fascinating Naval Museum, first attracted attention from the carpets of wild gave way to the majestic Lord Milner Hotel a popular pastime in the area. South African Tourism / Brand South Africa

104 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 105 FEATURE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: LONGEST RUNNING IN AFRICA DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: LONGEST RUNNING IN AFRICA FEATURE Durban International Film Festival: Longest-running in Africa It is one of the biggest festivals of its kind and the longest-running film festival in Africa. Organisers of the festival believe the film festival brings together different filmmakers and industry experts from around the globe who come and share their expertise with developing local artists.

he 38th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) was held from 13 to 23 July. i A total of 225 short films and 38th Durban International Film Festival Award documentaries were shown Winners - 2017 during the festival – more than • Best Feature Film: A Father’s Will half of which were proudly African. There was • Best South African Feature: Vaya Ta total of 74 South African-made films and 40 • Best Director for a South African Film: production pieces from other parts of Africa. John Trentgrove, The Wound Ethekwini Municipality’s Director in • Best Direction: A Father’s Will Durban Film Office, Toni Monty, said the (Bakyt Mukul, Dastan Zhapar Uulu) line-up included filmmakers and arts and • Best Screenplay: La Soledad (Jorge entertainment industry stakeholders from Thielen Armand, Rodrigo Michelangeli) more than 30 countries across the world. • Best Actor: Nakhane Touré, The Wound In a world in which people find themselves • Best Actress: Mariam Al Ferjani, Beauty displaced and seeking refuge in foreign lands, and the Dogs the theme for the festival was “Transit Tales”, • Best International Short Film: Witnesses with a number of films capturing the emotive • Best African Short Film: All of Us stories of human displacement as result of war • Best South African Short: The Hangman and catastrophic events. It was the vision of • Best South African Documentary Film: the DIFF’s newly appointed Festival Manager, Strike a Rock Chipo Zhou, for the festival to reinvent what • Best International Documentary Film: it was to be a film festival within the African Dusk Chorus. context, and to set an industry standard for the inclusion of women and women-led films. developing local artists. Filmmakers say the As such, the festival had a special focus on festival is a breeding ground for growth within African content and women-led films. the film industry. “We have to redefine what and who tells the Serpent was the opening film at the festival, tales in society as that has a significant role in written by Amanda Evans. The thriller is about how people learn and understand the world, a married couple whose supposedly romantic particularly the African continent,” said Zhou. escape into the African forests turns ugly The 38th DIFF was organised by the Centre when an uninvited serpent shows up in their for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu- camp tent. Natal, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal In closing was the South African film, Film Commission, the National Film and Video Asinamali, by renowned author and director Foundation, German Embassy and others. Mbongeni Ngema. The springboard for their It is one of the biggest festivals of its kind play is the events that surrounded a 1983 and the longest-running film festival in Africa. rent strike by black people in the Lamontville Organisers of the festival believe the film township in Durban, led by the martyred festival brings together different filmmakers activist Msizi Dube, in which the rallying cry and industry experts from around the globe was “Asinamali!”.

who come and share their expertise with www.kzntopbusiness.co.za / www.sabc.com

106 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 107 Corné Krige named latest Laureus Ambassador

ormer Springbok captain, Corné Krige, career-threatening knee and hand injuries. He Flying the SA flag Fhas been named the latest Laureus Sport captained the Springboks on his test debut in Johnny Clegg bids fans goodbye for Good Foundation Ambassador, joining an a 101-0 victory over Italy in Durban. illustrious list of sports icons who are part of Krige appeared in 39 tests for South Africa, fter nearly four decades of foot-stomping song, especially at a time where it seemed the Laureus family. became the full-time captain in 2002 and Amusic that challenged South Africa’s impossible,” he said. “I want to give my fans The announcement was made during a captained the Boks 18 times in all, before his apartheid regime and promoted racial some kind of conclusion ... (showing) that the special Laureus surfing-themed road show at international retirement in January 2004. reconciliation, Johnny Clegg – aka “the White journey I started when I was 14-years-old is the new Laureus-funded Waves for Change “It’s a massive honour for me to join the Zulu” – is heading out on his final tour. coming to an end now. Project in East London. Laureus family. I look forward to assisting On Saturday, 1 July, Clegg started his global “My shows are very physical, a lot of Krige made his Western Province debut in them in the great work they do to uplift the farewell tour with a concert in Cape Town dancing, and I have to be strong to do that.” 1996 and eventually went on to captain the youth in South Africa and around the world. before playing other South Africa venues and “I would like to present a final farewell while side, leading the team to back-to-back Currie "I am truly humbled that they have chosen then on to London, France, Dubai, the United I am still capable of doing it,” he added during Cup titles in 2000 and 2001. He was clearly me to join such an illustrious group of In contrast, his music – and activism – attracted States and Canada. an interview in Johannesburg. a man destined to lead, as he captained ambassadors,” said an elated Krige. a worldwide fanbase that packed venues such The 64-year-old, who is famed for his Clegg said that the “Final Journey Tour” his high school First XV, every single WP Krige joins a remarkable list of current and as the Royal Albert Hall in London and across multi-ethnic collaborations, told AFP that the would be an autobiographical trip through representative side from Under-13 to senior former sportsmen and women around the France, where he remains a huge national star. decision to bring down the curtain on live his musical career since he was a boy. It is a level, as well as the Stormers and finally the world who support and promote the Laureus He credits the 1982 song, Scatterlings of performing came after he was diagnosed with journey that saw him endure harassment from pinnacle of his career, the Springboks. Krige’s Sport for Good Foundation. Africa, as the tune that catapulted him and his cancer in 2015. apartheid police under white-minority rule, Test debut came in 1999 after recovering from www.news24.com “It has been a rewarding career in so many when he was targeted for playing with black band to stardom as it topped charts in France and England. www.enca.com aspects ... to be able to unite people through musicians. South African boys crowned world champions in literary competition

outh Africa – represented by St John’s (Woodrow Wilson Middle School) S Preparatory – won the Kids’ Lit Quiz trailing in second position with Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka gets second term as UN Women Director (KLQ) World Final 2017 in Canada in July 27 points, and the UK (Kingston nited Nations (UN) Secretary-General, role in ensuring that women are put front and and was crowned the best from over 1 000 Grammar School) third. UAntónio Guiterres, has announced that centre of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable schools around the world which competed in The four St John’s Prep boys Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka would stay on for Development and that the responsibility of the annual competition. – Khelan Desai, Hongjae Noh, a second term as Executive Director of UN ending gender inequality becomes everyone’s The National Champion teams, all keen Sahaj Mooji and Joshua Bruwer Women. responsibility. readers between the ages of 10 and 13, hailed – led the competition from rounds Mlambo-Ngcuka joined the organisation, She said she wanted to use the next four from eight countries: Australia, Canada, Hong one to 10 before being crowned which is tasked with empowering women and years to build on the momentum already Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, world champions for 2017. encouraging gender equality, four years ago. achieved to put the new Strategic Plan for United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of Teams answer 100 questions Under her, UN Women established the 2018 – 2021 into practice, as well as work America (USA). over 10 categories, based on much-publicised HeForShe Campaign that towards implementing the 2030 Agenda with The winning team from each country met for any children’s book published engages men and boys on issues of gender gender equality and women’s empowerment the international finals in the Sport of Reading in English. The last time South equality. UN Women has played a significant at its heart. www.enca.com in Oakville on 3 July. South Africa’s St John’s Africa won was in 2013. College won with 40 points, with the USA www.sapeople.com

