Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad at a Bricklaying Ceremony of the New Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Pretoria Editorial Note

July 2008 dfa

NowYour voice to be heard

Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad at a Bricklaying Ceremony of the new Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Pretoria Editorial Note

Dear Colleagues The dfa Now is an internal newsletter of the Department of Foreign Affairs published by the Directorate: Content Welcome to the July issue of dfa Now. We want to take Development. this opportunity to sincerely thank the contributors who take their valuable time to volunteer inputs for the newsletter and Editor-in-Chief: Ronnie Mamoepa those who respond positively every time they are requested to Editor: Paseka Mokhethea contribute. It is through your commitment that this newsletter continues to meet the information needs of the staff at Head Editorial Committee: Office and in Missions abroad. For this reason, we arevery Khoza, G: Dir: Operations Centre & Marketing; grateful for your support. Please keep it up! Moloto, J: Dir: Greater China; Mashabane, D: Dir Humanitarian Affairs; This month we bring you report back from the recently held Mashigo G: Dir EWC; SADC Ministerial Meeting chaired by Minister Dr Nkosazana Shongwe, LV: Chief Dir: Office of the DG; Dlamini Zuma as well as the first SA-EU Summit that took place Mabhongo, X: Chief Dir : United Nations; in France. In addition we keep you informed with the follow- Malawana XL: Media Liaison ing: Media Briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad, facts about the dfa’s new headquarters building, South Africa’s donation to Sub-Editing and Proofreading: Seychelles, understanding depression from EWC, and a report Elion Von Wielligh and Annelie Kirstein on culture and customs around the world from our Mission in Lebanon, not forgetting our regular ‘Where were you…? Design and Layout: Shaune van Wyk, Zimele Ngxongo and Kedibone Phiri. Pictures: Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh We trust that you enjoy this informative issue. As it is the and Unathi Ngamntwini norm please don’t forget that we rely on your assistance in meeting the printing deadline. Therefore, in future to ensure The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily the dfa Now is released on time please assist us by meeting reflect those of the DFA or the editors. The deadline for the submission deadline for articles. Please forward your let- contributions is 29 August 2008. Contributions may be sent ters and articles to the Editor before the deadline, because this to cbe000 or [email protected] publication is your voice! All enquiries: Paseka @ Tel: (012) 351-1569 Fax: (012) 342-1192 Happy reading!

Culture and Customs around the World - Report from Beirut, Lebanon

n the afternoon of Thursday 5 June 2008 the mission was informed by Oour Honorary Consulate in Beirut that Ambassador Dangor had to present his credentials to the newly elected President. The secretary to the Honorary Consul informed the mission that the Ambassador was to present his credentials to President Michel Sleiman at his office in Baabda on Thursday 12 June 2008 and that the dress was “white suit”. Having been in the foreign service for some time I decided to call the secretary on the Friday to confirm the “white suit” issue with the Lebanese Protocol, as I thought she may have been confused with “white tie’ which is something totally different in Diplomatic Protocol. The reply was clearly that the suit had to be white, with white shirt, grey or dark grey tie with black shoes and socks. Ac- cording to Lebanese protocol white is used in summer and black is for winter use when meet- From left to right are: Rudi Janse van Vuuren, First secretary Corporate Services, Ms ing the President. Marie Majdelani-Sefri Secretary to the Honorary Consul in Beirut and Ambassador Mohammed Dangor Contributed by: Rudi Janse van Vuuren

DFA Now • July 2008 Departmental Issues

FACTS ABOUT OUR NEW HEADQUARTERS

‘I have been resisting looking at this site. The last time I looked at it, it was still earthworks. I decided I wasn’t going to look at it for some time, so that when I do, it would be a pleasant surprise. And indeed I’ve kept that promise to myself that I’m not going to look. Indeed when I ap- proached it today, it was a pleasant surprise’. – Minister Dlamini Zuma at the Bricklaying Ceremony.

