A Turkish and South African Heritage Festival 

8 October 2024

The Yunus Emre Institute in Johannesburg hosted a vibrant, colourful celebration showcasing the cultural heritage of Türkiye and South Africa.  Abdulaziz Yiğit, Director at the Institute welcomed the diversity of guests to the venue which has over the years hosted a variety of events to expose South Africans to the richness of Turkish culture.

Lesotho celebrates Bicentennial of the Basotho nation

International Relations
German Unification, Africa, and the Future of South Africa-Germany Relations
Kirtan Bhana - TDS

8 October 2024

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the subsequent reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, marked one of the most significant turning points in modern history. These events not only reshaped Europe but also resonated globally, including in Africa. As Germany reunited and the European Union (EU) was officially formed with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, the world witnessed a profound transformation. These milestone events were meant to guarantee peace in Europe.

K-Culture showcased at Korea’s National Day Celebration

by Anisha Pemjee

7 October 2024

On a beautiful Spring day in Pretoria the Korean Cultural Centre played host to the 4367th National Day and 76th Armed Forces Day celebrations of the Republic of Korea. In his remarks Ambassador Dong-han Yang noted that this year is especially meaningful as it marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation, and the two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2022. 

RECONCILIATION
Art, Memory, and the Power of Forgiveness: Lessons from Colombia and South Africa
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

7 October 2024

In the aftermath of political conflicts, the scars left behind are deep, often hardest to bear for women, children, and marginalized communities. Women, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by war and violence, whether as victims of displacement, abuse, or structural inequalities exacerbated by colonialism and slavery. Beyond the physical and emotional tolls of conflict, another layer of harm often remains—economic exploitation by multinational corporations, driven by shareholder value at the cost of human suffering. 

European Film Festival line-up announced

3 October 2024
 
A stellar line-up of films has been announced for the 11th European Film Festival in South Africa which runs from 10 to 20 October.  Including two Oscar nominations, the select showcase of 14 films features numerous award-winners that delve into a wide-range of topics under the overarching theme of Complicated Freedoms.  Cinema screenings take place in Johannesburg at Ster Kinekor, The Zone in Rosebank, and in Cape Town at The Labia.  Eleven of the films will be available in the free programme of online streaming accessible across South Africa during the festival period.  

Sri Lanka Trade and Tourism Showcase

3 October 2024

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria organized a tourism and trade promotional event at Menlyn Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the African continent, in conjunction with ‘World Tourism Day’ on 27 September 2024. 

President Xi vows greater national achievements, contributions to humanity's peace, development
1 October 2024
CGTN

 
Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, September 30, 2024. /Xinhua

President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the Chinese people will score more remarkable achievements and make greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development of humanity.

Amampondo celebrate their heritage in a colourful affair: 18th Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and 16th Mpondo Reed Dance

By HRH Stella Sigcau

1 October 2024

Representatives from various walks of life and Kingdoms from South Africa joined amaMpondo in celebrating the 18th Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and the Mpondo Reed Dance which celebrates its 16 year anniversary this year.  

Inaugural Business and Investment Round Table between South Africa and Hong Kong

1 October 2024

An inaugural Business and Investment Round Table is scheduled to take place on 25th October 2024 at 12pm at Radisson Blue Gautrain Hotel, Sandton in South Africa. It will be hosted by the leader of the Invest Hong Kong delegation Mr Herman Tse joined by the Consul General Mojalefa Mogono accredited to South Africa’s Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. 

Tribute to a South African Diplomatic Giant: Remembering Aziz Pahad, One Year After His Passing

By Ambassador Ahmed Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires Titular of the Embassy of Yemen in South Africa

On September 27, 2024, we mark the first anniversary of the passing of  Ambassador Aziz Goolam Hoosein Pahad (25 December 1940 –  27 September 2023), a towering figure in South African diplomacy and a dedicated fighter in the struggle against apartheid. Pahad served as South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs during the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy, a time when the ministry was still known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before being renamed DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation).