January 2009 Dfa Nowyour Voice to Be Heard

January 2009 dfa NowYour voice to be heard

special TribuTe Minister of foreign AffAirs, Dr nkosAzAnA DlAMini zuMA pAys tribute to south AfricA’s gooDwill AMbAssADor, MiriAM MAkebA Editorial Note

DEar CoLLEagUEs, the dfa Now is an internal newsletter of the Department of foreign affairs published by the elcome to the first edition of thedfa Now for 2009. Directorate: We hope you had a good rest and wish you a fruit- Content Development. ful 2009. In this edition we report back on things thatW took place in the last segment of the year 2008. We pay Editor-in-Chief: ronnie Mamoepa special tribute to ‘Mama Afrika’ Miriam Makeba our Goodwill Editor: Paseka Mokhethea Ambassador that passed away in November. May her legacy Compilation, sub-Editing & Proofreading: and voice keep inspiring us to realise the importance of art tran- Elion Von Wielligh & annelie Kirstein scending boundaries and uniting people. We also report on the 16 Days of Activism Against No Vio- Design and Layout: lence Against Women and Children and the message delivered shaune van Wyk & Zimele Ngxongo by Deputy Minister Fatima Hajaig at the day of commemoration Pictures: Jacoline Prinsloo, sanjay singh & that was held in Tulbagh Park. We report on Zakumi’s debut at Unathi Ngamntwini our German Embassy and the tour of the Imilonji Kantu Choir in Switzerland. A view on the world, this month, is from the beauti- the views expressed in this newsletter do not ful city of Amman, Jordan and our mission in Beijing reports on necessarily reflect those of the DFA or the editors. the historic visit of the SAS Spioenkop to China. In conclusion the deadline for contributions is 30 January 2009. we have the farewell speech of former Deputy Minister Aziz Pa- Contributions may be sent to cbe000 or had delivered at his Farewell Dinner held in Midrand. [email protected]

Happy reading! all enquiries: Paseka @ tel: (012) 351-1569 fax: (012) 342-1192 government activities

Minister of foreign affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s tribute to south africa’s goodwill ambassador, Miriam Makeba

NE of thE grEatEst song- of our country through which she con- stresses of our time, Miriam tinued to communicate a positive mes- OMakeba, has ceased to sing. sage to the world about developments The South African Goodwill Ambassa- in South Africa,” continued Minister Dr dor collapsed and passed away at the Dlamini Zuma. Veneto Verde hospital near Naples on Makeba’s remains were brought Sunday 9 November after performing at back to South Africa and President the Castel Volturno. Kgalema Motlanthe declared national In a tribute to Makeba, Minister of For- days of mourning from Thursday 13 eign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma November until the day of the funeral, said “Throughout her life, Mama Makeba which took place on 15 November. Dur- communicated a positive message to the ing this time, all national flags at provin- world about the struggle of the people of cial and national levels, including Dip- South Africa and the certainty of victory lomatic Missions abroad, were flown at over the dark forces of apartheid (and) half-mast in her remembrance. colonialism through the art of song” Makeba will be remembered for her “It was accordingly befitting that with voice and how she used it in being a the dawn of peace, democracy and jus- Goodwill Ambassador for South Africa tice in South Africa, our Government saw in every sense of the word. w it fit to appoint her Goodwill Ambassador By Annelie Kirstein

2 DFA Now • January 2009 Departmental activities

“16 Days of Activism Campaign translates into sustainable 365 days of action to end violence against women and children within a co-ordinated system of Government and through partnership with all spheres of Government”.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Fatima Hajaig