SA juniors return with 17 medals from CAA champs Team SA tops final medal table at U18 World Champs he national Under-20 team ended their Mpho Tladi was also in fine form, charging Discus thrower Yolandi Stander secured gold he South African youth team closed out Mlenga, Gontse Morake and 400-m Hurdles Tfour-day campaign with a total of 17 to a commanding win in the Men’s 110-m with a best effort of 49.13 m, adding to her T their campaign in fine style on Sunday, 16 champions, Soks Zazini and Zeney van der medals (12 gold, four silver and one bronze) Hurdles final in 13.78, albeit with the benefit silver medal in the Shot Put earlier in the July, bagging three more medals on the final Walt, completing the race in 3:24.45. at the CAA African Junior Championships in of a +2.4m/s tailwind. Among the women, week. day of the IAAF World U18 Championships High jumper Breyton Poole made South Tlemcen, Algeria, recently. Jana Steinmann, the Shot Put gold in Nairobi, Kenya. The squad achieved the Africa proud as he clinched the gold medal Sprinter Clarence Munyai stormed to a medallist, settled for fourth place in the Discus nation’s best-ever medal haul at a major in the Boys’ High Jump final. Despite being spectacular victory in the Men’s 200-m final, Throw, delivering a best attempt of 34.93 m. global athletics championship, earning 11 a full head shorter than his opponents at just clocking 20.22 for the second-fastest time of Versatile athlete Jone Kruger won the podium places to finish top of the table. They 1.72 m, the 17-year-old Capetonian cleared his career. Heptathlon with 4 850 points, holding off a returned home with five gold, three silver and an impressive 2.24 m to win gold. Munyai shattered the 22-year-old challenge from Afaf Benhadja of Algeria, who three bronze medals. He cleared 2.20 m with his second attempt, championship record of 20.76, held by took second place with 4 552 points in front of In the Boys 200-m final, Retshidisitswe 2.22 m with his first jump and 2.24 m with Ibrahim Meite of the Ivory Coast, finishing her home crowd. Mlenga (21.03) and Tshenolo Lemao (21.12) his third, according to the IAAF. “What we well ahead of Zimbabwean silver medallist The SA team finished second on the overall charged to another one-two finish, swapping have achieved is beyond expression. We are Kundai Maguranyanga who crossed the line medals table behind Ethiopia, which bagged places after they had also earned gold and very much excited with what our youth team in 21.11. 38 medals, including 13 gold. silver in the 100-m contest earlier in the week. Lemao was also pleased with his has achieved,” said Athletics South Africa In the Men’s Discus Throw, the South “We are very proud of the Junior National “I came in very focussed, having made performance, despite playing second fiddle to president Aleck Skhosana. ”It’s not every day African squad bagged the one-two positions, Team for the hard work they have put up and a mistake in the 100-m final, which is my his compatriot over the half-lap distance. you top the world. with Werner Dames launching a best effort of the medals they have brought home,” said favourite race,” Mlenga said. “I followed my In the last event of the five-day “We are world champions and if feels to be 72.75 m to edge out countryman Hernu van Aleck Skhosana, the president of Athletics coach’s instructions and I’m very happy to championships, the SA Mixed 4x400-m perched at the top. We would like to get used

Vuuren by just one centimetre. South Africa. www.sport24.co.za have won a gold medal.” Relay Team scooped the bronze medal, with to this going forward.” www.sport24.co.za

108 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 109 Durbanite one of the 25 most influential people in the international meetings industry

ina Freysen-Pretorius has been included Association, the first South African to fill the Nin the United States-based Successful position. Flying the SA flag Meetings magazine’s annual list of 25 Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African SA captain Van Niekerk top wicket-taker at Women’s World Cup outstanding professionals who have had a Tourism, says this is a huge achievement – significant impact on the meetings industry. not only for Freysen-Pretorius as an individual Freysen-Pretorius is the Chief Executive but for the South African meetings industry as outh Africa captain, Dane van Niekerk, Niekerk in the wicket-taking charts with 13 Officer (CEO) of The Conference Company, a whole. “Thank you, Nina, for making a real S finished as the leading wicket-taker in scalps at an average of 19.4. which has offices in Cape Town and contribution to the industry on a global level the Women’s World Cup, which ended on Shabnim Ismail ended 11th with 10 wickets Johannesburg and celebrates 20 years in and for being an outstanding ambassador for Sunday, 23 July. for an average of 26.4, and was closely business this year. South Africa at the same time. Congratulations While England beat India by nine runs to followed by Sune Luus also with 10 wickets in Vince Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief of Successful Potential honorees were suggested by key from South African Tourism and the entire claim the World Cup title at Lord’s, it was the 13th position with a bowling average of 17.4. Meetings, says the 25 individuals have been members of the meeting industry, recipients industry.” performance of legspinner Van Niekerk who Opening batters Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle chosen because they have either contributed from previous years and through open “Being included in this list of industry claimed 15 wickets at an astounding average Lee were the standout performers for South to the business of meetings, made it easier for nominations. achievers is truly humbling. of 10 which really stood out. Africa with the willow. meeting professionals to do their jobs, helped Named one of the top strategists in the "I believe in the meetings industry and how The South African captain was part of the Wolvaardt plundered 324 runs in seven raise awareness of the industry, or through meetings industry, Freysen-Pretorius is it can contribute to successful economies Proteas team that suffered a heartbreaking innings at an average of 46.2, boasting a their actions, have had a significant impact on serving a second term as president of the across the world, including South Africa,” says two-wicket semi-final loss to England on top score of 67 against England in the group meeting professionals. International Congress and Convention Freysen-Pretorius. www.bizzcommunity.com 18 July in Bristol. stage. The hugely talented 18-year-old Though the 24-year-old was unable to scored four half-centuries in seven games, Le Clos humbled to reclaim 200-m Butterfly gold weave her magic against England in the which bodes well for the future of South had le Clos won the men’s 200-m Butterfly “It was an emotional race, before, during and knock-out encounter with 0/25 from five helped South Africa qualify for the semi-finals African cricket. Wolvaardt ended 11th on the gold medal at the World Championships after it,” said a teary-eyed Le Clos, who had overs, it was her performances throughout the with a match to spare. run-scoring table. C recently after defeating home favourite Laszlo braced himself for a raucous atmosphere tournament that led her side to the last four. Van Niekerk though, was ably assisted by Lee scored 269 runs in seven knocks at Cseh, the defending champion, in Budapest. at the Duna Arena. The noise was near- Van Niekerk claimed four scalps on two her teammates who boasted arguably the an average of 38.4 with a highest score of 92 South Africa’s Le Clos, the 2012 Olympic deafening as the crowd roared on Cseh and occasions with 4/22 against India before most impressive bowling attack in the World against India. Lee for her efforts, ended 13th champion, clocked one minute 53.33 seconds Tamas Kenderesi, who finished fourth. “I’m very humbled to have come out on top returning 4/24 against Sri Lanka, which Cup. Marizanne Kapp was just behind Van in the run-scoring department. African News Agency with Hungary’s Cseh 0.39 sec behind, taking “I knew it was going to be difficult with and reclaim the gold medal that I lost last silver and Japan’s Daiya Seto earning bronze everyone cheering for the two Hungarians,” year,” he added, referring to his fourth-placed SA’S KWV scoops 2017 worldwide brandy trophy at 0.88 sec. said Le Clos. finish in the 2016 Olympic final. www.sport24.co.za

aarl-based KWV has been awarded the more) as well as the Worldwide Trophy for The quality of KWV’s brandies was also Photojournalist Phando Jikelo wins top international prize P Worldwide Trophy and numerous gold Brandy at the International Wine and Spirits recognised by judges in the International awards for its brandies in two separate global Competition (IWSC). Spirits Challenge (ISC) – a separate ormer Independent Media photojournalist, Rossiya Segodnya media group said recently. wine and spirits competitions recently. This competition, which aims to set the competition but equally influential – where FPhando Jikelo, was recently named a Jikelo, 33, said he had not expected to win the KWV’s 15-year-old Potstill Brandy achieved international benchmark for quality in wine KWV mirrored its IWSC performance by also co-winner in the Top News Category of the category. He said the award was confirmation an Outstanding Gold (a score of 93/100 or and spirits, receives entries from nearly 90 claiming gold for its Potstill 12-year-old and its prestigious Andrei Stenin International Press that excellence came with passion and hard countries, with their submissions scrutinised 20-year-old. Photo Contest. work. by over 400 global experts. Proving that quality Over the years, KWV has established itself Jikelo, who now works for Independent The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo is evidenced throughout its ranks, KWV’s as a key competitor at international spirit Media’s sister company, ANA Pictures, Contest aims to support young photographers Worldwide Trophy for Brandy is flanked by competitions. won the prize for his photo series, entitled: and draw public attention to the challenges of a handful of gold awards for its other potstill “Last year, KWV’s 15-year-old claimed Best Grabouw Housing Protest. photojournalism in today’s world. brandies, from the same competition. Brandy in the World, at the ISC, after claiming He shares the prize with Alejandro Martinez It is a platform for young photographers In addition to its global award, KWV the same title for KWV 20-year-old the year Velez from Spain who won for his heart- who draw our attention to the people and was also awarded gold awards (a score before. Collectively, KWV’s brandies have wrenching series, Migrants in Belgrade, the events around us. www.iol.co.za of 90 to 92.9/100) for the KWV 20-year- secured the ISC trophy eight times, and the old and 12-year-old potstills. KWV also IWSC trophy 10 times – far more than any SA actor John Kani joins cast of “Lion King” remake received gold for its Heritage XO Cognac, other producer, making KWV brandy one made in partnership with French House of of the most awarded brandy brands in the outh African actor John Kani is joining the cast of Jon Charpentier, from a blend of cognacs from the world,” said KWV master distiller, Pieter de Favreau’s live action remake of Lion King. Petit Champagne region in France. Bod. www. bizzcommunity.com S The actor – who will be reprising his role as King T’Chaka in Black Panther – is said to be joining as Rafiki, the wise baboon who acts as Mufasa’s royal adviser. SA’s Levy Sekgapane wins global opera competition Other cast members who have been confirmed for the remake include Donald Glover as Simba, Seth Rogen as outh Africa’s golden voice Levy in the footsteps of Pretty Yende by clinching Pumbaa, James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa Sekgapane’s win at a prestigious global the top prize at the Operalia World Opera S and John Oliver as Zazu and Billy Eichner as Timon. competition will be a boost for the country’s Competition, held in Kazakhstan this year. In addition, Entertainment Weekly has also confirmed opera scene. His singing teacher, Hanna van Schalkwyk, Captain America: Civil War’s Alfre Woodard will be joining Sekgapane, who hails from Kroonstad, said, “Pretty Yende won the Operalia a few as Sarabi, Mufasa’s wife and Simba’s mother. beat hundreds of talented opera singers from years ago and to now have two people from The film is set to release in United States theatres on 19 around the world. Sekgapane has followed South Africa win is amazing.” www.ewn.co.za July 2019. Channel24

110 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 111 Flying the SA flag Semenya smashes Women’s 600-m world record outh Africa’s Caster Semenya brought her glittering season to an end S by smashing the world record in the rarely-run 600 m. The 26-year-old, Olympic gold medallist and three times world champion over 800 m, clocked a stunning 1 min 21.77 sec over the unusual distance at the ISTAF meet in Berlin, Germany, in August. She took 0.86 sec off the previous best set by Cuba’s Ana Fidelia Quirot in 1997. Semenya said she was delighted to end her season in the German capital where she won world gold eight years ago. “I feel at home here, always welcomed and loved. I won my first world title here, so this city is special for me,” beamed the South African. “I wanted to deliver (the world record) to make the people here happy.”

www.sport24.co.za

Young South African choirs bring chills to the world stage

wo young South African choirs down with this glorious performance of Schmidt Thave brought chills to the world and Barrett’s arrangement of Indodana”. stage recently with Tuks Camerata Meanwhile in Japan, the Drakensberg Boys bringing the house down in Spain, and Choir School made South Africans very proud the Drakensberg Boys Choir doing the with their tour of the country. same in Japan. KwaZulu-Natal teacher Pamela Couzyn Tuks Camerata’s performance – at said: “The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is the 11th World Symposium on Choral in the final week of a six week tour of Japan." Music in Barcelona – was so brilliant "The tour has been a phenomenal success that Choral Stream has pinned it to and the Japanese have been all embracing of the top of their Facebook page, and our unique and truly South African brand. said: “The University of Pretoria’s Tuks "The Drakie boys are brilliant brand

Camerata absolutely brought the house ambassadors." www.sapeople.com

Teenager Mahlangu dashes to world record aralympian Ntando Mahlangu has broken a world record. P The teenager was competing at the 2017 World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland. The men’s 200-m silver medallist at the Rio Paralymics, Mahlangu set a new world mark in the T42 (amputees) 100-m event. His winning time of 12.01 seconds meant he improved on a four-year-old record, which belonged to Germany’s Heinrich Popow. Mahlangu clipped 0.10 sec off the old mark. It was 15-year-old Mahlangu’s second gold medal of the championships, having won 200-m gold earlier. “I’m very happy about the world record,” said Mahlangu. “I’m here to do my best." "I wasn’t expecting a world record, but definitely a fast time. "I wanted to run below 12 seconds, but I cannot complain; it’s wonderful for me to achieve this at such

a young age.” www.sport24.co.za

Terry Pheto scoops two awards in London outh African actress Terry Pheto won two awards at the annual International Achievement S Recognition Awards in London. Pheto won Best Actress for her portrayal of Naledi Khama in the true-life romance A United Kingdom. She also scooped Best Actress for TV or Drama for portraying Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in the BET Nelson Mandela mini-series Madiba. The actress first came to international attention playing a lead in the Oscar-winning film, Tsotsi. Later, she starred in the American soap opera, The Bold and The Beautiful, and the feature film,

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, featuring Idris Elba in the title role. www.enca.com

112 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Sign up Log in #a good story to tell