In those words Minister Nkosa- zana Dlamini Zuma summarised the thoughts of all those who attended the Bricklaying Ceremony of the new Foreign Affairs Headquarters held on Friday 11 July 2008. Employees representing all sections within the DFA, the relevant stakeholders and all the contractors and workers on site attended the ceremony on one of the coldest days in July. The ceremony was followed by a guided tour of the building site for all the invited DFA officials and other stakeholders. The afternoon ended with a luncheon served at the premises to mark this significant day.

A long process

In the Minister’s first address to the senior management of Foreign Affairs, after she was re-appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs for a second term in 2004, she gave the Department four tasks. One of these tasks was to establish a new Head Of- fice. The Minister commented, at the time, that this task was very critical and would require much energy of all those involved. The Minister then put into action a process that has been talked about in the DFA for the past 20 Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba at the years. The project naturally attracted a Bricklaying Ceremony of the new Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Pretoria lot of comment from long-serving DFA officials and was understandably met with some scepticism. complex process, necessitating expert lected for their knowledge and experi- resources. The Department therefore ence in the financial, legal, technical, In initial discussions with both the appointed a transaction advisory team empowerment, human resources and National Treasury and the Depart- to assist in developing the concept of project management disciplines. ment of Public Works, the Depart- the project as well as giving guidance ment soon realised that a project of through the procurement thereof. This this size and nature is an involved and transaction advisory team was se- Continue on pg 4 ...

DFA Now • July 2008 Departmental Issues

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With this transaction advisory SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ team, the Department embarked on a Feasibility Study in 2004 that had on Politics, Defence and Security as its aim defining the needs of the Department, considering various op- inister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the request of the Chair of the SADC tions to service the need, identifying Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, hosted the Ministe- potential land and buildings, defining Mrial Meeting that took place at the Durban International Conference Centre, the scope of the project and the funds from Friday – Saturday 18-19 July 2008. available for its execution. The meeting chaired by Angola seek to consolidate all the work of the Organ regard- Probably the most significant de- ing political and security issues in the region, and also to prepare a report for the Chair cision the Department took at the in- of the Organ to present it to the SADC Summit that is scheduled to take place in August ception of the project was not to only in Sandton, Johannesburg. focus on the acquisition of a new building, but to ensure that this will be The Ministerial Meeting deliberated on progress made by the police, defence, public a serviced and well-maintained office security and state security sectors within the region as part of the Interstate Defence and environment for a significant period Security Committee. The operationalisation of the SADC Brigade, that was launched last after construction. For this reason, the year, was also discussed as well as a Regional Early Warning Centre that is scheduled Department decided to procure the to be launched in December 2008. project as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and registered it as such with The Ministers also spend time to discuss the political situation in Malawi, the security the National Treasury. In the context situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the mediation process in Lesotho and of the decision to procure the project the post-electoral situation in Zimbabwe. as a PPP, the process of defining the needs of the Department did not focus only on deciding on immediate needs, but challenged the Department to take Welcome Message by Minister NC Dlamini Zuma at the a long-term view on its future. Official Opening of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Durban, 18 July 2008 The Feasibility Study was ap- I feel greatly privileged and honour leaders, heroes and heroines such proved by the Treasury in November oured on behalf of President Thabo as Mwalimu Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda 2004, at which time the scope of the Mbeki, the Government and people of and Nelson Mandela, amongst others, project was fixed. The project consists South Africa, and on my own behalf to for so many years. of the following elements: extend a very warm welcome to you Accordingly, on the occasion of his a) the provision of office all, to this the great Kingdom of 90th birthday, it is only appropriate, if I accommodation for its full head KwaZulu-Natal, the home of great may humbly propose Chairperson, that office staff complement (current and Zulu kings, warriors and African patriots. we as the SADC Ministers of the Organ, future), together with appropriate We meet here at the Chief Albert send our collective best wishes to this il- staff wellness facilities necessary for Luthuli Convention Centre which is lustrious son of our region and continent the Department to fulfil its mandate; b) a training facility to replace the named in honour and in recognition of - Nelson Mandela - and wish him a very present Diplomatic Academy; an outstanding leader and great son of happy birthday and express the hope c) a conference centre to host 400 our continent who was the first African that he will indeed have many more. conference delegates; and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Chairperson, as we willingly and d) the construction of a new As we gather here today, to delib- with open hearts host this meeting at guesthouse. erate upon matters of regional impor- the request of the Chair of the Organ, tance, we cannot but join with the rest we have tried to put at your disposal A project of this magnitude can- of humanity in celebrating a life that within our modest means, facilities not be completed without the energy, has come to epitomise the struggle which would allow the work of the buy-in and ideas from all the staff for peace, freedom democracy and Ministerial Committee of the Organ in the Department of Foreign Af- justice – Nelson Mandela. to proceed smoothly and produce fairs. Staff has been involved in this We do so not for glory or distinction the outcomes which would make our project from the conceptual stages but primarily because as we strive to region more stable and secure. We and are, to this day, still involved in improve the lives of our peoples and hope that the hospitality extended is layout of the various floors. Without struggle to rid our region and indeed to your satisfaction. this involvement, the project would our continent of the scourge of poverty, May I, therefore, once again take this not have been possible. under-development and challenges of opportunity to welcome you to Durban infectious diseases, we can only be in- and wish us all fruitful deliberations. spired in these efforts by the ideals and I thank you. values that have sustained so many of