16 Days of activism against No Violence against Women and Children

hE 16 Days of aCtiVisM empower and train employees around - Men as Partners (household and against No Violence against gender aspects. Participants for the workplace). TWomen and Children is a workshop were male employees - The vision of change for men in the United Nations campaign. It takes nominated from different Branches of workplace and institution place annually from 25 November (In- the Department to learn more on how • Managing Gender Transformation ternational Day of No Violence against men can be partners at home and in in the workplace. Women) to 10 December (Internation- the workplace. Men who participated in the work- al Human Rights Day). Since 1999 the Participants were empowered with shop were taken through the role on South African Government has run a the following knowledge: how culture, religion and their sociali- parallel campaign that includes issues • Men and Masculinities (the role of sation in society has influenced their relating to violence against children. culture, religion, economic factor, gender roles in society (family and at This campaign focuses primarily on etc in shaping Masculinity Identity, work). For them, training on masculinity generating an increased awareness focusing on: was an eye opener on how they could of the negative impact of violence on - Socialisation be partners in the fight against gender- women and children as well as society - Identity based violence in society. as a whole. - Stereotyping The annual Departmental 16 Days The Chief Directorate: Gender - Sex and Sexuality of Activism took place on 28 November organised two events for the Depart- - Culture and Religion 2008 with a keynote address by Dep- ment in support of the campaign. The - Ideology uty Minister Fatima Hajaig at Tulbagh first event was a workshop on men and • Gender, race, class and poverty in Park, under the theme of “Don’t look masculinity for 30 male participants, a specific gender context away – Act Against Abuse” which took place at 110 Hamilton • Masculinity in the workplace and In her keynote address, the Dep- Street, on 27 November 2008. institutions uty Minister welcomed everybody and The workshop was an integral part - The Social Maintenance of gender set the tone of the day that “16 Days of the Chief Directorate’s mandate to in organisations ... Continue on pg 4

DFA Now • January 2009 3 Departmental activities

... Continue from pg 3

of Activism Campaign translates into refrain from cultural practice that treat sustainable 365 days of action to end women as second-class citizens in so- violence against women and chil- ciety and be partners. dren within a co-ordinated system of A summary of the event was done Government and through partnership by the Chief Director: Gender Ms Ruby with all spheres of Government”. She Marks, who request employees of the imilonji emphasised that the objective of the Department to donate used items to campaign is to increase the level of two shelters that provides refuge to Kantu tour to awareness amongst South Africans victims of domestic violence in Maraba pertaining to the incidence of violence stad and Mamelodi. switzerland perpetuated against women and chil- The campaign continued for the rest dren. of the 16 days in the Department. Staff ne of South Africa’s most cel- Among the speakers on the day members are welcome to email their ebrated and world-renowned was Adv. Joyce Maluleke, Head of the suggestions and ideas for strategies to Ochoirs, the Imilonji Kantu Gender Desk in the Department of Jus- build and strengthen the campaign at Choral Society, toured Switzerland tice, who talked about the service char- DFA. In addition to this, daily informa- from 16 to 20 October 2008, at the inter for victims of crime in South Africa. tion bulletins was sent out to discuss vitation of the South African Embassy The Commission on Gender Equality aspects of gender-based violence, in- in Switzerland. was represented by Rev. Bafana Khu- cluding institutional forms of violence Imilonji Choral Society was found- malo who challenged men to be part- such as sexual harassment.w ed in 1983 at the height of the struggle ners in fighting gender-based violence Contributed by Chief Directorate: Gender for national liberation in the country in society. He asserted that men should under the directorship and founder Mr Thangana Krila Gobingca George KaMxadana. The group has performed at music festivals around the world, as well as at the inauguration ceremonies of former Presidents Nelson Mandela in 1994 and Thabo Mbeki in 1999. The visit of Imlonji Choir to Switzer- land was part of the mission’s strategy to advance the objectives of the mission‘s key priority area in the Business Plan, namely Promotion of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. The objective was also to have the choir’s performance as a complimentary event to the mission’s flagship project – Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebratory multimedia exhibition, showing in Kae- (Top) Rev. Bafana Khumalo and (right) Adv. Joyce Maluleke speaking to staff.

(Bottom) Deputy Minister, Ms Fatima Hajaig and Ms Ruby Marks during proceedings football in Berlin

he South African Embassy in Berlin held a press con- Tference with Danny Jordaan (CEO of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee) and Hans Klaus from FIFA and Horst Schmidt. Zakumi also made his international debut at the Embassy. Zakumi is the official mascot for the 2010 World Cup. The event was covered by the local press and in South Africa by the SABC.