DIRCOza @DIRCO_ZA thedircoza DIRCO ZA DIRCOZA

Features Entertainment Sport News Government Lifestyle More >

SA joins forces with EU and Brazil on ocean research SA banks rated strongest in the world South Africa has signed an agreement with the European Union (EU) and Brazil to The rise of Capitec Bank Holdings [JSE:CPI] as South Africa’s leading bank seems to boost investment in research and expand scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems. have no end with the bank now regarded as the Best Bank in the World. The agreement was signed in Portugal, where the Minister of Science and This is according to the Lafferty Group’s 2017 Global Bank Quality Benchmarking Technology, Naledi Pandor, attended a three-day high-level ministerial meeting on Study. It ranks 100 major quoted banks across 32 countries for their longer-term Atlantic research and innovation cooperation, from 12 to 14 July. sustainability and gives its highest ratings to banks that focus on serving their clients’ Minister Pandor signed the agreement with Gilberto Kassab, Brazil’s Minister of needs in retail and corporate banking. State for Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication; and Carlos Moedas, It found that South Africa’s banks achieved the highest rankings for the second European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. year in a row. The Lafferty Group’s ratings are based on information available in the Known as the Belém Statement, the agreement outlines ways in which countries can deepen scientific knowledge of marine public domain, such as each bank’s business model, assessed in terms of factors such as strategy, culture and management. ecosystems and the interrelations between oceans and climate change, oceans and food, and oceans and energy systems, as Capitec was awarded Lafferty Group’s highest five-star rating; Absa achieved four stars; and FirstRand, Standard and well as the dynamics of the Atlantic Ocean and its interconnected circulation systems from Antarctica to the Arctic. Nedbank were given three stars. The statement build on previous agreements, such as the signing of bilateral declarations of intent on marine research and “Capitec is a remarkable bank in that it is the only bank anywhere in the world among those we have rated that qualifies for a innovation cooperation between the EU and Brazil, and the EU and South Africa, and the development of the South-South five-star rating,” Lafferty group CEO, Michael Lafferty, told Fin24. Framework for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the South and Tropical Atlantic and Southern Oceans. “It has very high financial ratios and also scores very high in qualitative criteria like strategy, culture, customer satisfaction, Speaking at the signing in Portugal, Minister Pandor said that shared global challenges like climate change, food security, management experience and living the brand. Most of all it is a highly focussed bank.” www.fin24.co.za poverty and inequality demanded a united global response. She emphasised that international cooperation was imperative for science to advance and to improve the quality of living of all on our planet. Launch of Musina Terminal a boost to regional economic integration The minister said South Africa was well equipped to contribute to the partnership and to add significant value to the investments The launch of the Musina Intermodal Terminal (MIT) was a huge boost to the regional of our partners. economic integration and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Programme, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr , said. Travel and Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Cities List sees Cape Town ranked eighth Minister Davies, who was speaking during the launch of the MIT in Musina in Limpopo, Cape Town, home to the most incredible sights and landmarks on earth, is doing said the MIT would contribute immensely to the regional economic integration that South South Africa proud, flying the flag higher once again Africa, the Southern African Development Community region and the continent at large This time, for being voted by Travel and Leisure’s readers in their World’s Best were working hard for. According to Minister Davies, the MIT addressed a number of Awards as the eighth top city in the World for 2017. policies of government and the promotion of regional economic integration. The readers, globally, rated the cities for their sights and landmarks, culture, The terminal, which is aimed at the containerised cargo market and the transportation of mineral ores such as coal, iron ore, cuisine, friendliness, shopping and overall value as well as shared their opinions chrome, copper and sulphur, is a stepping stone to bigger projects within and around the newly-designated Musina-Makhado on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas and airlines, to name a few. SEZ. The SEZ will significantly increase industrial production in the region. Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, according to Travel and Leisure readers, This will include steel and related inputs for producing steel and stainless steel, as well as increasing mining development takes the crown jewels this year for the first time ever in the World’s Best Awards’ and production. The SEZ will thus increase trade between South Africa and its neighbours. “Regional integration will also be 22-year history. deepened,” added Minister Davies. He said that the project was designed to improve trade, which was key to the regional Charleston, South Carolina, comes in second place while Hoi An in Vietnam surpasses South Africa with just one spot to claim integration agenda. the seventh spot. Once fully implemented, the zone is expected to create total employment of more than 20 000. MIT would also award 10 The Mother City, officially home to one of the New 7 Wonder of Nature, continues to fly the South African flag in a big way. bursaries in logistics and transport to deserving students with Matric from the area. African News Agency www.traveller24.com Two Joburg restaurants make it onto shortlist for Restaurant and Bar Design Awards Coega awards nine contracts worth R30 million to SMMEs in Eastern Cape In its ninth year, the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards have shortlisted its list of The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has invested R30 million in nine small, 239 restaurants. Considering that submissions come from across the globe, this medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape to complete various figure would’ve been significantly reduced, after processing hundreds of entries. construction projects in the Coega Special Economic Zone. Two Johannesburg restaurants made their way onto the shortlist this year; SMMEs benefiting from Coega projects include Nandi Mpofu, Agnew Cabinets; Nolan Urbanologi, the industrial-styled restaurant attached to Mad Giant Brewery, headed Mathura, Ascon Civil Engineering; Laeeq Dolley, Rulasaqa Plumbing; Shaheed Nordien, by Chef Jack Coetzee, serving refined dishes inspired by street food culture; YKW Projects; Thembisa Doda, Mothiscore; Luleka Ncomanzi, Ingakuhle Trading and Midrand restaurant Nostimo by Mythos, a grand space that follows their Enterprise; and Nonyameko Maya, Ibhayi Achuma Trading. Mediterranean theme, with blue hues and a long golden yellow booth. “As an empowerment-driven organisation, the CDC is conscious of the important role The awards ceremony took place in October this year, with an impressive array that the small business sector plays in unlocking economic growth in Nelson Mandela of judges from different corners of the culinary and design worlds, as well as creative industry leaders in media. The judges Bay and South Africa. Our dedicated SMME Unit was specifically established to support SMMEs, in line with our vision to be a this year included George Calombaris, a favourite on South African TV screens for his role as one of the judges in Australian catalyst for championing socio-economic development,” says Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, Head of Marketing and Communication at CDC. Masterchef. The contracts to SMMEs from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro were awarded over a time period of 12 months and include three Urbanologi won the title in the Middle East and African Category for 2017. www.food24.com projects, namely CCA Fencing, MM Engineering and Custom Control Area – building in zone one. The construction work on these

projects includes brickwork, electrical, structural steel, civil works and landscaping, among others. www.bizzcommunity.com

114 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 115 Sign up Log in #a good story to tell

DIRCOza @DIRCO_ZA thedircoza DIRCO ZA DIRCOZA

Lufthansa group making the most of Cape Town potential development. These arrangements will ensure an integrated regional market and address the challenges of small and In the past, Lufthansa only had a seasonal direct flight between Munich and Cape Town from fragmented markets, improving Africa’s proposition as a viable destination for investment. about October to April, during the European winter. This was mainly due to German tourists Work is also underway to promote active participation of the private sector in the regional integration agenda in order to coming to the Cape during that period. promote intra-Africa investment and the development of regional value chains. SAnews.gov.za “We saw the potential for a year-round direct flight and, therefore, started with three weekly direct flights between Cape Town and Frankfurt,” Dr Andre Schulz, General Manager of New R40-million glass lift gets underway in exciting new Mpumalanga Lufthansa for Southern Africa, told Fin24 recently. tourism project “Usually, it was mostly inbound traffic over that period, but now we see a balance with outbound sales from Cape Town Excitement is in the air as Graskop Gorge Lift Company started work on the glass and we see a nice potential out of Cape Town. So, as from 17 October, we will have five weekly direct flights between Cape elevator project – a first for Africa – that’s set to boost tourism in Mpumalanga. Town and Frankfurt as well.” The glass elevator that “will cost in excess of R40 million to construct”, is situated near Lufthansa also introduced a new brand on the route with its Eurowings airline starting with direct flights between Cologne the Panorama Route. and Cape Town once a week from November. This came hot on the heels of the newly introduced Eurowings direct flight Graskop Gorge Lift Company, that is heading the operation, says that people travelling between Cologne and Windhoek. on the R533 between Graskop and Hazyview in Mpumalanga can already see the machinery and construction in place, “Eurowings is our premium low-cost airline. It provides quality at a low cost where you pay only for the options you choose adjacent to the Graskop Big Swing. to take,” explained Schulz. “Therefore, it is targeting a more price-sensitive customer.” “Work is going full steam ahead on a project that will add to the tourism offering of Graskop,” says Graskop Gorge Lift He said German tourists were increasingly looking for new destinations and Namibia could prove to be popular due to the Company, adding that the lift should be open by December 2017. value for money it offered and its historic link with Germany. The elevator will allow tourists improved access to Graskop Gorge and waterfall, all while providing scenic views and giving “With our new Eurowings offer to Cape Town, we are opening up the market also for people who might not have travelled visitors an adrenaline-fuelled experience. before. We are seeing both Namibia and the Western Cape picking up as destinations. And on top of that, our seasonal three “The development includes a glass lift that will transport guests down into the gorge where they can experience the forest times weekly direct flights on Edelweiss will again run from October toApril,” said Schulz. via a 500-m elevated boardwalk and interpretation stations.” www.traveller24.co.za Austrian Airlines is also set to return to the Cape Town market with twice weekly direct flights. At the same time, Johannesburg still forms the backbone of the Lufthansa group’s operations in South Africa and the New R1,2-billion gas facility to boost SA’s supply airline has just celebrated its 55th year of presence in South Africa. A R1,2-billion facility near Saldanha Bay is set to alleviate South Africa’s gas shortage “We have a long-term commitment in South Africa and our direct flights from Johannesburg to Zurich and to Frankfurt and broaden its energy mix.

