the diplomat International Relations Editor’s note INSIDE

Welcome to this month’s edition of the diplomat. This issue is dedicated to the FIFA 2010 World Cup activities.The month of June also had a few political engagements at home and abroad, which include President Jacob Zuma’s working visit to France and at the G20 in Canada, 2010 activities at the Shanghai Expo South Africa’s Pavilion, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe’s meeting with Japanese Princess Takamado. In this edition, we also bring you the following: Europe’s Heads of Mission conference, Mr Piet Maredi’s farewell, DIRCO’s Head Office 2010 activities, mission activities plus many Articles 3 more...... International Relations 4 - 7 SA’s World Cup Opening 8 President Zuma’s visit to the diplomat is an internal newsletter of the Department of International Relations France and Cooperation published by the 9 G20 Summit Branch: Public Diplomacy 10 Deputy President meets Editor-in-Chief: Saul Kgomotso Molobi Japanese royalty 11 Shanghai Expo Editor: 6 Paseka Mokhethea

Chief Sub-Editor: departmental issues Elion Von Wielligh 12 Europe’s Heads of Managing Editor: Mission Conference Siphokazi Mgudlwa 13 Ntate Piet Maredi’s Proofreader: Mahendra Shunmoogam farewell 14 DIRCO’s 2010 Head Designer: Pumeza Albert activities

Picture Editor: your health Jacoline Prinsloo 18 Know your status Photographers: 16 Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh & Unathi - get proactive Ngamntwini

The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the dirco or the editors.

The deadline for the next diplomat contributions is 16 July 2010. Contributions may be sent to cbe000 or [email protected]

All enquiries: Paseka Mokhethea @ Tel: (012) 351-1569

2 the diplomat June 2010 15 the diplomat June 2010 3 South Africa’s World Cup grand opening Pictures: Sanjay Singh

rganisers of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM Opening Welcoming message from the President Ceremony promised a colourful, energetic and would like to take this opportunity to When South Africa was announced as the From our cities and townships, to the open distinctly African fun-filled affair welcome you to South Africa and to 2010 FIFA World Cup™ host nation, we knew horizons of our countryside, we play football Oas a precursor to the first FIFA World Cup on Africa. that this was our chance to showcase Africa’s with a uniquely African flavour, and are African soil. potential to the world. excited to share our passion for the beautiful The ceremony was staged at Soccer City IWhether this is your first time in our beautiful game with the world. Stadium under the theme “Welcoming the country, or you have visited our shores before, This is as much a celebration as it is a By coming to our country to experience the World Home”. I am sure that your time here will be something sporting event, and celebration is something 2010 FIFA World Cup™, you are helping to Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana, you will remember for years to come. we do very well. bring our continent to the rest of the globe. Local Organising Committee Chief Marketing We are not afraid to sing and dance, Officer Derek Carstens and Executive Director Africa is where the world meets. It is a true spreading our joy and including everyone When your time with us is over, and you in the Johannesburg’s 2010 Unit Sibongile melting pot, where the colour and energy of when we are happy. We are proud of this return to your homes, you will take with you Mazibuko briefed international and local media a number of different cultures have combined great celebration of football and unity. not only souvenirs and pictures, but also your in Nasrec prior the official opening regarding throughout history, each adding something experience of the real Africa. the opening ceremony activities. special to the African experience. More than anything else, the spirit of Africa Members of the public who had tickets for will define this important event. Football This is a place of infinite possibilities, and by the opening match arrived from 10h00 when This is a place where every day is different, and is a universal sport, and something we as sharing your African experience with your the gates opened to witness the opening life is never just ordinary. It is a continent that Africans have embraced wholeheartedly. friends at home, you too can help build our ceremony which began at 14h00. sings in the voices of many different traditions, We have also made it our own, and added a continent’s bright future. The event casted 1 581 artists, dancers, and dances to the beat of our shared pulse. local flair. Hearty African Greetings. musicians and performers from all walks of life ranging from young to old. One of the performances that took place during the opening ceremony of the FIFA 2010 World CupTM