4 DFA Now • January 2009 Mission activities

figturm, Bern, from 15 October 2008 to the audience on their feet when they of different backgrounds. What a real 31 January 2009, following its highly opened their show with the South Afri- African melodic experience that was! successful showing at the Geneva UN can National Anthem and closed with Following Imiloji Choral Society‘s Head Quarters in September 2008. the Swiss National Anthem. The high- tour, there is no doubt that their per- In a marathon-like performance light of the show was when the invited formance has left an indelible mark in schedule, the Choral Society ap- guests began dancing to “Shosholo- the minds of many here in Switzerland. peared in three major Swiss cities en- za” and took to the stage joining in the The Mission is proud to have managed tertaining scores of Swiss and South snake dance. to host the group and indeed contribut- African revellers alike. The choir also The choir then also performed in ing in raising the cultural and heritage had a bonus performance at the Eng- Zurich in front of a packed audience at profile of South Africa in Switzerland. lish church in Bern on Sunday, 19 Oc- a local venue, Thornhalle. The perform- During the concert in Geneva, tober during the morning mass. The ance in Zurich was even better than the choir participated in Goodwill ac- 57-member choir sprung into action that in Bern mainly due to the vibrancy tivities organised by the Church that soon after their arrival in Bern where of the crowd in Banking City. They then graciously offered its hall for the per- they performed before a multitude of set off to Geneva for an exciting performance. The activity helped to raise Swiss and South African audiences formance with a responsive audience. funds for Hearts of Hope, a South Afri- alike during their premier night at the The internationally acclaimed Imi- can charity organisation. The success Kozerthalle on 16 October. lonji Kantu Choral Society has raised of the tour will be remembered long During the tour to Switzerland, the musical awareness in Switzerland as into the future specifically because it choir traversed the length and breadth they combined their excellent voices in took place alongside the Nelson Man- of the country, showcasing the splen- union with a kudu horn, the marimba, dela celebratory exhibition and when dour of South African culture, talent the tshikona reed pipe, the ixilongwe, the country‘s heritage was also cel- and heritage. a drum, shakers and clappers, and ebrated in different parts of the world. True to their endearment name, the uhadi bow harp. This is yet more If there is one thing that the choir “The Peoples Choir”, earned dur- evidence of the choir’s ability to fully did, was to export cultural diversity ing the struggle days and their ster- exhibit the diversity of culture and how and the beauty of the South African ling contribution to free the people such diversity can be used as a vehi- society- a true and indeed, “the rain- of the yoke of apartheid, Imilonji had cle for reconciliation amongst people bow nation mosaic” at display.w

project is “not only to meet for football matches but also to play a part in the development and change of society,” said Streetfootballworld founder Juergen Griesbeck. The project will take place around the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with each centre having a football pitch and rooms for edu- Zakumi – cation and dissemination of health the official information. The first centre is due mascot for for completion near Cape Town in the 2010 World Cup. mid-2009. A total of five centres are planned for South Africa with the The Embassy together with FIFA project “20 Centres for 2010” which remainder spread throughout the and Streetfootballworld hosted a will involve the building of 20 football continent in Kenya, Ruanda, Gha- roundtable discussion regarding a joint centres in Africa. The objective of the na, Mali and Namibia. w

DFA Now • January 2009 5 Mission activities

a ViEW oN thE WorLD – living in amman This month the dfa Now brings you a view on life in Amman, Jordan as part of the feature to share with you how colleagues live at missions abroad. The transferred staff at the Embassy all contributed to a combined effort to answer the set questions.

