International Relations the diplomat it’s your voice

Internal Newsletter of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation May 2009

Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane during her swearing-in as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation inside:

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May 2009 the diplomat 1 InternationalEditorial Relations Note

the diplomat is an internal newsletter of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation published by the Directorate: Content Development. Dear Colleagues Editor-in-Chief: elcome to the new edition of the new look Departmental news- Nomfanelo Kota letter, “the diplomat”. With the changes in the name of our De- Editor: partment, it became essential that even the newsletter reflects Paseka Mokhethea theseW developments. Compilation, Sub-Editing & Proofreading: The new name emphasises what all of us should remember in our daily Elion Von Wielligh undertakings, that as an official of the Department of International Rela- tions and Cooperation we are all indeed Diplomats even if we are placed Design and Layout: Shaune van Wyk & Zimele Ngxongo here at Head Office. Pictures: This month we bring you the following: profile of our Minister Ms Maite Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh & Unathi Ngamntwini Nkoana-Mashabane, Freedom Day celebration report-backs by our Missions, elections 2009 report by our Missions, High Commissioner The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the DICO or the editors. Mabuza’s top award , tourism fair in Punta Del Este, a view on the world – living in Gaborone, as well as the Zakumi parade through the streets The deadline for contributions is 27 March 2009. of Brussels. Contributions may be sent to cbe000 or [email protected] Until next month, happy reading! All enquiries: Paseka @ Tel: (012) 351-1569 Fax: (012) 342-1192

Ministry: International Relations and Cooperation

Deputy Minister Minister Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe Maite Nkoana-Mashabane Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim

2 the diplomat May 2009 InternationalMinister’s Profile Relations

PROFILE OF THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION MS MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE

Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane 1995 – 1999: 2007 to date: was born on 30 September 1963 at Appointed as High Commissioner to Provincial Convener of the Progressive Ga-Makanye Village in the Limpopo , accredited to the Women’s Movement, Limpopo Chapter Province. She was married to the late and . Mr. Norman Mashabane. 2007 to date: 1999 – 2004: Member of the ANC NEC and NWC During the 1980s, she was an active mem- Appointed High Commissioner to India, ber of the United Democratic Front (UDF) accredited to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, 10 May 2009: and served in the various structures of the Maldives and Nepal. Appointed Minister of International Re- Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) and lations and Cooperation of the Republic the ANC underground structures. 2004 November: of Appointed MEC for Local Government After the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, and Housing in the Limpopo Province During her term as the MEC for Local she served the party in various structures and resumed her duties in January of Government & Housing in Limpopo the including the ANC Women’s League and 2005. Department won the National Govan actively participated in the re-launch of the Mbeki Housing Award for “Best Provin- ANC Women’s League in the country. 2004 – 2008: cial Housing Department in South Af- Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC rica 2008”. Ms Nkoana-Mashabane was 1992 – 1995: in the Limpopo Province named newsmaker of the year for 2008 Chairperson of the ANC Women’s by the Polokwane Chamber of Business. League in Limpopo and also served as 2004 – 2008: The Department also won 7 other awards a member of the National Working Com- Member of the National Executive including “The department doing the most mittee of the ANC Women’s League. Committee (NEC) and National Work- to accelerate service delivery”. ing Committee (NWC) of the ANC 1994 – 1995: Women’s League Served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly.

May 2009 the diplomat 3 FreedomInternational Day Celebrations Relations

Deputy President (then President) , then Premier Sbusiso Ndebele, then Minister of Arts and Culture Dr and Ethekwini Mayor Obed Mlaba at the National Freedom Day celebration in Durban NATIONAL

In celebration of our resilience and matur- ing democracy, national Freedom Day is annually celebrated on 27 April, commem- orating the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994.