DFA Now • July 2008 International Relations

President Thabo Mbeki is welcomed by France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy and European Commission President Manuel Barroso at the start of the SA - EU Summit in Bordeaux, France First South Africa-EU Summit

he inaugural South Africa-Eu- stock of progress in the implementation addition both parties issued a joint decla- ropean Union (SA - EU) Sum- of the Joint Action Plan of the Strategic ration on climate change. Tmit took place on 25 July 2008 Partnership. In turn, Ministers presented in Bordeaux, France. The meeting was their report at the Summit where Heads The presidents further took note of held in the framework of the SA-EU Stra- of State welcomed progress made in the the successful organisation of the “Wa- tegic Partnership, which was established existing areas of cooperation, including ter Research for Sustainable Develop- in May 2007, elevating SA-EU relations to Science and Technology, Environment ment” seminar, which took place the day the same level as those the EU has with and Development Cooperation and man- before the Summit. The seminar, jointly its most important partners, namely, USA, dated officials to finalise the establish- organised by the South African Depart- Russia, Canada, India, Brazil and China. ment of new cooperation areas currently ment of Science and Technology, the One of the cornerstones of the Strate- under discussion, namely: Customs, European Commission and the French gic Partnership is the enhancement of Transport, Migration, Energy, Social De- Institute of Research for Development political dialogue including interaction at velopment, ICT and Space. (IRD) – on behalf of the French Minis- Heads of State level at regular intervals. tries of Foreign Affairs, and of Higher The Heads of State also deliberated Education and Research brought to- The South African delegation was led on the ongoing Economic Partnership gether more than 40 leading South Af- by President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Agreement (EPA) negotiations between rican, French and other European water the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dlamini the SADC EPA Group and the EU. They researchers. The participants discussed Zuma; Minister of Science and Technology, underscored the urgency to bridge the ex- new water research priorities in areas Mr Mangena; and Minister of Environmen- isting differences with a view to reaching such as water and food security, water tal Affairs and Tourism, Mr van Schalkwyk. an outcome that promotes development and public health, water and industry as On the EU side, in the Troika format, the and regional integration in Africa, particu- well as water and climate change. The delegation was led by President Sarkozy, larly in SADC and SACU. In the context of seminar outcome was the formulation of President of the Council of the European the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and NEPAD, very specific recommendations for new Union; and the President of the European the presidents agreed to support initiatives research projects, which will now be im- Commission, José Manuel Barroso. They aimed at developing the private sector in plemented through various instruments were accompanied by the European Com- Africa. In this regard they pledged sup- for SA - EU cooperation. missioner for Development and Humani- port for the role played by the European tarian Aid, Louis Michel and the following Investment Bank, the EU-Africa Trust The Summit was a historic moment French Ministers: Bernard Kouchner (For- Fund for Infrastructure, the African Devel- in relations between South Africa and eign Affairs), Jean-Louis Borloo (Ecology, opment Bank as well as the IDC in driving the EU as it was the first time that South Energy and Sustainable Development) investment in Africa. Other regional issues Africa interacted with the European and Alain Joyandet (Secretary of State for discussed were the peace and security Union’s highest decision makers in a Cooperation and Franchophony). situation in Darfur and Zimbabwe. The Troika format to discuss issues of com- presidents also discussed global issues mon strategic importance, allowing both The Summit was preceded by the 7th of common concern such as the WTO ne- parties to unlock the full potential of the Ministerial Troika meeting, which took gotiations, migration and food security. In Strategic Partnership.