remain very popular,” said Schulz. www.fin24.co.za Sunrise Energy recently revealed its new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) import and storage facility in a move that is likely to boost the gas’ availability in South Africa. SA still a choice investment destination The facility received its first load from a LPG ship in May and facility manager, William South Africa continues to attract investment, despite global challenges, with foreign direct Bopape, said his port had been busy ever since. investment (FDI) in the country increasing. The facility is in many ways a pioneer in the gas sector, with South Africa owning only one significant other import facility In a recent statement, the International Cooperation, Trade and Security (ICTS) Cluster in Richards Bay. Pieter Coetzee, CEO of Sunrise Energy, said establishing the plant was not an easy venture, because the said South Africa’s total trade with the East African region amounted to R25,5 billion in 2016, industry was still in its infancy. He said Sunrise had to take full market risk, but he believed the facility would open up the LPG up from R23,6 billion in 2015 – representing a 7,92% increase. market, especially in the Western Cape. The cluster was reporting on work done in the first quarter of 2017. Worldwide, countries use an average of 20% of gas for their energy needs, but in South Africa, it is only 3%. Energy Minister, Through several bilateral engagements, South Africa continues to see growth in regional, continental and global trade and Mmamoloko Kubayi, said at the unveiling of the facility that LPG was underutilised in South Africa. investment. This has resulted in increased sales of manufactured value-added exports from the Industrial Policy Action Plan She said unlike other years, there had been no emergency briefing this year due to a shortage of LPG. “I believe this facility priority sectors by R62,2 million. This has brought total sales for the year to R4,2 billion. contributed to that.” “The ICTS Cluster’s work of targeting emerging and traditional markets and our product and market diversification strategy She said LPG should be promoted to the same level of other energy sources, adding that government was investigating the have led to an increase in FDI inflows of R15,3 billion during the fourth quarter (January to March 2017), particularly in the deregulation of LPG pricing as infrastructure such as Sunrise develops. energy and chemicals sectors. This brings the total investment pipeline to R50,2 billion,” said the cluster. Sunrise’s significant enhancement of the market will bring competition to the gas market and bring prices down, said the The investment pipeline consists of investment projects that have been committed to by project owners. Every year, a Minister of Economic Development, . He said gas was cleaner and cheaper. “Potentially, this facility could bring target amount is determined. The target amount for this year is R45 billion. down cost of production of business and household spend.” www.fin24.co.za InvestSA, which was launched by President Jacob Zuma earlier this year, will engage in a range of activities to identify potential investment opportunities, targeting potential investors and assisting and supporting them until the potential projects Marine Tourism Plan to grow economy are turned into investment commitments. The amounts will then be added to the investment pipeline. Cabinet has approved the Coastal and Marine Tourism Implementation Plan, which is “These figures follow the recent announcement by the United Nations that global FDI has fallen by less than previously set to grow the economy and boost tourism. thought in 2016, and is expected to grow again this year and for 2018. This implies that, contrary to challenges often referred Developed under the auspices of the Operation Phakisa Ocean Economy, the plan will to around the world, as investment risk in the developing world, we continue to attract foreign investment,” said the cluster. also seek to integrate coastal developments with existing inland experiences, with the The cluster said work was continuing to advance the country along a development trajectory that was sustainable and view to maximise participation opportunities. prioritised integration. “The plan will uplift tourism in the Ocean Economy. It will grow a world-class and sustainable coastal and marine tourism “Continental integration is the foundation for Africa’s socio-economic development and a prerequisite for building stability, destination that leverages South Africa’s competitive advantages in nature, culture and heritage,” said the former Minister of prosperity, peace and unity,” the cluster said. Communications, Ayanda Dlodlo, who briefed the media on Thursday, 17 August, on Cabinet decisions. A key element of the Implementation Plan of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation The South African Maritime Safety Authority says marine tourism ranks among the top four subsectors of the country’s Action Plan is the development of regional value chains, which will contribute to SADC-wide industrialisation and investment. maritime economic sector projected for phenomenal growth in the next two decades. According to the authority, it contributed SADC countries continue to collaborate on several issues, including food security and agriculture. South Africa is actively R19 billion to the country’s gross domestic product in 2013, with projections currently indicating yields as high as R44 billion in involved in the Tripartite Free Trade Area negotiations and the Continental Free Trade Area. These negotiations are aimed 2020 and rising rapidly to R134 billion in 2033, generating between 800 000 and one million jobs. at promoting a developmental integration agenda that combines market integration with industrial and infrastructure Cabinet has also approved South Africa’s participation in the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition for 2017 – 2020.

116 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 117 Sign up Log in #a good story to tell

DIRCOza @DIRCO_ZA thedircoza DIRCO ZA DIRCOZA

The participation will support South Africa’s chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2017/18. Ndebele-flavoured BMW 7 Series back in SA South Africa plays a strategic role as one of seven founding members of the IORA. This opens opportunities beyond Esther Mahlangu’s uniquely South-African flavoured BMW 7 Series is back in South South Africa’s coastal marine and tourism, and extends opportunities to one third of the world’s coastline. Africa and will be used to preserve the Ndebele cultural heritage of her people. Minister Dlodlo said South Africa would use its research vessel, SA Agulhas II, to conduct marine research, while Mahlangu (aged 82) is a South African Ndebele artist and was the first woman to create training and building scientific capacity for South Africa and East Africa. SAnews.gov.za artwork on a BMW 525i Sedan, turning it into a unique and colourful BMW Art Car. In South Africa contributes to the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2) 2016, Esther was once again commissioned by the BMW Group to refine a BMW 7 Series. The vehicle was on display at the Frieze Art Fair, which took place in London in 2016. Cabinet has approved South Africa’s participation in the IIOE-2 taking place between 2017 and 2020. The IIOE-2 is a Simultaneously, the original BMW 525i Art Car was part of the exhibition, “South Africa: The Art of a Nation”, at the British Museum, multinational programme related to the collection of basic long-term marine environmental data in the Indian Ocean for functioning as a significant piece and highlighting Mahlangu’s key role in South African art. the period 2016 – 2020. BWW Group South Africa is now the owner of Esther’s specially commissioned BMW panels painted in Ndebele art, which have The gathering of basic long-term marine data and been installed into a new BMW 750Li Individual. The vehicle will form part of BMW Group South Africa’s Heritage Collection and information will place the developing nations of the Indian will be utilised as a display vehicle at various arts and cultural events with the blessing of Mahlangu in order to preserve her cultural Ocean Rim in a better position to conserve the integrity of heritage for the people of South Africa. its ocean and to find ways to unlock their potential ocean “I am so glad that BMW brought my art back to South Africa, it is a beautiful car to be shared with the people of South Africa for economies. As part of this marine expedition, South many years to come,” says Mahlangu. Africa will be deploying the SA Agulhas II to conduct “The patterns I have used on the BMW panels marry tradition to the essence of BMW. When BMW sent me the panels to paint, marine research while training and building scientific I could see the design in my head and I just wanted to get started! I started by painting the small ones first to get the feel of the capacity for South Africa and East Africa. This science surface and then it was easy as the design follows the lines of the panels,” she adds. cruise will be led by scientists based in the Department Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, is proud that Esther’s work will now be preserved in her of Environmental Affairs, who will coordinate research home country. “We are delighted to share Esther’s legacy with the people of South Africa. Esther embraces her traditional heritage activities with other national departments and East passionately and has dedicated her entire life to the development and promotion of Ndebele art”. www.enca.com African countries. In 2015, during its Assembly, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission adopted a resolution to undertake Cape Town, New York join forces to boost tourism the IIOE-2. Cape Town’s tourism sector is set to get a major boost from a bilateral partnership with The first version of the IIOE occurred from 1960 to 1965 and benefitted only a few countries, hence the main objective New York. for South Africa’s participation is to ensure that the African continent and the region at large benefit from various proposed NYC & Company has signed a deal with Cape Town Tourism that will see the two initiatives. cities market each other as tourist destinations. In order to get a buy-in from all interested stakeholders such as research agencies, non-govenmental organisations, It’s the first accord NYC & Company has signed with a destination marketing body universities and government departments, the Department of Environmental Affairs-led National Planning Committee on the African continent. was established to consolidate a proposal for South Africa’s participation. Sixty million tourists visit New York City annually, while the Mother City welcomes Cabinet’s endorsement allows South Africa to participate in the IIOE-2 between 2017 and 2020 through availing five million visitors per annum. research vessels, namely the SA Agulhas II and RV Algoa, as well as other platforms to conduct oceanic research and The cities’ destination marketing organisations have now collaborated to share best collect relevant data and information of national and regional socio-economic interest. practice in tourism marketing and exchange marketing tools to boost these figures even more. 18 African countries meet for the first Global Youth in Biodiversity Network in Africa Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy, says the two-year partnership holds the promise of amplifying the city’s holiday destination appeal. In August 2017, youth from 18 African countries working towards conservation and protection of biodiversity attended “They have bus shelters across their five barrels where they’ll give Cape Town Tourism to run our campaigns on the bus shelters, the first Global Youth in Biodiversity Network (GYBN) in Africa workshop not only speaking to the international tourists that are coming to New York but also the 10 million citizens living in New York.” in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, to exchange ideas and find possible solutions to It has the potential of reaching an estimated 17,6 million media impressions. preventing biodiversity loss. In return, Cape Town offers equivalent marketing opportunities for NYC & Company. www.ewn.co.za Established in 2010, the GYBN is an international network of youth organisations and individuals, representing 343 000 members from 107 SA shines at mining convention countries worldwide. South Africa has won the Best International Exhibition Award at the recently concluded The network, which is the official youth coordination platform in the 2017 Perumin Mining Convention in Peru. negotiations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) led a delegation of South African “raises awareness among young people on the values of biodiversity,” said the companies to the week-long exhibition through its Export Marketing and Investment Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). The network “connects individuals and youth organisations to build a global Assistance scheme. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for coalition to halt the effects of climate change on the environment”, added the DEA. South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into Co-founder of the GYBN, Christian Schwarzer, said: “I hope that this workshop will help the youth to go back to their the country. communities and to become the agents of change that we need in support of the conservation of biodiversity.” The convention took place from 18 to 25 September 2017 in Arequipa, Peru. “We hope that we show to governments that young people can make a difference and can become partners for “The convention takes place biannually and brings together the world’s leading biodiversity conservation,” added Schwarzer. The week-long workshop brought together youth from Morocco, Sudan, technology and services in the mining and metals sector. South Africa’s participation Kenya, Ghana, Togo and South Africa, and aimed to empower young people to become “change agents in support of the focussed on machinery, equipment, technologies, services and supplies for the mining Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the mainstreaming of biodiversity”. sector,” said the dti in a statement. “The choice of South Africa as the venue for the first GYBN in Africa underscored the country’s position among the The Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, described trade relations between South Africa and Peru as very important. most biodiverse in the world, as is the case in most countries in Africa,” said the DEA. Minister Davies said South Africa recognised the huge potential of the Latin American group of countries and was cognisant of

the fact that Peru was one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. SAnews.gov.za

118 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 119 Sensational international galas for ballet lovers

“I’ve always believed in the role that arts and in particular ballet can play in bringing South Africans and the world together ..."

120 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 121 SENSATIONAL INTERNATIONAL GALAS FOR BALLET LOVERS LIFESTYLE

utstanding ballet once again graced South African stages when the much anticipated South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) International Ballet Gala took place fromO 2 to 9 September 2017 in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Presented by Dirk Badenhorst, the CEO and founder of the biennial SAIBC, in association with Artscape and supported by South African Tourism, the highly anticipated SAIBC galas in Cape Town and Johannesburg and once-off Ballet in the Bush performance in Limpopo showcased thrilling ballet variations, pas de deux and neoclassical works. These were performed by a stellar company of top professional dancers from South Africa, Russia, Spain, Mongolia, Armenia, the United States of America, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt and Mexico. Stars performing included ballerina Maria Rudenko partnered by Artemiy Pyzhov, Monier Javier Jouve, Anujin Otgontugs, Hassan Eltabie, Mariam Karapetyan, Jonhal and Le Corsaire. Renowned South African world together, and started calling it Ballet Fernandez, Lissi Baez, Dzianis Klimuk and choreographer, Adele Blank, also created a Diplomacy, but in this exciting partnership South Africa's Angela Malan and Andile new piece that enjoyed its world premiere at with with SA Tourism, we are taking it one Ndlovu. Artscape on 2 September 2017. step further and now it also becomes Ballet Highlights included pas de deux and Dirk Badenhorst says: “I’ve always believed Tourism, with outstanding dancers from solos from Giselle, Swan Lake (Black Swan in the role that arts and in particular ballet around the world becoming ambassadors and White Swan pas de deux), Paquita can play in bringing South Africans and the for this beautiful country”.

122 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 123 LIFESTYLE ANOTHER MICHELIN FOR JAN RESTAURANT “KING KONG” BACK ON SOUTH AFRICAN STAGES LIFESTYLE

Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 1959, it The original production featured music from broke new ground. Firstly, it had an all-black cast with a story composer and journalist Todd Matshikiza and set in ; secondly, it was seen by a record-breaking 200 000 people in South lyrics by Pat Williams. It launched the careers of Africa, comprising all races. The performers the young Mariam Makeba and Hugh Masekela . received standing ovations. Fast-forward to the present day, and the Today, the two are international legends . musical has made a comeback. First on stage in Cape Town, at the Fugard Theatre, it moved to Johannesburg in September. “We are thrilled that this long-awaited “King Kong” back on production of this iconic and first South African musical of King Kong, is a Fugard Theatre production which [showcases] the very best South African stages of South African talent,” said Daniel Galloway the executive director of the Fugard Theatre. he massively successful King “The original production united audiences “The original production united audiences Kong musical is back on South of all colours, launched careers and put South of all colours, launched careers and African stages. More than half African talent firmly on the international map. a century ago, it helped to "We are excited to be recreating the world put South African talent firmly on the launch the careers of Miriam of the Back of the Moon shebeen with an all- Makeba and Hugh Masekela. South African cast and superb creative team. international map. We are excited to be Combining jazz sounds from Sophiatown, a “While remaining true to the original something magical about King Kong,” he told Gumbi. Gumbi made his Broadway debut recreating the world of the Back of the Tlove story, a tragedy and the fall of a sporting production, our Fugard Theatre King Kong the BBC. “It happened in a moment in time as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King and hero, King Kong, the musical, returned to will refresh the musical for the 21st century.” when this desperate group of people, who has starred in productions of this musical in Moon shebeen with an all-South African South African stages on 25 July 2017. somehow came together, and produced a London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and cast and superb creative team. " When King Kong, the musical, opened The story show that I think probably changed a lot of South Africa. at the Great Hall at the University of the The musical is based on the tragic life of people's lives.” Multiple award-winning actress and singer- local heavyweight boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, who The soundtrack, Lingenfelder said, songwriter Nondumiso Tembe is recreating allegedly committed suicide in 1957. But his remained fresh. “That is why this production is the role of Joyce, which propelled Miriam life was not always so difficult. so exciting – because people will rediscover it Makeba to international fame in the original Dlamini’s formidable size and strength now and hopefully also rediscover the original production of King Kong. Tembe’s extensive gave birth to the nickname, "King Kong". His recordings and appreciate it for what it was list of credits include HBO’s Golden Globe and boxing brought him fame and fortune, but he at the time – an extraordinary achievement.” Emmy-award winning True Blood, SABC’s eventually lost it all. Generations, the military drama SIX on the He went on to work as a bouncer at a club The setting History Channel and Zulu Wedding opposite in Sophiatown, but it led him down a path Abigail Kubeka was Makeba’s understudy in Darrin Dewitt Henson. paved with gangsterism, drugs and crime. the original play. She recalled the atmosphere A live nine-piece band, under the direction He killed his girlfriend during a fight, for which in Sophiatown back then. “Sophiatown was a of Sipumzo Lucwaba, accompanies the action he was sentenced to 12 years of hard labour. country in another country,” she told the BBC. at every performance. However, three months later, he drowned. "There were strict laws and a 9-pm curfew “It’s a very human story,” said Charl-Johan in the city, and authorities watched with whom The reviews Lingenfelder, the music director of the modern you mingled," Kubeka said. The 1959 show received rave reviews. In show. “And then you get to Sophiatown. It’s a 1961, Time Magazine described it as a "a big “Anyone, anywhere, can relate to the story. different world. You get all colours of people, event in theatrical history". But obviously, there is this cloud of politics that and everyone is minding his or "The audience was mixed," noted the hangs over it and it never gets addressed. her own business, free, getting together and Central African Examiner, "and for a short "I think it is quite genius the way it was enjoying each other’s company. time at least, the laws of apartheid were written and how they attempted to tell the “It was beautiful. It was life beyond suspended with their applause." story and especially seeing it is a true story apartheid. We just cut that out, you know. We A reviewer for the Golden City Post wrote: as well." just lived our lives, we became ourselves, and "Tears of exultation as I feel that a new era did what we could do, and what we wanted in non-white entertainment has been born A legend goes to stage to do.” with the production of King Kong. The original production featured music from Kubeka said King Kong was the first big "I became breathless with the splendour of composer and journalist Todd Matshikiza, and musical to go overseas. “We performed at the the production. lyrics by Pat Williams. It launched the careers Princess Theatre in London and people loved "Today, the praise mirrors the reviews of of the young Miriam Makeba and Hugh what they saw.” more than 50 years ago." Masekela. Today, the two are international King Kong ran at the Mandela Theatre legends. The cast in Johannesburg from 12 September until Eric Abraham, producer of the relaunched Cast in the title role of King Kong is South 8 October 2017.