The Free State Department of Sport, Art and Culture hosted Freedom Day celebra- tions on 27 April 2009 in Jacobsdal at the Ratanang Stadium. It has been a tradition that the provincial Freedom Day celebra- tions would be staged at different districts on rotational basis. This year was the turn of Xhariep District and the identified town was Jacobsdal. The 2009 Freedom Day celebration was theme: Together celebrating a vibrant de- National and provincial government lead- staged under the following guidelines mocracy and building a better life for all. ers as well as stakeholders from the pri- adopted: celebration of the full diversity of vate sector, religious community and non- culture in the province; promotion of unity governmental organisations, graced the and reconciliation; and elevation of private BELGIUM & occasion. The following national Cabinet sector involvement in the celebrations. Ministers and Deputy Ministers had been LUXEMBOURG deployed by national Cabinet to be part The celebration was characterised by of the event at Jacobsdal: Mr R M Baloyi, various activities that include messages The South African Embassy in Brussels Minister of Public Service and Adminis- from leaders of government, cultural per- celebrated a 2010 FIFA World Cup South tration; Mr M M S Mdladlana, Minister of formances, exhibitions and indigenous Africa themed National Freedom Day this Labour; Ms B P Sonjica, Minister of Miner- games. year in both Brussels and Luxembourg als and Energy; Dr S Cwele, Minister of where the promotion of the event was high Intelligence; Mr M van Schalkwyk, Minis- In addition to the national celebrations, oth- on the agenda. The venue was decorated ter of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; er provinces hosted their own events and in colourful makarapa hats, vuvuzelas and and Ms S Shabangu, Deputy Minister of cultural performances. This year’s Free- banners showcasing the stadia where the Safety and Security. dom Day celebrations took place under the games are going to be held.

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Dancers from the Tribhangi Dance Theatre performing in Delhi, during National Day Celebration

The two events celebrating 15 years of better life for all; at home, in Africa and the friends and relatives in South Africa to buy freedom and democracy in South Africa world at large under the leadership of the and send them official 2010 soccer jer- were well attended by Ambassadors, President, Mr. . seys or T-shirts. Even our invitations were officials of the European Commission, soccer ball-shaped with 2009 and 2010 ACP, Belgium, Flanders and Luxem- The second edition of the Embassy’s An- insignia which reflected the starting dates bourg, members of the Diplomatic Corps, nual Report entitled ‘The MOGOBAGOBA for both tournaments. friends of South Africa, as well as South Dialogue’ was also available to guests to African nationals residing and working in learn more about the Embassy’s activities The National Day Celebration was held Belgium and Luxembourg. They were all and its relations with the different institu- on Wednesday (29 April) at the Taj Palace treated to a nice surprise when the 2010 tions in both Belgium and Luxembourg. Hotel. In keeping with the focus on sport FIFA World Cup Mascot, Zakumi, made The guests enjoyed South African fine the Mission in Delhi specifically made a an appearance. wine and cuisine, as they toasted 15 special request to the Ministry of Exter- years of freedom and democracy to South nal Affairs (MEA) to send the Minister of Zakumi had been on an open bus tour Africa. Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. M.S. Gill as parade through the streets of Brussels the chief guest but, owing to unforeseen earlier in the day (24 April 2009), together circumstances, the celebration was hon- with Embassy staff, South Africans based INDIA oured with the presence of the Lieutenant in Belgium and well-wishers, promoting Governor of Delhi Mr. Tajendra Khanna. the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. He The South African High Commission was an instant hit with the guests who all (SAHC) in Delhi, India, dedicated their On the day itself one could have been for- wanted to take pictures with the Mascot. 2009 National Day Celebration to the two given for thinking that it was a FIFA event. Ambassador Anil Sooklal’s speech was FIFA tournaments that South Africa is due Better still, one could think the hotel was also a highlight of the evening, where he to host in 2009 and 2010 i.e. the 2009 a gathering point for the fans that were spoke on the strong and cordial relations Confederations Cup and, the 2010 FIFA on their way to a soccer stadium. More South Africa shares with Belgium, Lux- World Cup. than 90% of the guests came clad in their embourg and the European Union. He countries’ national team colours. Heads of mentioned that as we continue to take our In an unprecedented move, guests, who Mission, members of the diplomatic corps, relations forward we do so with renewed had been invited to the event, were asked leading business people, academics and vigour and a deep sense of understanding to come dressed in their countries’ nation- journalists were all in their national col- of the consequences of our endeavours. al teams, soccer or other sporting codes ours. There were soccer balls on every He took some time to speak about the or any other sport jersey or gear. Mission corner of the hall (even on the lights and successful elections held in both the Em- officials dug deep into their pockets to en- ceiling). The melodic Vuvuzela was there. bassy and South Africa and assured the sure that they and their families led from The colourful Makarapa was there. If only guests of South Africa’s commitment to a the front. They even went as far as asking FIFA President Sepp Blatter, SAFA Presi-