DFA Now • July 2008 Ministry’s corner

Media briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

Terrorist attacks in India try – we believe this is a very important visit, given the fact that Egypt plays a The South African Government very major role, not only in Africa but as you strongly condemns the recent terrorist are aware, in the Middle East and in- attacks in Bangalore and Ahmedabad deed, in the Gulf area. where at least 16 bombs exploded, kill- ing 39 people (it is expected that this Egypt is not only a key player in number will rise quite substantially) and the African Union, the United Nations leaving 110 wounded. but also in the Arab League, the Or- ganisation of Islamic Unity (OIC) and We would like to once again, reit- will host the Non-Aligned Movement erate the position of the South African Summit next year. Government, that terrorism can never be a justification for any so-called As you are also aware, in France, cause and that we will again do eve- the Mediterranean Conference was rything possible, through the United held recently, which is trying to bring Nations, African Union and the forth- about cohesion amongst the countries coming Non-Aligned Movement Minis- of the Mediterranean. Egypt also par- terial meeting, to ensure we can move ticipated in this Summit and the State faster to cooperate internationally to Visit to South Africa will be an im- deal with these acts of terrorism that portant occasion to understand from seem to be growing in numbers. President Mubarak where this process is expected to go. We would like to, on behalf of the South African Government, offer our Coming so soon after the African condolences to the families of those Union Summit hosted by Egypt in who were killed and injured. Sharm El-Sheikh where major decisions were taken on many issues, this seek to understand the status of the President Thabo Mbeki to host will be an important opportunity for our Chad – Ethiopian and Djibouti as well Egyptian counterpart two Heads of State and their delega- as the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflicts. tions to review these decisions and to President Mbeki will host his coun- see how we can cooperate to ensure It will also be important, because terpart Egyptian President Hosni Mu- that these decisions are implemented as you know, Egypt brokered the barak on Tuesday 29 July 2008 where which will also ensure that the African ceasefire agreement between Ha- there will be major discussions on Union is strengthened financially, po- mas and Israel, and is therefore an political, economic and other related litically and otherwise. important player in the Middle East. issues between the two Heads of It will also be an opportunity to get a State. The African Union government sense from the Egyptian delegation, debate will be high on the agenda be- not only of how the ceasefire agree- President Mubarak will be in South cause as you know, this was discussed ment is holding, but what is the way Africa from Monday 28 – Wednesday at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. This forward towards achieving the An- 30 July 2008. He will be accompanied debate is reaching a very important napolis agreements towards a two- by seven Ministers namely Foreign stage and we will have the opportunity state solution. Affairs, Intelligence, Trade and Indus- to deliberate on how to take the Sharm try, Communications, Transport, Agri- El-Sheikh decisions further. Economic diplomacy will again be culture and the Minister in the Presi- prominent in the discussions. Our po- dency; President Mbeki will therefore Egypt is currently on the African litical links have been developing quite be supported by the counterparts of Union’s Peace and Security Council strongly in the last 14 years but it is quite these Ministers. and we will therefore get a sense of clear that our economic relations have all the conflict situations but espe- not achieved full potential. We have also This is a historic State Visit – it is cially the situation in Darfur and the signed the Promotion and Reciprocal the first time that an Egyptian Head of situation in Sudan generally because Protection of Investments and on Trade State has visited a sub-Saharan coun- of its impact on Egypt. We will also which were concluded in 1998.