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from previous page Left: President Jacob Zuma enjoying the R & B superstar, R Kelly, sang the ceremony’s showpiece song, Opening Ceremony with United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. ‘Sign of a Victory’ with South Africa’s Soweto Spiritual Singers. The ceremony reflected Africa’s proud cultural heritage, and Above: Dirco’s Chief Financial Officer, Asogan also showcased the significant infrastructural and technological Moodley enjoying the Opening Ceremony progress the continent has made. It included Africa’s rich artistic talent, established and emerging, as well as some exciting new performers. The rest of the world-class line-up for the Opening Ceremony featured celebrated South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, charismatic Nigerian star Femi Kuti, who performed the famous ‘Bang, Bang, Bang’ track, Algerian Afro-pop artist Khaled, legendary Ghanaian band Osibisa, as well as top-class South African artists Thandiswa Mazwai, Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP), TKZee and vocalist Timothy Moloi. The Opening Ceremony was produced for the Local Organising Committee (LOC) by the VWV Till Dawn Consortium, comprising the VWV Group and Till Dawn Entertainment. The consortium, which successfully staged the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, will also produce the tournament’s closing ceremony for the LOC on 11 July 2010. The ceremony was followed by the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup between South Africa and Mexico.

Left: Deputy Left: Minister President Ebrahim Jacob Zuma Ebrahim and FIFA’s watching President, the Opening Sepp Blatter, Ceremony greeting the South African Right: national Deputy squad just Minister before the Sue van der FIFA 2010 Merwe World CupTM sharing a opening joke with match guests between during the South Africa Opening and Mexico Ceremony

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resident Jacob Zuma attended the 25th Africa-France Summit which was held in Nice, Strengthening peace France. The Summit focused on the African continent’s role and security in Africa Pin global governance, strengthening peace and security, climate and development. AFRICA OPEN It further provided the South African Government and the private sector FOR BUSINESS the opportunity to engage their French counterparts on key priority areas for resident Jacob Zuma has surpassed by China and India. President Africa’s socio-economic development, as declared to world leaders that Zuma attributed this to good policies and well as identify opportunities for further Africa is open for business. regulations, business rescue programmes, collaboration. job retention schemes and huge Addressing the G20 business infrastructure programmes. "There is every President Zuma addressed Heads of Pleaders in Toronto on the eve of the G8 expectation that Africa's current pace of State and Government representatives and G20 Summits, President Zuma said growth will remain at a high level, at around on “Strengthening peace and security in Africa can no longer be viewed only as a six percent per year," he said, also calling Africa”. Areas of focus discussed related destination for development aid. for fair trade. President Jacob Zuma participating in disucssions during the Summit to peace and security on the African Continent; the operationalisation of in 2005, a decrease of 9.9 percent. Total 2009. However, France remains an important He said together with the developed world, "Our movement forward will be greatly the Peace and Security architecture; trade started to increase again from 2006 trading partner for South Africa. The country there must be ways to promote stronger and enhanced by the speeding up of economic President Jacob Zuma in discussions with Minister Pravin Gordhan and Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa during the G20 Summit the challenge of insufficient technical and reached R31.6 billion in 2008. The is ranked 20th in the world as South Africa’s more effective international partnerships for reforms to enable more inclusive and faster and financial resources, coupled with huge decline in total trade in 2009 can be export partner in 2009 (18th in 2008) and 9th growth and development. growth," he said. Americans, which many analysts see as a skills shortages; and the aspect of attributed to lower global demand for imports as the country’s import partner in the same strong Western influence and an imbalanced unconstitutional changes in government in as a result of the global crisis in 2008 and year. Source: BuaNews President Zuma says African leaders do not He emphasised that changes in both the voting structure. With the World Cup in full Africa. want to create the impression that they have voting structure and leadership of the swing, the President said the country will come cap-in-hand to ask for favours. "We International Monetary Fund (IMF) and never be the same again. As South Africa viewed the Summit of reiterate that Africa is open for business. It is World Bank will be crucial in ensuring a more strategic important, given the bilateral open for trade and investment." stable and equitable financial infrastructure. He says through the successful hosting of relations it has and is seeking to expand the event, Afro-pessimists are once again with France. President Zuma said Africa's recent economic "The developing world has an equal right to proven wrong. "More than the infrastructure success is "proving Afro-pessimists wrong." run these institutions," said President Zuma. that our future generations will inherit, we President Zuma was accompanied by Sub-Saharan Africa's growth rate is only remain hopeful that the various skills that our Ministers of International Relations Reform of global financial systems will be a people acquired since we started working and Cooperation, Ms. Maite Nkoana- priority issue for many G20 members: China, on this FIFA World CupTM project, will prove Mashabane, and Trade and Industry India, and Brazil who will join South Africa in useful going forward." Minister, Rob Davies. arguing that their economic strength needs to be better reflected in the architecture of Above the economic benefits, President Total trade between South Africa and major institutions. Zuma said there will also be a legacy of France had been increasing consistently education for the African continent- through from 2000 to 2004 where-after it declined Leadership of the World Bank and the IMF the 1Goal Education for All Campaign. - from R24, 3 billion in 2004 to R21.9 billion Heads of State that attended the 25th Africa-France Summit in Nice, France has been dominated by Europeans and Source:BuaNews