May 2009 the diplomat 5 Continue on pg 6... FreedomInternational Day Celebrations Relations ... Continue from pg 5

High Commissioner Francis Moloi, his wife Misiwe and other SAHC personnel and their spouses during National Day Celebration dent, Molefi Oliphant and LOC’s Danny Jordaan and Dr Irvin Khoza were there!!!

Entertainment was left in the capable hands (or should we say drums) of Drum Café who had performed at the 2008 Na- tional Day Celebrations in India and were back by overwhelming popular demand. There was also the Tribhangi Dance Theatre, a South African dancing group that is as adept in Zulu traditional dance, gumboots dance as they are in Indian tra- ditional and contemporary dance. In keep- ing with the day’s soccer theme Tribhangi even featured soccer balls in their chore- ography. At the end of their performance Korean school children participating in the SA Week activities the audience spontaneously gave them a standing ovation. NORTH KOREA as English teachers in Korea to render The rest of the story will be told by the pic- performances such as gumboot dancing, tures. It is safe to say the Mission will con- The South African Embassy in Seoul cel- tin dance, poetry recitals, story telling, tinue to explore creative ways of making ebrated Freedom Month in April, marking singing traditional South African songs, sure that people who live in its sphere of the 15th anniversary of South Africa’s de- a fashion show featuring traditional cos- operation get a constant reminder about mocracy. The Embassy, in collaboration tumes and martial arts. Every Saturday both the 2009 Confederations Cup and with the MIZY Centre, (a youth cultural (except for 11 April) the Korean public in- the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The aim is to centre sponsored by the Seoul Municipal- cluding students and parents visited the make them take the logical decision – at- ity and UNESCO), coordinated a special Mizy Centre to have a glimpse of these tend these FIFA tournaments hosted by a cultural exchange project involving the performances. A young South African country that is alive with possibilities. All South African and Korean youth. cellist from the Eastern Cape, Ha Man!, we can say in isiZulu is: Woza 2009 Con- who had scheduled a few performances federations Cup, nawe 2010 FIFA World In this regard, the Embassy worked with in Seoul, also rendered an outstanding Cup!!! young South Africans living and working performance at the Centre. South African

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movies (with Korean subtitles), given Ko- rean’s limited knowledge of English, were “Siya vaya” we are moving... also screened and were received in a positive light.

In order to expose the Korean public to South Africa’s colourful art and diverse cultures, the Embassy exhibited artefacts, bead, clay, wire and wooden crafts, os- trich eggs, the hall of fame (with black and white photographs of former Presidents and FW De Klerk, free- dom fighters, like Steve Biko and Chris Hani, among others, as well as a replica of the goal posts of a soccer pitch depict- ing the 2010 World cup.

Furthermore, the Embassy identified 27 April to 1 May 2009 as “South Africa Week” and to mark this occasion, the Embassy hosted Prof Thomas van der Walt of the University of South Africa and Dr Felicite Fairer-Wessels of the University of Preto- ria. The two academics gave lectures to primary and middle school students at the MIZY Centre in the mornings, while five of Korea’s prominent Universities were given lectures in the afternoons. These were not one way lectures as students became ac- tive participants by giving presentations on Korea. The young learners also replied to the letters brought by the two academ- ics from the South African learners; in this way, ‘pen pals’ were formed. University students, on the other hand, will communi- cate with their South African counterparts through ‘facebook’,

The theme of lectures varied from a gen- eral introduction of South Africa, to its his- tory and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Korean students, who had already expe- rienced the heat of the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a host country together with Ja- pan, have high expectations and seem- ingly want to be involved in any way such as voluntary work during the season.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the SA Week, Ambassador Schoeman mentioned that “this year is more mean- ingful as South Africa had held a new general election on 22 April 2009 and elected the 4th President since the end of Apartheid. South Africans are very proud of their achievements and the smooth process towards a mature democracy”, he said. The Freedom Month celebrations received wide media coverage.