You are stationed at the SA Embassy in Am- man, Jordan. Tell us more about life in the City its people, the food and culture. Amman, also known in biblical times (2000BC) as Rabbath Ammon, famous capital of the Edomites, is a picturesque city situated on 19 hilltops of which some are more than 800 metre above sea level. Amman is a city of contrasts. Western Amman has leafy residential districts with impressive modern villas, trendy cafes and unique art galleries. Eastern, or downtown Amman, centres around the Al Husseini Mosque, which is for all practical reasons a huge eastern bazaar where one can buy anything at cheap prices. Ancient Arab and Muslim customs and culture dominates this his- torical area. Traditional food includes Mansaf, Flafel and Kenafeh. Mansaf consists dle East. The Roman Theatre, an im- prejudice in the country and to be mis- of rice, lamb and yogurt and is usually pressive remnant of Roman times, has taken for a rich black American can im- eaten by hand. Falafel is made of chick- a seating capacity of 6 000 people and mediately leads to exploitation. peas, dried bread, parsley and spices is still frequently used for music con- and is served in the form of small balls. certs and performances. Mount Nebo is What do you miss most about South Africa? Kenafeh is a typical Jordanian/Pales- where the prophet Moses is said to have • Going to church on a Sunday morn- tinian desert and is made of layered of seen the Promised Land, which he was ing cheese covered with fried noodles and forbidden to enter. Mount Nebo over- • A proper golf course sugar syrup. Jordan also produces some looks the Jordan River and on a clear • SA’s rich cultural diversity and in- of the world’s best olive oil. day one can see Jericho and Jerusalem teraction in places like St George’s The most outstanding characteristic in the distance. Maul and Victoria and Alfred Water- of the Jordanian people is their unbeliev- A popular tourist attraction, especial- front in Cape Town. able hospitality and the way they make ly for Christians all over the world, is the • Unbelievable good weather. foreigners feel at home. site where Jesus was baptised on the eastern side of the River Jordan. Mach- What do you do when you get homesick? What are the major tourist attractions in Jor- aerus, the mountain top on which the I pick up the phone and talk to my dan? castle of Herod the Great was built and family and friends, write e-mails. Visiting The most famous tourist attraction where John the Baptist was beheaded, friends, going shopping and watching in Jordan (2 - hours’ drive from Amman) offers breathtaking views over the steep movies also help. is the rose city of Petra, which is carved surroundings and the Dead Sea. out of solid rock by the Nabateans about How many people work at the South African 2 000 years ago. It is now of the new What were the biggest adjustments you had Embassy? Seven Wonders of the World. to overcome to live in Amman? 19 At 409 metre below sea level, the Driving is a real nightmare and the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. high cost of living is a challenge. Aller- What attributes or characteristics of the Due to the incredible high salt concen- gies emanating from the changing of Jordanian people, do you think we as South tration one can float on one’s back read- seasons are also difficult to cope with. Africans can learn from? ing a newspaper without a chance of Jordanians regard family values sinking at all. What are the barriers or hurdles that make highly, they are devoted to their religion The ruins of Jerash, about 40 min- day to day living as a foreigner in Amman and are very friendly and hospitable. utes’ drive from Amman, is one of the difficult? Crime in everyday life is virtually non- best preserved Roman cities in the Mid- There is a disguised form of racial existent.

6 DFA Now • January 2009 Departmental activities

Wish to ExPrEss My ProfoUND farewell speech by former thaNKs to the Minister and the Department i for having organised this farewell dinner. A Deputy Minister aziz Pahad special thanks to Grace and her colleagues in the protocol and marketing divisions. at his farewell function This farewell has come six months earlier than expected. As I said the other night, I hope that this will not impact on my listing in the Guin- ness Book of records as one of the longest serv- ing deputy ministers in history. The last 15 years has been a period of learning in a fundamentally transformed international environment. More specifically, the last decade has been very difficult, challenging and danger- ous because of the rise of the neo-conservatives in the USA. The terrorist attacks against the USA on 9/11/2001 further strengthened the neo- cons. Concepts such as ‘clash of civilisations’, ‘religious crusades’, ‘Islamic-fascism’, ‘for or against us’, ‘axis of evil’, ‘rogue state’ determined the foreign policy of the USA. President Mubarak, reflecting the views of the vast majority of governments in the world, shortly after 9/11 warned President Bush that “any attack involving a middle east country would produce grave results, that will seriously complicate the situation throughout the Middle East”. And he went on to warn that the “Israeli- Palestinian conflict is causing 80% of terrorism in the world today” This warning, like many other similar warn- ings, were either ignored or rejected. We experienced pre-emptive strikes, disre- gard of international law and unprecedented uni- lateralism. The tragedy of such policies led to the catastrophic situation in IRAQ, Afghanistan and the unprecedented wave of anti-Americanism, which provided fertile ground for terrorism. Given this reality, former Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Kofi Annan, said in September 2006: “we face a world whose divisions threaten the very notion of an international community upon which the UN stands for. The events of the last 10 years have not resolved, but sharpened the challenges of our unjust world economy, world disorder and contempt for human rights and the rule of law.” In 2004, President Elect, Barak Obama said: “The American dream is measured in ‘faith’, in simple dreams, and insistence on small miracles”. On November 4th the ‘simple dreams’ and ‘small miracles’ became a reality when he was elected as the President of the USA. This historic and memorable day was not only celebrated in the USA, but throughout the world. The outpour- ing of joy and relief was unprecedented. Clearly, people wanted change in the directions of policies of the most powerful country in the world.”