8 the diplomat June 2010 the diplomat June 2010 9 International Relations the diplomat DEPUTY PRESIDENt VISITOR NUMBER ONE MILLION meets with Story and photos by princess Takamado Somkgele Mnguni

t was a royal affair at Deputy also known as the Blue Samurai, when she President Kgalema Motlanthe’s visited the Deputy President in Pretoria. She residence when Japanese Princess brought along the autographed soccer t-shirt, Takamado presented him with a which was in the blue of the Japanese team, soccer t-shirt autographed by the and had the name Motlanthe printed on the IJapanese team. back. The princess, who is also an honorary patron “I’m now part of the Blue Samurai,” the Deputy of the Japanese Football Association, was in President remarked as he held up the t-shirt. the country to support Japan’s soccer team, Smartly dressed in a beige dress, a short

World Cup and had met with the Japanese Visitors waiting in the queue at the South African Pavilion team to encourage them a day before their crucial match with Denmark. t’s not often that in an exhibition you get visitors that are She was among the thousands of fans counted in millions. Normal cheering the team on to a 3-1 victory over exhibitions usually attract visitors Denmark at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium who are counted in thousands or in Rustenburg. The win also meant that hundreds. Pertaining to World Expositions Japan moves on to the next Round of 16 Iwhich are coordinated by the Bereau of the World Cup. While in South Africa, the of International Expos, this becomes a princess also visited a number of charities different ball game as the stage is big and met with South African groups that have enough to fit an abundance of visitors from strong links to Japan. BuaNews the world’s most populated country. The magnitude and nature of world expo Top left: One Millionth visitor with South African and Chinese staff events, in terms of the format, duration, Top right: Sonia with the South African Pavilion Director Mr Schoeman Du Plessis exhibition space, exhibition themes and so forth entail a very big number of exhibition at 12h25 pm as the pavilion received its 1 that she was taken by surprise to see that visitors as opposed to normal less big millionth visitor. 22 year old Sonia Cao who South Africa is a developing country which Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in discussion with Japanese Princess Takamado exhibitions that take place for a week or hails from Hunan Province in the South is modernised as this is evidently showcased month. West of China became visitor number one through a projection of modern cities, roads, jacket and clutching white gloves together President Motlanthe who Of-course, factors such as the design of million. She was greeted at the entrance by infrastructure, tourism destinations and so with a soccer ball patterned handbag, the showed her how it was done. a country’s pavilion (look and feel of exterior the South African Pavilion Director and the forth. Her perceptions of South Africa before princess accepted a snow globe that enclosed and interior), the country’s products and permanent Chinese and South African staff visiting the pavilion were that of a country that a replica of Soccer City from Deputy President It was Princess Takamado’s services that are showcased as well as who presented her with a hamper. Sonia is characterised by desserts and animals. Motlanthe, with much delight. first visit to South Africa. She images that are projected determine the mentioned that she was happy and excited “I respect Mr Mandela for promoting became a member of the level at which expo visitors are attracted to to be the pavilion’s one millionth visitor and human rights and for his efforts that Deputy President Motlanthe told the Japanese Imperial family a pavilion. therefore honoured to have received a warm contributed to the liberation of South princess that Soccer City was where the final through her marriage to Prince No doubt that South Africa’s pavilion welcome into South Africa’s home. Africans”, said Sonia.The South African match of the World Cup would be played. Takamado.Togwawa Hiroyuki, projection of Brand South Africa at the 2010 She alluded to the fact that she became Pavilion receives +/- 30 000 visitors “I hope the Blue Samurai participate in that from the Japanese Embassy, Shanghai Expo attracts a high number of interested into visiting the pavilion as she daily with numbers increasing during final,” he added. said the princess had come to visitors to the pavilion. wanted to get more information about South weekends and the majority of visitors are South Africa specifically for the South Africa promotes itself at the expo Africa hosting the world cup, specifically the Chinese nationals who come from various “Isn’t it lovely?” the princess said as she by showcasing various themes such as process through which the country went provinces. excitedly shook the snow globe, joking that if tourism, arts and culture, modern economy, through in preparing for the cup and how Since the commencement of the expo she turned it to just the right angle she could industry sectors, infrastructure development the country and its citizens will benefit from South African security staff members at the see the Japanese team inside. and so forth. To top it all hosting the Soccer hosting this event. pavilion entrance used a counting machine World Cup further makes South Africa to be Vibrant South African colours which to count visitors. Visitors also get South She broke out in laughter when he handed at the centre stage at the Shanghai Expo and represent the national flag and which are African stamps on their expo passports the second gift - a vuvuzela covered in this has contributed to the pavilion receiving showcased inside the pavilion also caught as a testimony of having paid a visit to the beads to show the South African flag. a high number of visitors. her eye. A student in Canada studying pavilion. There are other visitors who flock The princess did not try out the vuvuzela It was a jubilant and exciting moment for Finance with ambitions of venturing into to the pavilion to watch the screening of herself but instead handed it over to Deputy the South African Pavilion on 22 June 2010 the Banking Sector, Sonia Cao admitted live world cup matches.

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he Europe Heads of Mission held a successful Conference in Brussels from 8-10 May Europe Heads 2010. The discussions were led by the Minister of TInternational Relations and Cooperation, of Mission Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, with support from the Director–General, Dr Ayanda Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane led Ntsaluba and the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Europe, Ambassador Rapu discussions during the conference. Molekane.

Sectoral presentations were made by the DDG Corporate Services, Mr Asogen Moodley, DDG Human Resources, Ms Mathu Joyini, DDG Multilateral, Ambassador George Nene and DDG Africa-Bilateral, Mr Mxolisi Nkosi. The two and a half day Conference also paid attention to regional political and economic dynamics.

Of note was that the Conference coincided with the first anniversary of the fourth democratically elected government, inaugurated Europe Heads of Mission in Brussels posing for a group picture with Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on 7 May 2009, and also as a and some of DIRCO’s senior management sequel to the Heads of Mission Conference held in Sandton in August 2009, where the mandate On the central and eastern regions of of the newly renamed Department Europe, the Conference emphasised that of International Relations and relations are just as significant, especially Cooperation was laid down. Strong with new members of the EU. South Africa emphasis was made on the will always count on support of these imperatives of south-south and north- countries in multilateral and bilateral fora. south relations, as well as South Africa’s partnership with international Further afield, the Conference paid attention to organisations and non-state actors. the strategic engagements with the emerging The Conference also benefitted from economies of the South namely: China, the Minister’s Budget Vote Brazil and India, with emphasis on bilateral presented on 22 April 2010 to relations; as well as IBSA, BRIC and the Parliament, where it was reaffirmed to push forward the establishment of the The Minister highlighted South Africa’s G20. The ongoing economic crisis received that South Africa’s foreign policy rests remaining dialogue forums to be realigned endorsement by the African Union, as special attention and participants were on the centrality of the Southern African with the five key priorities of government. Africa’s candidate for the United Nations unanimous that recovery is in the horizon. Development Community (SADC), Incidentally the 10th SA–EU Ministerial Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent On the trade front, the Conference the African continent, commitment to Political Dialogue and the Africa-EU Troika seat for the period in 2011- 2012, recognised the importance of non-state actors South-South relations, multilateralism, were held after the Conference. which, amongst others, will intensify and the need for more structured relations to relations with countries in the Northern development work and cooperation realise South Africa’s economic development hemisphere and the strengthening of the The bilateral relationship with the EU programmes with some individual members objectives, trade and investment Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Dr Anil Sooklal social, political and economic relations. is one of the most important structured of the EU, as well as the EU to support partnerships with the rest of the world. as South Africa looks beyond development export flows recently in the wake of the fiscal ones that South Africa maintains in the world, our peace building efforts and post- South Africa must continue to enhance assistance towards development problems in this region.The Conference The Conference reflected on the objectives of in addition to same arrangements with conflict reconstruction in the continent. its relationships with non-governmental cooperation through trade and investment. was an opportunity for Heads of Mission to the AU Constitutive Act and the ongoing work individual member countries in Europe, organisations and especially South Recognising that trade is on a steady share experiences and best practices. It also of the AU. Furthermore, the SA-EU Summit SADC-EU relations, and for Africa-EU The implementation of the Lisbon Reform African business abroad in order to increase and shows significant potential, highlighted how interlinked the region is and held in September 2009 in Cape Town relations. The Conference also dedicated a Treaty from 1 December 2009 received expand our economic support base. Such the Conference agreed that visits to the how information sharing must be enhanced received attention, highlighting the need to session to the ongoing Economic Partnership attention due to implications for South non-state actors should be brought to region should be prioritised to strengthen between Missions in supporting South continue to engage the European Union on Agreement (EPA) negotiations and their Africa’s engagement with Europe and the the fold in support of the South African the communications and maximise the trade Africa’s overarching objectives. Contributed by the already established dialogues, and continue implications for regional integration in Africa. way Europe engages the world. Development Partnership Agency (SADPA), opportunities, despite the change in import- Mission in Brussels, Belgium.

12 the diplomat June 2010 the diplomat June 2010 13 International Relations the diplomat REGION: Europe cultures and the strategic positions of both countries in Europe. In addition to the dirco officials, we also have COUNTRY: Belgium colleagues from the Departments of Agriculture; Forestry and Luxembourg and Fisheries; Defence and Military Veterans; Trade (non-residential) and Industry; Science and Technology; and SARS, who service both countries, as well as the EU. NAME: Dr Anil Sooklal South Africa’s relations with Belgium can be traced as far back as 1875. Since then relations have expanded TERM ALREADY significantly, with political, development co-operation SERVED: 4 years and trade deepening. Dialogue and cooperation focus - extended to June not only on bilateral issues, but also on continental 2011. and global issues such as the Consolidation of the African Agenda. On a bilateral level and also through its PREVIOUS membership of the EU, Belgium is one of South Africa’s POSTINGS: most consistent and important development partners, Ssupporting sectors such as land reform, health, and My first posting was to the South African Permanent safety and security. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva where I served as a Counsellor, Political (1995-1997). Thereafter I Belgium also serves as the capital of Europe as it hosts served as a Counsellor, Political at the South African the majority of EU institutions. The EU remains one of High Commission in New Delhi (1998-1999). South Africa’s key trading and development partners. The scope of South Africa’s relations with the EU has CAREER INFORMATION/QUALIFICATIONS: deepened extensively since the signing of the Trade, I received my Diploma in fine Art in 1979 and a Development and Cooperation Agreement in 1999. By: Siphokazi Mgudlwa Bachelor of Arts Degree (Oriental History) in 1983 Through the SA-EU Strategic Partnership Joint Action Pictures: Jacoline Schoonees from the University of Durban-Westville (now called Plan (JACP) agreed to in 2007, South Africa and the the University of KwaZulu-Natal). I proceeded with an EU now have 12 Dialogue Forums which facilitate Mr. Piet Maredi bidding farewell to his fellow colleagues Honours Degree (Cum Laude) in 1984. I completed my dialogue and have strengthened cooperation on Masters Degree and D Phil in Religious Studies in 1986 sectors such as health, energy, science and technology, and 1989, respectively, from the University of Durban- trade, and development. Discussions are ongoing for

o f MISSIONS Westville, where I also obtained a PhD in Oriental the establishment of the dialogues on education, and History in 1992. employment and social development, amongst others. farewell NTATE

In addition, I have completed a Certificate in Human Political dialogue and co-operation cover all domestic Rights from the UN Centre for Human Rights in Geneva and international political issues of mutual interest. (1993); and a Certificate in International Trade and Regionally, we are an active member of the SADC Group Investment Promotion, International Trade Institute here in Brussels and remain focused on the continued of Singapore, Singapore Co-operation Programme, engagement for a developmental outcome in the SADC- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2004). EU EPA negotiations. Continentally, South Africa also cooperates with the EU on peace and security matters. I joined the then Department of Foreign Affairs in 1995. Prior to joining the Department I was a Senior Lecturer In addition, the Mission also manages South Africa’s at the University of Durban-Westville (1985-1994) and relations with the ACP Group of States of which it is at the University of South Africa (1984). a qualified member. This includes participating in the ACP parliamentary forums and committees such as the Following the first two postings, I was appointed the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. South African After 34 years in Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Parliamentarians also engage their EU counterparts DIRCO, Piet Maredi is Office in Cape Town (1999-February 2000). I served bilaterally through the SA-EU IPM, strengthening their as the Acting Chief Director: United Nations Political oversight role regarding the overall SA-EU Strategic ready to rest with his and Global Security Affairs (February 2000-September Partnership. 2000). I was appointed the Chief Director for North family in Sekhukhune Mr.DIRCO Piet workersMaredi bidding farewell to to Mr his Maredi fellow colleagues Africa (September 2000 – March 2001). Thereafter I ANY COMMENTS: acted as the Deputy Director-General for Asia and the The EU is currently going through internal changes r Piet Maredi left DIRCO on y o ur HEADS Middle East, while also the Chief Director for Asia and brought on by the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. a high note on 29 June 2010 ended becoming a master in managing Australasia (2001-2002). I was appointed as the Deputy The changes will also inform the EU’s engagement with looking forward to taking care storerooms and fixing rack. Director-General for Asia and the Middle East in 2003, a Third World countries. The challenges being experienced of his family and livestock in position I served in until 2006, when I was appointed to by the Euro currency have lessons for Africa, as we also Sekhukhune,M Limpopo. 20 years later , he was transferred to Public my current function. aspire towards a common currency. Diplomacy’s store room where he was The 60 year-old started working for the responsible for packaging material that is GENERAL INTERESTS (E.G. HOBBIES): We believe our Mission is ideally placed to promote Jogging, Movies and Meditation / Yoga. and protect South Africa’s interests in the heart of Deprtment in 1976 as a general assistant at distributed to all our missions and also the Europe. Our work is focused on enhancing South Africa Supply Chain store room. Department’s stakeholders. COMMENTS FROM THE HoM ABOUT THE and Africa’s developmental agenda, with a particular COUNTRY OF ACCREDITATION: emphasis on the five electoral priorities. It is an exciting, “When I was assigned to work at the Mr Maredi’s farewell was not only