May 2009 the diplomat 7 InternationalMission RelationsActivities

1 3 2 (1 and 2) Voting at our High Commission in New Zealand • (3) Voting in Brussels • (4) Voting in Berlin

ELECTIONS 2009 IN MISSIONS

Voting in the 2009 elections came and transferred, under the supervision of the day and all thanked the Embassy staff early for South Africans abroad, as the Chargé d’ Affaires, Ms. Pinkie Moleko. when leaving for handling the process thousands made their way to voting with the same commitment as outlined in stations in the different South African The voting material from the Independent the Batho Pele policy. This was essential Embassies, Consulates and High Com- Electoral Commission (IEC) arrived early as many voters made an effort to travel missions around the world on Wednes- in the week prior to the elections, affording from all over Belgium and Luxembourg to day, 15th April 2009. the Embassy staff ample time to ensure a arrive in Brussels on time. smooth voting process. The IEC remained Belgium available to the Embassy to offer support The ambience at the Embassy was a hap- and assistance before and during the py and friendly one. The election not only In Brussels, the Embassy opened its doors elections. The knowledge that there was allowed South Africans abroad to exercise at 7:00 in the morning to high spirited vot- an IEC Helpdesk situated at Head Office their democratic right, but it brought an op- ers, eager to be part of the democratic ready to assist was very comforting to the portunity for fellow South Africans to make process. There were 180 people registered Embassy staff. new acquaintances, catch up and chat on the voters’ roll with 132 voting by the about home. Seeing groups huddled out- end of the day. The process was handled There were no disgruntled voters and no- side the Embassy in the warm Brussels’ with professionalism and friendliness by body was sent away without voting. There spring sun was not a rare sight throughout the competent Embassy staff, both local was a steady flow of voters throughout the day.

Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr Ben Joubert with Minister Lescano (top left) and speaking at the prize giving ceremony (top right)

place in a prominent hotel complex in the TOURISM FAIR IN resort town of Punta del Este from 22 to 24 January 2009. The South African Em- PUNTA DEL ESTE bassy made optimal use of the opportunity to promote the new South African Airlines The South African mission in Uruguay partici- route that started its operations in April pated in the International Tourism Fair in the 2009 from Buenos Aires to South Africa – city of Punta Del Este during January 2009. in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Various embassies, tourism operators The Embassy won first prize for the stand from Uruguay, and several international with the best visual impact. The prize was operators participated in the event that handed over to the Chargé d’ Affaires by welcomed more than 5 000 international the Uruguayan Minister of Sport and Tour- visitors over three days. The event took ism, Mr Hector Lescano. The Embassy Stand where staff attended to prospective travellers 8 the diplomat May 2009 InternationalMission Activities Relations

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The doors closed at 19:00, with the courier service picking up the ballot box at 21:00 for dispatch to South Africa.