DFA Now • January 2009 7 Departmental activities

In his acceptance speech, Presi- dignity, peace, stability, poverty eradi- tutions at every level has to con- dent-elect Obama said “although our cation and improving the quality of life tinue to be improved stories may be singular, our destiny is of our people embarked on the difficult shared, and a new dawn of American path of creating a new South African If we are to overcome these, the peo- leadership is at hand”. Patriotism, which would enable us as ple must become active agents of Failure to deal successfully with a nation united in diversity to tackle change. these fundamental challenges will the major challenges of poverty, dep- result in proliferation of weapons of rivation, degradation, unemployment, ELECtioNs NExt yEar mass destruction, increasing terror- gender inequality, lack of basic ameni- In a few months time millions of South ism, increasing conflicts, and greater ties, such as education, health, hous- Africans will participate in our fourth poverty and underdevelopment – ending, electricity, safe drinking water, democratic elections, an achievement ing all hopes of a new dawn. and social problems, such as moral all South Africans can be proud of. In an era of unprecedented glo- degeneration, crime and drugs. • Political landscape has changed balisation, we have indeed become a The last 15 years has been a period with formation of the Congress of global village. This reality dictates that of learning on the job on how to govern. the People. the rich and the poor, the weak and the Inevitably, mistakes were made. But • Not a crisis but a sign of the con- powerful, people of all religious faiths it cannot be denied that we achieved tinuing maturity of our democracy. are an integral part of humanity bound some impressive successes. • Surge in voter registration. by a common destiny. The prudent macro-economic pol- • At the IEC meeting held in Dur- Given this reality since 1994, South icy resulted in an unprecedented and ban, all political parties committed Africa’s foreign policy has been based sustained economic growth that gave themselves to ensuring that the on a vision of a ‘better South Africa, a Government the capacity to try to fulfil elections are peaceful, free and better Africa and a better world’. We the mandate of our election manifesto fair. identified some fundamental values to improve the quality of the people’s • The central challenge will still be that were essential to international re- lives. the forging of a new South African lations in the 21st Century, inter-alia: Millions have received housing, ed- Patriotism tackling the common • Freedom ucation, healthcare, safe drinking water, agenda I mentioned earlier. • Equality and electricity and welfare payments. • Solidarity Despite weaknesses in the BBE Our domestic challenges are inextri- • Tolerance and affirmative action programmes, mil- cably linked to our African challenges. • Awareness of the dangers of cli- lions of the previously disadvantaged Since the formation of the ANC in 1912, mate change have now joined the ranks of the middle we proceeded from the strong convic- • Shared responsibility classes. tion that we Africans share a common There has been no racial or ethnic destiny and therefore we must deal It is this context that we identified war. with our challenges as a committed some major challenges: We have become important play- and united force. Also given the reality • Achieving sustainable develop- ers in Africa and the world and have that South Africa’s democracy would ment universally and the elimina- made an important contribution to world not have been born without the im- tion of poverty in all its forms; peace and stability as a non-permanent mense sacrifice made by the people of • Ending war and violent conflict member of the Security Council during our continent. Africa, therefore, stands through dialogue and multilateral the past two years. at the centre of our foreign policy and institutions; We will host the 2010 World Soccer it is the foundation on which we seek • Abolishing weapons of mass de- Cup. to contribute to the creations of a new structions It would have been utopian and world order of democracy, peace and • In a holistic way fight terrorism; populist to believe that we could have prosperity. • Ensuring that every nation has the successfully dealt with all the legacies possibility to be heard and their of over 400 years of colonialism and As we seek to achieve our objec- views taken into account; and apartheid. tives, we are conscious of the impact • Ensuring genuine respect both for Therefore many challenges re- of globalisation and the African reality the strengthening of nations and main: the reality of the growth of a com- • Poverty and unemployment The 2000 historic UN Millennium mon neighbourhood. • Millions are still without basic Summit declaration proclaimed: “we amenities believe that the central challenge we aChiEVEMENts aND • HIV and AIDS and other infectious face today is to ensure that globalisa- ChaLLENgEs iN soUth diseases continue to ravage our tion becomes a positive force for the afriCa communities world’s people. For while globalisation The first democratic government un- • Crime and security impacts on all offers great opportunities, at present der President Mandela, driven by the our lives its benefits are very unevenly shared, values of freedom, democracy, human • The capacity of government insti- while its costs are unevenly distributed

8 DFA Now • January 2009 Departmental activities

Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma hands over a gift voucher to former Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

– thus only through broad and sus- Yet it is not a wealth that everyone en- CoNCLUsioN tained efforts to create a shared future joys. In Africa, millions of people live After nearly 52 years of political activ- based on our common humanity in all each day in abject poverty and squal- ism, a long but very enriching and ful- its diversity, can globalization be made or. In years to come future generations filling chapter in my life is closing. fully inclusive and equitable”. will look back, and wonder how could It has been a chapter in which I • The Summit, inter alia, decided our world known and failed to act”. joined the Transvaal Indian Congress that by 2015 the proportion of peo- As we seek to answer this ques- at a very early age. I was tempered in ple whose income is less than $1 tion we realise that the unprecedented struggle in the period of the coming a day and the proportion of people present international economic crisis will into power of the Nationalist Govern- who suffer from hunger, and who undoubtedly have a major negative ef- ment, which gave birth to the infamous are unable to reach and afford safe fect on the capacity of Africa and other apartheid system and the ruthless en- drinking water should be halved. developing countries to meet the MDGs forcement of the apartheid laws, in- • By 2015 education should be im- We also realise that there can be cluding the Group Areas Act and the proved, maternal mortality should be no development without peace, and Pass Laws. reduced by three-quarters, and un- no peace without development. There- This was also the period of mass der five child mortality by two-thirds fore we are very concerned about the political mobilization which, inter-alia, • To halt and reverse the spread of situation in: included the Passive Resistance Cam- HIV and AIDS and other infectious • DRC paign, the Defiance Campaign, the diseases • Burundi Potato and Alexander Bus Boycotts, • Somalia massive worker strikes. It was also a What haVE WE aChiEVED • Darfur period of the Congress of the People, siNCE this DECLaratioN? • Welcome President Bashir’s an- which adopted the Freedom Charter, The reality is reflected by a Commis- nouncement of a ceasefire and the Treason Trial, state of emergen- sion on Africa Report which stated urge all rebels groups to respond cies, the banning of the ANC and the that: “growth and globalisation have positively brought higher standards to billions. • Zimbabwe Continue on pg 10 ...