show, said the music was magical. “There is African star – actor, singer and dancer Andile BBC / King Kong / Brand South Africa

124 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 125 LIFESTYLE TEAM SOUTH AFRICA SHINES AT IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

from Turkey. Van Niekerk ran 20.11, slightly slower than his personal best, but the medal was his first IAAF trophy outside his signature 400-m event, as he builds up his confidence to perhaps master the 100 m in the future.

Gold Wayde van Niekerk – 400m There was no stopping South Africa’s golden boy Van Niekerk, following his Olympic and 2015 Championship win in the 400 m. He took the gold in London with a time of 43.98, ahead of Steve Gardiner from the Bahamas and Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun. “Wayde is too good to be stopped,” Gardiner said after the race. “South Africa has found itself a superstar. He seems to be here to dominate for a long time, too.”

Luvo Manyonga – long jump Following his silver medal win at the Rio Olympics in 2016, Manyonga shone in London, winning the gold with an 8.48-m jump, ahead of American Jarrion Lawson and fellow South African Rushwal Samaai. Showing much confidence after his London win, Manyonga made it clear he wanted to dominate the long jump over the next few years, with the ultimate goal being a gold at the next Olympics, in Tokyo.

Caster Semenya – 800m Semenya, the popular defending Olympic champion, won her third world championship title in the women’s 800 m on the final day of the Championship. Her time was 1:55.16, the fastest time of 2017 for the event. Semenya was followed by Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba with silver and American Ajee Wilson taking bronze. Once again, in her signature move, Semenya stood back in the pack before the final lap bell, and then took advantage ofa “We wish to heartily Hovering at fifth place for most of his jumps, waning Wilson and Niyonsaba to comfortably Team South Africa shines which included two failed attempts, the 25-year- take the lead and the win in the final 200 m. congratulate our Team old Capetonian made his last two jumps count, President Jacob Zuma congratulated Team leaping 8.27 m and 8.32 m respectively to South Africa on its achievements. South Africa for their claim third place, behind American Jarrion “We wish to heartily congratulate our Team at IAAF World Athletics sterling performances Lawson. South Africa for their sterling performances on “I’ve been working towards this medal, so the track and a job well done at the IAAF World on the track and a job there are a lot of emotions going through my Championships 2017 in London. well done at the IAAF mind, going through my body,” Samaai told AP “The country is extremely thrilled and proud Championships after the medals ceremony. “I’m just embracing of our athletes, especially those who won the World Championships this journey. This medal represents the six medals for this remarkable achievement and outh African athletes have Africa place third on the final medal tally, behind with a third place in an event that is not struggle I’ve been through, and I’m just grateful excellent performance that earned South Africa . made the country proud the United States of America (USA) and Kenya. always her strongest. Slightly off the pace of 2017 in London " to get to stand on the podium and represent a third place in the medals table, trouncing the at the 2017 International South Africa won six medals in total, two her personal best for the 1 500 m (4:01.99 in my country.” most advanced countries in the tournament.” Association of Athletics bronze, one silver and three golds. Sasolburg in 2016), Semenya came in behind Ruswahl Samaai – long jump The President also thanked all South Federations (IAAF) World Jennifer Simpson (USA) and gold medal While fellow South African Luvo Manyonga Silver Africans, technical teams and management Championships, held in Bronze winner Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon from took gold for the long jump final, Samaai fought Wayde van Niekerk – 200m of Team SA for their continued support to all London in August 2017. Golds for Caster Caster Semenya – 1 500 m Kenya, to record South Africa’s first medal for hard and long during the heats to earn his Van Niekerk began the week in London with a South African athletes. SSemenya and Wayde van Niekerk helped South Semenya began this year’s championship the championship. bronze for the event. second place in the 200 m, behind Ramil Guliyev Sources: Sport24 / IAAF / Brand South Africa

126 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 127 LIFESTYLE KEARSNEY CHOIR SCORES GOLD IN SINGAPORE KEARSNEY CHOIR SCORES GOLD IN SINGAPORE LIFESTYLE

Commenting on the victory, headmaster, "Our commitment to Elwyn van den Aardweg, said: “We’re extremely proud of the choir’s achievements perform and promote in Singapore. The boys’ colourful exuberance, the indigenous music energy and vigour, matched with top-notch musical performances, highlight all that can of our country and the be achieved if differences are put aside and a common goal is sought. rest of the continent "The pride in African culture, the passion is a clear indication of with which it is presented, and the obvious teamwork are inspiring. Their unity and the passion and pride harmony is shown in and out of performance”. we have for our African According to its website: “Being a multi- faceted and multicultural entity within our heritage.” college, the choir is an important ambassador for our school, but also for the rest of the continent is a clear indication of and South Africa. the passion and pride we have for our African "Our commitment to perform and promote heritage.”

the indigenous music of our country and the www.news24.co.za / www.kearsney.com Kearsney Choir scores gold in Singapore With its signature blend of classical, pop and indigenous music, the choir has built up a large international following of appreciative supporters. And they have done it yet again.

he Kearsney College Choir Choral Festival in Singapore recently. The 33rd International Youth and Music Festival has become synonymous choir achieved a score of 92,2, with no other and were invited to represent Africa at the with vibrant, energetic choir having yet earned a Grade 1 Gold in “Rhythms of One World” Music Festival in performances and slick, any category at this year’s competition. They New York and Geneva. professional productions. With came second in the Equal Voices Youth The choir has a distinctly African element in its signature blend of classical, Category with a score of 81,3, earning their each performance and the multicultural group pop and indigenous music, the choir has second gold at the event. work cohesively, producing an award-winning Tbuilt up a large international following of The Kearsney Choir is the world’s second sound. appreciative supporters. And they have done most highly decorated choir. They have been Kearsney’s 125-acre estate is set in a it yet again. awarded 13 gold and six silver medals at country atmosphere on the edge of the Valley The choir won the Folklore Category at the World Choir Games between 2000 and of a Thousand Hills, midway between Durban the 10th Orientale Concentus International 2014, the Prize of the City of Vienna at the and Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal.