DFA Now • July 2008 Ministry’s corner International Ministry’s relations corner

Media briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

President Thabo Mbeki hosted his Egyptian counterpart President Hosni Mubarak for bilateral political, economic and trade discussions at the Union Buildings

A Memorandum of Understand- tive trade balance of R260 721 000. ity of the countries in the world repre- ing on Economic Cooperation is This is still too little. senting all continents are members of currently under consideration. An the NAM and the G-77 + China and Agreement on the Avoidance of Minister Dlamini Zuma to Lead given the new challenges that we ex- Double Taxation entered into force South African Delegation to NAM perience in the international arena, the in 1998. Other agreements include Ministerial Meeting recent developments like the rising cooperation in the field of tourism, fuel crisis, the increase in food prices science and technology and air As you know, the Minister of For- and the whether we will achieve the services. An agreement on Maritime eign Affairs following the inaugural Millennium Development Goals. This Transport will be reviewed later this SA - EU Summit in Bordeaux, France will be a very important NAM Ministe- year. Agreements on cooperation in will be travelling to Iran to attend the rial meeting. the field of environmental manage- NAM Ministerial meeting scheduled ment and information and commu- from Tuesday – Wednesday 29 – 30 Of course, you cannot have a NAM nications technology are currently July 2008. The theme of the Confer- meeting where we do not discuss the under consideration. ence is “Solidarity for Peace, Justice major threats to international peace and Friendship,” and it will be an and security and as we will discuss it Our economic relations at the mo- opportunity to prepare for the NAM in South Africa with the Egyptian del- ment amount to approximately R500 Summit to be hosted by Egypt next egation. Minister Dlamini Zuma will million annually. I must say that for two year. discuss it in Iran within the context of major powers in Africa – one in North the NAM – this relates to the Pales- Africa and another in sub-Saharan Af- It is our view that more than ever, tine-Israel situation, the Iraq situation, rica, this figure is not what one would the Non-Aligned Movement now has Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear issue expect. The only good thing about this to understand the important role it and high on the agenda is how we co- is that in 2007 South Africa had a posi- plays in world politics. The vast major- Continue on pg 8 ...

DFA Now • July 2008 Ministry’s corner Ministry’s corner

Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during her visit to Iran

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operate to fight terrorism and there agriculture, housing, free trade zones, that we can stabilise the situation in form of the United Nations. investment cooperation, banking, trade that region. As you know, the G-5 + promotion, electricity and mining. 1 have now proposed new initiatives to Iran on this issue. It is a matter Minister Dlamini Zuma to co-chair This Joint Commission comes at a that we have not been fully briefed 10th SA-Iran Joint Commission time, as I have said, when Iran is cru- on – i.e. the content of this proposal cial to developments in the region – in but we do believe this initiative to Following the NAM Ministerial relation to Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon which the Iranians have in principle meeting Minister Dlamini Zuma will and the Palestine-Israel situation. No- reacted positively to and we do hope remain in Tehran to co-chair with body challenges the fact that Iran is hat our own discussions will enable the Acting Iranian Finance Minister fundamental to the way in which we us to get a better understanding. Hoosein Samsani, the 10th South work together to work to resolve all the Africa-Iran Joint Commission sche- issues to which I have just referred. As you know, Ambassador Minty duled from Saturday – Sunday 2 – 3 is our representative on the IAEA August 2008. But more significantly, the Iranian and he has been endorsed by the nuclear issue is an important issue African Union, in the event of the This Joint Commission has two at this stage because as you are present Director-General Dr ElBa- legs – the Political and Social Affairs aware, the IAEA Board in June 2008 radei not standing for re-election, Working Group which deals with is- presented its latest report. The Di- to be the African candidate for the sues like the Middle East, Africa, rector-General of the IAEA has stat- Director-General of the IAEA. Am- disarmament and nuclear issues, ed that the Agency has been able to bassador Minty will be part of the human rights, global governance, re- continue to verify the non-diversion Minister’s delegation and we hope gional cooperation, South Africa’s Ac- of declared nuclear material in Iran. that we will get a better handle on celerated and Shared Growth Initia- However, the Director-General felt this alleged Iranian nuclear weap- tive, education, health, environment, that there was not sufficient progress ons programme so that we can deal tourism, arts and culture, science and on the issue of the possible military with it effectively. It is also important technology, sports and recreation and dimensions related to the so-called for us to get movement on this issue women’s affairs. There is therefore “Green Salt” project, the high explo- because the continuing threats of quite an extensive programme under sive testing and the missile re-en- military action against Iran is desta- this working group. The Minister will try vehicle elements which could or bilising the region and therefore we be supported by key people from the could not have a military dimension. do hope we can find some solution. various departments. These documents were given to Iran only in December last year and we Criminal court’s request for The Economic and Technical Work- do hope that they will be able to re- President El-Bashir’s indictment ing Group is the second group which solve this final issue so that we can deals with commerce, customs, oil and get the issue of Iran’s nuclear weap- Finally, as you remember, in my petrochemical, exhibitions, transport, ons programme finally resolved so last briefing I expressed my view that

DFA Now • July 2008 Ministry’s corner Ministry’s corner

Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad at the media Deputy Director-General Ambassador briefing, Pretoria Abdul Minty, representative at the IAEA

there was growing concern about the lasting peace and reiterated the AU’s of the processes underway in Sudan, International Criminal Court’s request concern with the misuse of indictments approval by the Pre-Trial Chamber of for President El-Bashir of Sudan to against African leaders, in conformity the application by the ICC prosecutor be interdicted. Since then, you know with its decision on the Abuse of the could seriously undermine the ongo- that the Foreign Ministers of the Arab Principle of Universal Jurisdiction, ing efforts aimed at facilitating the ear- League have met in an Extraordinary adopted by the 11th Ordinary Session ly resolution in the Sudan as a whole, meeting and have expressed their of the Assembly of the Union held in and may lead to further suffering for concern about the indictment and Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on 30 June the people of the Sudan and greater have indicated that they would take and 1 July 2008. destabilisation with far-reaching con- the necessary measures to ensure sequences for the country and the that we can deal with this issue in a It went on to say, “in accordance region.” better manner. with the Rome Statute, the ICC is complementary to national criminal It has now decided and has re- However, more important for us: jurisdictions, which have therefore the quested the “United Nations Security the AU Peace and Security Council primary responsibility of investigating Council, in accordance with the provi- met on 14 July 2008 and I believe they or prosecuting cases over which they sions of Article 16 of the Rome Statute have now taken a decision that binds have jurisdiction.” of the ICC, to defer the processes initi- us all in how we should approach this ated by the ICC.” issue: I will just give you elements of It also recalled the “principle of the this decision of the AU: presumption of innocence, as a gen- This is what will guide most of the eral principle of law which is enshrined African countries in dealing with this “The AU reiterated its unflinching in the Rome Statute of the ICC.” request for the indictment of President commitment to combating impunity El-Bashir and we hope now that the and promoting democracy, the rule It “stressed the need for inter- Security Council will consider very se- of law and good governance through- national justice to be conducted in a riously the views of Africa and the Arab out the entire continent, in conformity transparent and fair manner, in order to League and will take the necessary with its Constitutive Act, and, in this avoid any perception of double stand- measures to defer this matter so that respect, condemns once again the ard in conformity with the principles of we can deal with this matter in a much gross violations of human rights in international law, and expressed con- better way that will not undermine the Darfur. cern at the threat that such develop- ICC and will enable us to deal with im- ments may pose to efforts aimed at punity in the broader context of recon- However, the “Council reaffirmed promoting the rule of law and stability, ciliation and finding solutions. its statement of 11 July 2008, in which as well as building strong national in- it expressed its strong conviction that stitutions in Africa.” Note: The Media Briefing by Dep- the search for justice should be pur- uty Minister Pahad is edited for layout sued in a way that does not impede or It went on to “express its convic- and length purposes. jeopardise efforts aimed at promoting tion that in view of the delicate nature