KNOW In addition to being the Ambassador to Belgium and fast-paced Mission which offers a vibrant environment storeroom, I told myself that I would give attended by Public Diplomacy officials Luxembourg, we are also the Mission to the European for all our officials. It is an ideal environment to advance it my all because getting employment in but also the general assistants in the Union (EU). The Embassy fulfils a double function. South Africa and Africa’s priorities while at the same time government in those days was extremely Department. He is looking forward to Mr Paseka Mokhethea, Director: Content Development handing a farewell gift to Mr Maredi Bilaterally, while Belgium and Luxembourg are small, growing professionally at the individual and collective difficult,” said Mr Maredi. He spent 20 years spending quality time with his family in they are interesting countries due to the history, the levels. in Supply Chain when he indicated that he Sekhukune, Limpopo.

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he DIRCO Head Office was Department participated in the activities. full of festivities in June. This After much fun and excitement Branch Asia included an event that was and Middle East won the challenges with planned by Public Diplomacy Protocol and Africa Bilateral as runner-ups, to create a hype around the and all the participants received gifts relating By: Siphokazi Mgudlwa TFIFA 2010 World Cup. to the World Cup. The winning team received Pictures: Jacoline Schoonees a clock watch and goodies bag with 2010 Staff members divided themselves into memorabilia. teams according to their different branches The rest of the staff members also received and were subjected to questions around World Cup related goodies which included LET THE the World Cup. All the Branches in the Vuvuzela’s, t-shirts and caps. GAMES BEGIN

16 the diplomat June 2010 AT DIRCO the diplomat June 2010 17 International Know your status Relations the diplomat

- be proactive Pictures: Jacoline Schoonees The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) strongly believes that every South patient receives appropriate counseling, as their emotional and mental wellness is African should know his or her HIV status and, as government employees, we should be not only important for their own sake but taking the lead in driving this important initiative. We are therefore actively encourag- also for that of their loved ones. ing HIV testing through our established and highly effective system of GEMS Wellness “Before I registered on the AfA programme Screening Days to make it easier for government employees to get tested. I was always worried because I knew I was HIV positive and my family could see that I was depressed. It was like a black DIRCO officials walking into the Wellness Centre for advice and voluntary testing cloud hanging over the house and I felt like it was my fault. Now that I’m on the ART things feel normal again at home. Of course I have had to change my life a bit, but it’s worth it. I would rather make the effort to take my medicine on time and to put on a jersey when it’s getting cold, than to let myself die,” says Sifiso. Aid for AIDS not only offers support on a normal day-to-day basis, but also for DIRCO official receiving pre-testing counselling those who are going through stressful times. For example, a new mother often finds it difficult to adhere to her 6) Treatment can be obtained antiretroviral programme after giving birth know their HIV status. from your dispensing doctor, and the stress of caring for a newborn pharmacy or through the can lead to her neglecting her own health. It is only once all South Africans become GEMS designated service She will need support at this time and Aid mobilised and more proactive about HIV/ provider for chronic for AIDS can assist with this transition. AIDS that we will be able to address the medication, Medipost. pandemic that is threatening to destroy our nation. The organisation also offers answers By contacting Aid for AIDS and knowing to the sorts of questions many people your status, you will be joining the many Want to know more about becoming a have, such as: that are fighting HIV/AIDS. Only you GEMS member? Please visit our website he Department of Health recently support you need if you are HIV positive. can help yourself in making the decision There are many individuals, like Eunice, • What should I do if I am HIV at www.gems.gov.za. For members who launched a nationwide campaign They can also help if you simply need to take back control of your life but this who have decided to take responsibility positive, or think I might be? have any questions on HIV/AIDS, please to encourage 15 million South more information about the disease. By organisation will help you to look after it for the quality of their lives because they • How will my condition be phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 Africans to get tested for HIV/ turning to them for help, you help yourself once your choice is made. don’t want HIV to be responsible for their monitored? 00 4367. GEMS will assist you in every AIDST over the next 15 months. by taking control out of the hands of the deaths. AfA offers all the medical services With our ever-growing member base way possible to ensure your health and • Will I receive a medical aid cover virus and putting it back into your own. we hope to encourage more individuals you will need. They also give you useful for antiretrovirals? wellbeing as well as that of your family It is hoped that the campaign will to take responsibility for their lives and to information about the disease that you • What benefits are