In Berlin, Germany about 150 people reg- istered to vote. The atmosphere was very HIGH COMMISSIONER MABUZA pleasant. Some people travelled more than 600 km to cast their votes and it was WINS TOP AWARD clear that people felt proud to be able to be part of the election process and committed South African High Commissioner in In presenting the award, Martyn Lewis to the democracy of their homeland. With London Lindiwe Mabuza was honoured CBE, former British television news pre- 2 hours remaining to vote, only 2 people by the prestigious Diplomat Magazine senter and journalist for the BBC said were rejected because they did not pro- and presented with the ‘Diplomat of the “This diplomat has made great strides in duce the identification documents as re- Year from Africa Award’. representing the problems that her coun- quired by the Act. The atmosphere of the try and the continent of Africa faces re- day was one of pride and camaraderie. On receiving the award the High Commis- garding humanitarian work, AIDS and pro- sioner said: “It is a great honour to be ac- moting African culture throughout the UK. knowledged in this way. I am very proud of As a celebrated poet, it is no surprise that all my staff at the High Commission, present this Head of Mission has forged crucial and past, who continuously work tirelessly relationships throughout the cultural and towards the objectives set out for them by educational community here in the UK”. the government of South Africa. This award reflects the long hours and hard work that High Commissioner Mabuza went on to has contributed to the success that is the say that she “accepts the award on behalf South African High Commission in the UK’. of the Continent of Africa and the African The High Commissioner went on to say Union Heads of Mission in the UK as it re- “what makes this award particularly special flects their continued support of one anoth- is that I am receiving it today, on South Af- er and determination to improve the lives of rica’s national day, a day where all South all people living across the Continent.” Ms Africans celebrate the birth of democracy Mabuza further noted that under the objec- for all in our country.” tive of improving the lives of all on the Con- tinent, the AU Heads of Mission in the UK The annual Diplomat Magazine’s awards were currently engaged in preparations for ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency hosting an Africa Infrastructure Conference Hotel in London and is the first of its kind in November this year. “We are exhibiting in the UK. Other awards included: Lifetime the highest levels of collective responsibil- Contribution to Diplomacy which went to ity towards meeting the objectives of de- the Ambassador of Kuwait Mr Khaled Al- veloping infrastructure in all the regions of Duwaisan. Other regional awards were Africa”, said High Commissioner Mabuza. awarded to China for Asia, Venezuela for the Americas, Lebanon for the Middle Contributed by our High Commission in East and Turkey for Europe. London.

May 2009 the diplomat 9 International Relations

Ambassador Anil Sooklal and Zakumi together with Embassy staff and well-wishers painting Brussels in South African colours

bus. The crowd did not waste any time be- fore breaking into song. Their singing ac- companied by an orchestra of vuvuzelas ripped through the warm Brussels air. A DJ was also on board spinning South Afri- ca’s favourite songs such as Shosholoza, to ensure the continuation of excitement throughout the parade.

The bus made stopovers at the EU Com- mission; where the Ambassador, Zakumi and well-wishers were met by Mr. Louis Michel and his staff, then the Belgian Foot- ball Association where they were met by Messrs Wijnants and De Keersmaecker, the ACP where they were met by Sir John Kaputin and his staff, the AU where they were met by H.E Ambassador Annadif and his staff and finally the Africa Museum THE ZAKUMI PARADE THROUGH where they were met by the curator and museum staff. At all the stopovers the Am- THE STREETS OF BRUSSELS - bassador introduced Zakumi, presented the heads of the institutions with 2010 24 APRIL 2009 promotional gifts and requested them to autograph a soccer ball which will be kept at the Mission as part of the permanent he streets of Brussels were not The day commenced with a press confer- World Cup 2010 exhibition. only painted a hot red on April ence, where the various media houses 24th, but yellow, blue, green, based in Belgium were briefed on South Well-wishers on the bus interacted with black and white, by South Af- Africa’s preparations and readiness to the public and provided them with a card Tricans and well-wishers based in Bel- host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including containing a website where they could gium, wearing colourful soccer helmets the Embassy’s planned activities geared search for more information on South Af- embarking on an exhilarating Zakumi towards building awareness and promot- rica and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They open-top bus parade. With the tempera- ing 2010. The SABC Brussels-based Bu- were open to answering questions from ture at a golden 25 degrees Celsius, the reau also attended the press conference the public and sharing facts about South day delivered on the entire exciting fan- which served as a platform to introduce Africa. All elements to make the day fare planned by the Embassy. Zakumi to the journalists. perfect were there; information sharing, people-to-people interactions, as well as The crowd of well-wishers led by the 2010 The crowd of well-wishers who spent part dance and music. FIFA World Cup mascot, Zakumi, and Am- of their morning getting their faces painted bassador Anil Sooklal came out in numbers in SA flag colours and FIFA logos were Zakumi and the colourful crowd were to support the South African Embassy in enthused when the time came to get on a big hit in all of Brussels; they literally launching the Embassy 2010 FIFA World the bus. There were sixty people adorned stopped traffic and contributed to the joy- Cup campaign. The launch was aimed at in colourful shirts, makarapa hats and ful mood that is associated with spring- the general Belgian public, with particular armed with their vuvuzelas who hopped time in Brussels. attention paid to the Ambassador’s coun- on a branded (South African flag colours terparts and Embassy interlocutors. and soccer-related branding) open-top Ke nako: “Celebrate Africa’s humanity”