DFA Now • July 2008 Departmental Issues Departmental Issues

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION “The first thing to remember is that almost everyone feels UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION depressed at one time or another”

The EWC would like to make col- some common problems and symp- However, you do have some control leagues and their family members toms that people with depression ex- over feeling better. Staying connected aware of the signs and symptoms of perience. to friends and family, sharing your depression and provide some guide- • You constantly feel irritable, sad, or feelings with someone you trust, and lines on dealing with depression ef- angry. making healthy lifestyle decisions can fectively • Nothing seems fun anymore, and all have a hugely positive impact on you just don’t see the point of trying. your mood. • You feel bad about yourself - What depression feels like worthless, guilty, or just “wrong” in some way Try not to isolate yourself If you think you are depressed, • You sleep too much or not enough. you’re not alone. No matter what you • You have frequent, unexplained When you’re depressed, you may believe, people love and care about headaches or other physical not feel like seeing anybody or doing you, and if you can muster the cour- problems. anything. Just getting out of bed in age to talk about your depression, it • Anything and everything makes you the morning can be difficult, but -iso can — and will — be resolved. Some cry. lating yourself only makes depression • You’ve gained or lost weight without people think that talking about sad worse. Make it a point to stay social; consciously trying to. feelings will make them worse, but even if that’s the last thing you want to • You just can’t concentrate. Your the opposite is almost always true. It grades may be plummeting do. As you get out into the world, you is very helpful to share your worries because of it. may find yourself feeling better. with someone who will listen and care, • You feel helpless and hopeless. especially a trained professional who • You’re thinking about death or Remember that you are not alone can guide you towards feeling better. suicide. (If this is true, talk to someone right away!) You are not alone, and neither is Signs and symptoms of depression your depression a hopeless case. What you can do to feel better Even though it can feel like depression It’s hard to put into words what de- will never lift, it eventually will - and with pression feels like, and people experi- Depression is not your fault, and proper treatment and healthy choices, ence it differently. There are, however, you didn’t do anything to cause it. that day can come even sooner? In

SOUTH AFRICA GIVES $3,6M TO SEYCHELLES Source - Seychelles Nation Newspaper dated 16 July 2008 -

South African High Commissioner Madumane Matabane yesterday presented a cheque for US $3,6 million to Foreign Affairs Minister Patrick Pillay at Maison Queau de Quinssy in Mont Fleuri. He did so a few hours after pre- senting his credentials to President James Michel at State House.