128 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 129 LIFESTYLE 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES LIFESTYLE

20 thrilling adventures for adrenaline junkies

130 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 131 LIFESTYLE 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES LIFESTYLE

outh Africa’s diverse terrain together with an ideal climate for outdoor activities, makes the country a rich hunting ground for adventure seekers. South Africa offers 3 000 kilometers of coastline Salong with breathtaking mountains presenting ample opportunity for world-class climbing, surfing, diving, hiking, horseback safaris, mountain biking, river rafting – and just about any other extreme activity one can name. Traveller24 recently named its Top 20 adventure sites in South Africa:

1. Abseiling at Lion’s Head or Signal Hill, Cape Town With the Atlantic ocean below you and stunning views of Lions Head, Camps Bay and Robben Island around you, it is hard to beat the 112-m abseil of Table Mountain. It is one of the largest commercial abseils in the world and a must for adrenaline junkies. majesty and tranquility of the Bloukrans River islands which host prey – have some of the Since the overall experience only takes about Valley. highest concentrations of sharks in the world. an hour to complete, it still leaves plenty of The Bloukrans Bungy uses pendulum time in the day to experience the other thrills bungee technology to ensure the smoothest, 4. Kite-surfing up the West Coast available in the mother city. most comfortable bungee jump possible. Shark bay, a lagoon located at Langebaan on the West Coast, got its name from the small 2. Bungee jump at Bloukrans 3. Shark cage dive at Gansbaai or Mossel sand sharks that kite surfers will every now The slides aren’t the highest in the country, the Orange River is overflowing, you will started it all, you will have to make the journey The 216-metre Bloukrans Bungy is the Bay and then, step on. The lagoon is a beautiful flat nor are they the longest, but they’re certainly experience the full might of the water as it down to Sun City for the Zip 2000. While no world’s highest commercial bungy bridge. It There are a number of shark cage diving water spot, absolutely perfect for kite-surfing. some of the steepest – which makes for ultra- thunders down the 56-m high falls. longer the holder of the longest or highest zip is also the highest commercial natural bungy companies operating mainly in the Great fast ziplining action over the rocky Ceres There are also plenty of other attractions line title, this 2,4-km ride has average speeds jump in the world. White waters of Gansbaai and Mossel Bay 5. Ceres zipsliding Mountain slopes. to explore nearby, including a wide variety of of 120 km per hour and can even reach Situated along the Garden Route, the view along the southern coast of South Africa. There are many zipsliding offerings in South The slides vary from 328 feet to 951 feet flowers and animals, and the inimitable views speeds of up to 160 km per hour. from Africa’s highest bridge captures all the These places – because of their proximity to Africa, but the one in Ceres is thrilling beyond. in length. The tour will take you through the from the Moon Rock. Schurweberg Mountains, about an hour-and- 10. Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris a-half drive away from Cape Town. Since the 7. Sterkfontein Caves Soar above the Cradle of Humankind, the Town of Ceres is often called the “Eden of The The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Magalies River Valley and the Hartbeespoort Cape” it is certainly worth the trip. Site, near Maropeng, is filled with fascinating Dam during this chilled balloon safaris. discoveries and going caving in these Passengers assemble at dawn in the 6. Helicopter rides limestone caves, means you can explore the Skeerpoort balloon launch area for a snack of The best way to see South Africa’s places where the likes of “Mrs Ples” and “Little hot drinks and biscuits before embarking on amazing cities is undoubtedly from the sky, Foot” were first discovered. the hour-long ride. which means helicopter rides are highly It’s the world’s richest hominin site, home recommended. There are many operators in to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor 11. Blyde River Canyon South Africa, offering tourists the opportunity fossils. The area is also home to a diversity of The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is the to discover and explore the country’s beauty. birds, animals and plants, some of which are world’s third-largest canyon and exceptionally rare or endangered. beautiful. Home to the aptly named God’s 5. The Cango Caves Window, this wonder is situated near the Caving provides a real adrenaline rush and 8. Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway Kruger National Park and the Mpumalanga the Cango Caves are no exception. Head Take the "Harties Cableway" for an Nature Reserve. Adventurers can opt to go to the Swartberg Mountains, 30 kilometres exhilarating ride on the longest mono- hiking, biking, fishing and abseiling, white- north of Oudtshoorn, to explore the hidden cableway in Africa and some fabulous views water rafting and much more. chambers of these 20-million-year-old caves, of the Hartbeespoort Dam and Magaliesberg cut deeply into the solid limestone rock layer. Mountain range. 12. Iconic Otter Trail Great for nature lovers who will enjoy The Otter Hiking Trail found in the 6. Augrabies Falls, Orange River hiking the area. The educational KidsZone Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, Eastern To understand why the Khoisan people and walkway ensure a fun experience for the Cape, is undoubtedly South Africa’s most referred to the Augrabies Falls as “the place whole family. sought-after endurance trail. It is a five-day of great noise”, you need to come and trail, commencing at the Storms River Mouth experience them for yourself. Particularly 9. Zip 2000, Sun City Rest Camp and stretching westward as far when there has been plenty of rain and If you want to experience the zipslide that as the Groot River estuary at Nature’s Valley,

132 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 133 LIFESTYLE 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

a distance of about 43 km. Accommodation is provided in four beautifully appointed overnight camps. The first hike took place in 1968, making it the oldest official hiking trail in South Africa.

13. Tsitsikamma tree top canopy tours The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. Many of the platforms are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old. Standing within the crown of these giants and looking down at the lush forest floor 30 metres below is an experience of a lifetime. The scenery and birdlife are spectacular and if you are fortunate enough, you will spot a pair of Knysna Loeries or the brilliant red plumage of the elusive Narina Trogon.

14. Sani Pass 4x4 – the route to the highest pub in Africa Sani Pass is the mother of all South African mountain passes. Statistically and in every sense, it outdistances, outclimbs and outperforms all its competitors with consummate ease to have become the most iconic gravel pass in South Africa. It’s a challenging drive in a 4X4 vehicle with all the drama, scenery, bad weather and treacherous conditions expected of a pass with a summit altitude of 2 876 metre above sea level.

15. Motorbiking in the Baviaanskloof Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve in the Eastern Cape is considered the number one adventure 17. Surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay second-tallest falls – and the highest in Africa motorcycle route in southern Africa. The route Discovered by longboarders during the early – plunge 948 m over the basalt face of the is an easy ride for most levels of riders. It 1960s, Jefferys Bay, or J-Bay, has the kind Amphitheatre as well as the highest point on covers an estimated 175 km from gate to of waves that attract surfers from around the the escarpment. The Mont-Aux-Sources at gate, with loose gravel, steep passes and world 3 283 m are just some of the highlights of this several river crossings, giving this adventure Halfway between the Gamtoos and Krom extraordinary adventure spot in South Africa. playground its sought-after character. It’s best rivers, J-Bay stretches from Cape Recife in to do the route over three days and explore the east to Cape St Francis in the west. 19. Moses Mabhida Stadium the area to its full potential – from the Patensie What makes J-Bay special is that a wave Built to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer side to the Makadaat Caves and Nuwekloof can run for up to 800 m, offering surfers matches in Durban, this stadium not only Pass on the Willowmore side. an unbeatable and everlasting ride. J-Bay enthralls local sports fans but it has its own features a number of surf breaks that harness SkyCar and a 550-step walk to the top of its 16. Abseil at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve the approaching swell as it meets the offshore arch for a fantastic view of Durban. The Big The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a reef. Rush swing is a must for all thrill seekers. wonderfully scenic area offering excellent hiking The most famous of these are Supertubes opportunities. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve or “Supers” where, on good days, a 4-ft to 8-ft 20. iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone in wave runs from the point along the reef and It is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site KwaZulu-Natal. When it comes to abseiling includes a classic barrelling section, before and home to approximately 800 hippopotami, in South Africa, few sites can match the rush closing out at a spot called Impossibles. 1 200 Nile crocodiles and many other offered by Oribi Gorge’s Wild Abseil. animals, including black rhinos, leopards, At 110-m high, it’s one of the world’s 18. Drakensberg Amphitheatre Heritage greater kudus and abundant invertebrates. premier natural commercial abseils. Abseilers Trail and Chain Ladder via Sentinel Climb Go kayaking on the estuary, or take a day are lowered over the edge of the gorge, This popular trail to the Amphitheater self or night guided game drive around the right next to the spectacular Lehrs Falls, to escarpment at the Drakensberg is extremely iSimangaliso Wetland Park to get a taste of drop the hundred-odd metres into the valley rewarding. The hike involves a chain ladder the diversity offered by the special part of the below. The first 45 m is a cliff abseil and the which ascends the final 30 m of cliff face in country.

remaining 65 m a free abseil. two sections. The Tugela Falls, the world’s www.traveller24.com / www.southafrica.net

134 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 LIFESTYLE 20 THRILLING ADVENTURES FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

A view of Table Mountain from Blouberg Strand in the Western Cape. Table Mountain is one of the official New7Wonders of Nature, and the only one to be located in an urban area, making it highly accessible. The mountain is situated in the Table Mountain National Park, part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, and encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south – a distance of approximately 60 km.

136 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 14 Issue 14 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 137