10 the diplomat May 2009 International Relations

Botswana Parliament A VIEW ON THE WORLD - LIVING IN GABORONE

This month the diplomat brings you a view welcome you for unexpected visits, invit- What were the biggest challenges you on life in Gaborone, Botswana as part of ing you to share meals and a drink. had to overcome to live in Gaborone? a regular series to share with you how Botswana is very similar to South Africa colleagues live at missions abroad. The Dishes which are staples in Botswana in- in most aspects. The Batswana, howev- transferred staff at the Embassy all con- clude Seswaa (slow cooked and pounded er, are much more patient people with a tributed to a combined effort to answer the beef); Papa (Porridge, made from Mealie slower pace of living, who don’t appreciate set questions. meal or Sorghum); Serobe (offal); Phane being rushed. This filters through to cus- Stew (Moephane worms); and “Botswana” tomer service and service delivery which You are stationed at the South Afri- Chicken (slow cooked chicken). Any of takes some getting used to. can Mission in Gaborone. Tell us more these dishes can be bought from street ven- about life in the city, its people, the dors, and all hotels and restaurants serve it. What are the barriers/hurdles that food and the culture. make day-to-day living as a foreigner Gaborone is generally the point of entry Describe a few of the major tourist at- in Gaborone difficult? e.g. language, into Botswana, providing access for tour- tractions in and around the city and culture? ist to the main attractions of the Okavango their significance, e.g. historical, archi- From a South African point of view, there Delta, the Chobe, Tuli Block and the more tectural, etc. are no real hurdles/ barriers as it is quite remote desert areas. Gaborone, which is Gaborone Game Reserve was opened similar to SA. The closeness of the com- affectionately known as Gabs amongst in 1988 and is situated on the western munity means, however, that everybody the locals, is the hub of activity in Botswa- side of the city and offers a perfect break- knows everyone else’s business, and it na and is often referred to as the fastest away from city life, while Mokholodi Game can be intrusive at times. On the other growing city in Africa. Reserve is situated on the outskirts of the hand the diplomatic community is far more city. They offer game drives and elephant supportive of each other than what you It is a modern city, which became the capi- rides and run Botswana’s first and only would find in bigger countries tal when Botswana gained independence Environmental Education Centre with a population of only 340 000 people. What do you miss most of South Africa? The Batswana are a proud nation and Gaborone is dominated by Kgale Hill on Although the cultures of South Africans have been successful in marrying tradi- the western edge of the city which offers a and Batswana are similar, South Africans tional culture and modern living. In gen- pleasant climb with great views of Gabor- share an uncanny sense of humour and a eral the culture and languages are quite one Dam and the city. friendliness which is unsurpassed. similar to those found in South Africa. Approximately 20km outside Gaborone is How many people work at the South Af- The community is closeknit, but welcomes the village of Oodi, which is best known rican consulate? new friends. People tend to entertain at for the internationally acclaimed Lentswe- We have a total staff component of 36 peo- home and do not go out as much as we la-Oodi Weavers, a co-operative where ple of which 14 are transferred officials. do in South Africa. Friends think nothing women from the local community produce of dropping in after work and will equally the most beautiful woven items.

May 2009 the diplomat 11 Where were you...?