Love, Peace and QR Codes – Slovakia and South Africa
Ambassador Vladimir Grácz of Slovakia with Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Acting Director-General of the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (photo: TDS)
26 September 2022
In the early 1990’s both Slovakia and South Africa began their journeys to construct democratic societies. Slovakia became an independent state on 1 January 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, also known as the Velvet Divorce. This year Slovakia celebrates 30 years of its Constitution and to commemorate this milestone Ambassador Vladimir Grácz of Slovakia to South Africa held a reception in Pretoria.
Slovakia’s constitution is based on "values and principles which are of key importance nowadays as well as respect for international law, democratic rules, human rights and freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity,“ said Grácz. “Even in the 21st century these values are threatened in Europe and in the world, and that´s why their defense and enforcement remain a priority of Slovak diplomacy.“ Grácz said that Slovakia stands in unity with all people of the world, many living in the African continent, who are suffering because of military conflicts. He made special mention of Ukraine in this regard.
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Formal Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Slovakia began in 1991 and have been strengthened over the years with many agreements being signed.
Slovakia and South Africa enjoy good relations with bilateral trade of close to USD300 million, said Grácz. The two countries cooperate closely in multilateral institutions like the United Nations. Over the years cultural exchanges have taken place and currently more than 1200 Slovaks are living and working in South Africa. Many South Africans travel every year to Slovakia to work, as tourists and for various cultural and sporting events.
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Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Acting Director-General of the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies of South Africa was guest of honour at the celebration.
Representing the ICT sector Jordan-Dyani said that South Africa looks forward to support for its candidature for the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as well as re-election to the Radio Regulations Board. The election will take place during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference to be held in Bucharest, Romania from 26 September to 14 October 2022.
Living in a digital world Jordan-Dyani said that efforts are being made across the globe to close the digital divide and to ensure safe and accessible internet for all. She also said that it is important to significantly address the cost of data and reduce those costs drastically. South Africa is said to have one of the most expensive data costs in the world.
South Africa is finalizing a plan for the digital economy beyond 2050 and will be issuing it for public comment in the near future. She said that the plan has many interesting aspects that her department would like to pursue and she looks forward to networking around the document and bechmarking with other countries where possible.
QR codes is the new way of exchanging contact information efficiently and easily and Jordan-Dyani, having been approached by guests for a business card, volunteered to show those present how to use it, propelling us firmly into the digital age.
TDS