South African High Commissioner to Seychelles Madumane Matabane

10 DFA Now • July 2008 Departmental Issues

the meantime, you might need thera- become depressed in the first place. small daily goals and stick to them. • Put pleasure and fun into each day. py and or medication to help you while Alcohol and drug usage can also in- Treat yourself to something that you you sort out your feelings. crease suicidal feelings. In short, drink- will enjoy and that will require you to ing and taking drugs will make you feel expend some energy. Keep your body healthy worse (not better) in the long run. • Keep active – exercise, swim, jog, play tennis, etc. Making healthy lifestyle choices Dealing with depression • Get plenty of rest and sleep, but do can do wonders for your mood. Things not overdo it. like diet and exercise have been Everyone has or will experience • Eat balanced and nutritious meals. shown to help depression. Ever heard feeling depressed in their lifetime. It is Cut down on the junk foods. • Allow yourself to experience your of a “runners high”? You actually get expected that at one time or another, feelings. If you need to cry, do so. a rush of endorphins from exercising, you may feel sad or overwhelmed due If you are angry, find a safe way to which makes you feel instantly happi- to challenges in your life or, seemingly express that anger a little at a time. er. Physical activity can be as effective for no apparent reason at all. At times, • Keep a journal; write out how as medications or therapy for depres- these feelings of sadness can become you are feeling and what you sion, any activity helps! Even a short intense and prolonged to such an ex- are thinking. It’s a nice way to walk can be beneficial. tent that daily functioning can become experience the feelings as opposed difficult. Part of dealing with depres- to keeping them inside. As for food, it’s true that you are sion is the ability to spot the symptoms • Challenge any negative self-talk or messages that you may be giving what you eat. An improper diet can of depression as mentioned above. yourself. Stick with what you know make you feel sluggish and tired, which is true, is real, and is observable, worsens depression symptoms. Your What should I do if I feel depressed? rather that jumping to conclusions or body needs vitamins and minerals such The first thing to remember is that al- making assumptions. Do not focus as iron and the B-vitamins. Make sure most everyone feels depressed at one on the negative. you’re feeding your mind with plenty of time or another. Take time to assess • Develop a support system of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. why you are feeling the way you are. positive people; anyone who will In many cases, feeling down is an ex- be supportive, encouraging, and Avoid alcohol and drugs pected and appropriate reaction to a uplifting. stressor or situation; however, when You may be tempted to drink or these feelings last for an extensive This article was adapted from vari- use drugs in an effort to escape from period of time, or significantly interfere ous articles written by the following your feelings and get a “mood boost”, with your ability to function, it might be healthcare professionals: Suzanne even if just for a short time. However, wise to make efforts to change your Barston; Melinda Smith (M.A.); Jael- substance use can not only make de- situation. Try to: line Jaffe (Ph.D.); Lisa Flores Dumke pression worse, but can cause you to • Build structure into your day. Set (M.A.); and Jeanne Segal (Ph.D.)

Mr Matabane said his govern- “It shows the hard work of your Mr Pillay said that Seychelles ment decided to give the money to government and its responsibility to asked for the money to buy goods Seychelles as an unconditional grant transform the lives of its people,” he from South Africa, but since the coun- to help it overcome current economic said, adding that his government was try is not imposing conditions it will be problems. The money comes from his sure the money will not be wasted as used through the Ministry of Finance country’s African Renaissance and In- has happened in the case of certain according to government priorities and ternational Cooperation Fund, which leaders and countries. accounted for if necessary. was created in 2001 to support cooperation with other countries, particu- He described Seychelles’ govern- Mr Matabane said his talks with larly on the same continent. ment as responsible and democratic the President centred on the good re- and noted that both countries are co- lations between the two countries in The fund is also meant to finance members of such organisations as which they have supported each other socio-economic development and the South African Development Com- in the international arena. “We dis- integration, humanitarian aid and munity and the New Partnership for cussed how we are going to continue human resources development. He Africa’s Development. “We trust the to live and work together,” he said, said Seychelles was chosen to re- leadership to decide what to do with mentioning education as one area of ceive the substantial sum because the money,” he said when asked what cooperation and praising the manner of the hard work and accountability the grant is for and if there were any in which Seychelles has looked after of its government. strings attached to it. the environment.

DFA Now • July 2008 11 Where were you..?