available? and loved ones. dramatically increase proactive behaviour a teacher, discovered her Eunice (44), may not be aware of. • How do I join the Aid for AIDS in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. status seven years ago when she decided programme? As GEMS this ground breaking campaign to get tested after yet another family Sifiso (39), an administration clerk, found by Government is particularly close to our member passed away. “The hardest that AfA helped him get his health back Joining the programme is easy and can hearts. part is knowing your status. Registering under control. “They introduced me to be done in the six simple steps below: on GEMS’ HIV Disease Management “Positive Living” which shows me how The ultimate purpose of this campaign programme, which is managed by AfA, to live my new life. There is information 1) Register with Aid for AIDS is to diagnose HIV-positive people so meant that I would be guided and advised about keeping my belongings clean and (it’s confidential). Contact that we can take the most appropriate by qualified doctors and that I was able to washing my fruit and vegetables so that them on 0860 100 646, or action to safeguard their health as early breathe a sigh of relief.” I don’t get any bacterial infections. They as possible. For those who are not yet download the application also told me which foods are good for me form from www.gems.gov.za. members of the scheme it is not too late to Despite the morbidity or effects of this to eat and how much exercise and sleep I 2) Fill in your details. Get your join. All Government employees qualify for disease, there is a way out. “I was sick and need. In fact, I feel better now than I ever doctor to examine you and an enhanced employer medical subsidy tired of feeling depressed about it,” says have. It’s amazing, I feel like I’ve had a complete the form. when joining GEMS. Eunice, “I couldn’t sleep at night because fresh start in life.” 3) Fax it to the toll-free number I was so worried. When I finally registered - 0800 600 773 or post to - Living with HIV/AIDS is a very personal on the AfA programme, they were very The GEMS HIV Disease Management The Aid for AIDS Programme, issue and empowering yourself does patient and understanding. programme, managed by AfA, is helping not require you to make your personal PO Box 38597, Howard Place Eunice and Sifiso to empower themselves, 7450, South Africa. challenge a public one. On the contrary, They explained to me that having HIV while the Scheme takes care of all the 4) The Aid for AIDS medical your battle against HIV/AIDS can remain and not taking any medication, if required, technicalities. Treatment is closely and team will review your case as private as you want it to be. is like leaving the doors and windows of consistently monitored so that optimum and discuss the appropriate your home unlocked when you know that results are achieved. The doctors and treatment with your doctor. Aid for AIDS (AfA) is an HIV/AIDS Disease robbers are coming. I was glad that I had laboratory staff make sure that each and 5) Aid for Aids will send both Management Company that works for decided to take responsibility, even though every patient is on the right medication so you and your doctor a letter GEMS to provide you with the confidential I know it’s not my fault that I have HIV.” that their lives can continue normally. Each explaining your treatment plan. DIRCO official testing for HIV/AIDS virus

18 the diplomat June 2010 the diplomat June 2010 19 UPCOMING EVENTS JuLY – Moral Regeneration month – World Population Day 11 JuLY – Mandela Day 18 JuLY

WWhere were you ?

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