DFA Now • January 2009 9 Departmental activities

... Continue from pg 9

decision to form Umkonto we Sizwe and to embark on the armed struggle, and the Rivonia Trial. I was banned under the suppres- sion of the Communism Act in 1964 – one of the first 30 to be so banned, and went into exile in the United King- dom that year. After completing my MA degree at Sussex I started working full time for the ANC in 1969. I became involved with the work of the revolu- tionary council and was appointed as a member of the leadership of the Po- litical Military Committee and the ANC Intelligence Department. I was elected to the NEC of the ANC in 1985 and remained a member of the NEC until the Polokwane Conference. I was also elected as a member of the Central Committee of the South African Com- munist Party in this period. Former Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad handing out autographs at his farewell function I was privileged to have participated in the process of the establishment of the UDF and COSATU. finds that there are many more hills …..It creates a law-based society I participated in the open and se- to climb. I have taken a moment here which will be inimical to arbitrary rule. cret talks with the White establishment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious It enables the resolution of con- and representatives of the then Apart- vista that surrounds me, to look back flicts by peaceful means rather than heid-Government. on the distance I have come. But I resort to force. On my return to South Africa I can only rest for a moment, for with It rejoices the diversity of our peo- served as secretary to the Political freedom comes responsibility. I dare ple and creates the space for all of us Committee of the ANC and later as not linger, for my long walk is not yet voluntarily to define ourselves as one deputy head of the ANC International ended” people” Department under Thabo Mbeki. As I continue on my long walk, I He continued “I was born of the I then represented the ANC in the will also reflect on the exceptional peoples of the continent of Africa. international committee of the Transi- legacy left to us by former President The pain of the violent conflict that tional Executive Council. Mbeki and will always be guided by his the peoples of Liberia, Somalia, the President Mandela appointed me speech in 1996 on the occasion of the Sudan, Burundi and Algeria experi- as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs adoption of the South African constitu- enced is a pain I also bear. in the first democratic government of tion: “The constitution …..is a firm as- The dismal shame of poverty, suf- South Africa in 1994 and President sertion ….. that South Africa belongs fering and human degradation of my Mbeki re-appointed me in 1999 and in to all who live in it, black and white. It continent is a blight that we share. 2004. After resigning, President Mot- gives concrete meaning to the senti- …..Whatever the setbacks….noth- lante re-appointed me as Deputy Min- ments we share….and will defend to ing can stop us now. Whatever the dif- ister in September 2008. the death, that the people shall gov- ficulties Africa shall be at peace. Because I strongly believe that the ern. It seeks to create the situation in However, improbable it may sound early recall of President Mbeki was a which all our people shall be free from to the skeptics, Africa will prosper” decision that was apolitical, irrational fear, including the fear of the oppres- Inspired by this vision, and as I be- and inexplicable my principles, val- sion of one national group by another, gin another long journey, I look forward ues and conscience demanded that I the fear of the disempowerment of one to a new and challenging future and I don’t accept the honour of being re- social echelon by another, the fear of remain confident that I will continue to appointed. the use of state power to deny any- interact with many of you, albeit, under As I open another chapter, I will body their fundamental human rights very different circumstances. always be motivated by the words of and the fear of tyranny. Nelson Mandela: It aims to open the doors so that Former Deputy Minster Pahad’s farewell “I have walked the long road to those who were disadvantaged can speech was edited for length and layout purposes. freedom. I have tried not to falter; I assume their place in society as have made mistakes along the way. equals….without regard to colour, But I have discovered the secret that race, gender, age or geographic dis- after climbing a great hill, one only persal.

10 DFA Now • January 2009 Mission activities sas sPioENKoP in shanghai

The South African Naval Frigate Ship “SAS SPIOENKOP” visited Shang- hai. This was the first ever port call by a South African and African Naval Ves- sel in China. It was also one of the few foreign combat ships to visit China, the Chinese hosts said. It is usually only the support and training ships that visit Chi- nese shores. It is further one of the newest frigates in the world. The result was unparalleled media and public attention, with 3 000 people (the largest number of visitors to any foreign ship, according to People’s Liberation Army-Navy) visiting it on the day it was open to the public. Activities included a media event and reception Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga that were held onboard and both were welcoming South African Naval Frigate Ship “SAS well attended. SPIOENKOP” to Chinese Apparently it is very rare that the shores Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence send representatives from Beijing to at- tend activities that are associated with any port call by a foreign naval ship. A soccer match between SAS SPIO- ENKOP and PLA-Navy was organised and the South African sailors came out victorious (1-0).

Book launch in Berlin

he south african Embassy in Berlin brought south african lit- Terature to the german people. the young publishing house osburg Verlag, only founded in 2006, took on the task of translating selected works by andré P Brink into german. on 3 November Prof Brink launched the german translation of his book the other side of silence at the Embassy, the first of a series of readings in Germany.

Prof. Andre P Brink with colleagues from our Berlin Embassy as well as publishers and translators

DFA Now • January 2009 11 Where were you... (Christmas Party 2008)?