Netherlands to work for successful G20

20 May 2025

The Netherlands has reiterated its commitment to work for a successful G20 meeting which South Africa will host later this year. This is according to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp in a joint communiqué following the fourth meeting of the South Africa - Netherlands Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) on Monday.

China's inbound tourism market boasts vast potential

BEIJING, 19 May 2025 (Xinhua) -- China's inbound tourism market holds immense potential, driven by continued policy optimization that aims to ease access for international travelers and improve the overall travel experience across the country, according to industry experts.

China's inbound tourism continues heating up amid improving environment

BEIJING, 19 May 2025 (Xinhua) -- China's inbound tourism has maintained strong momentum, with a sharp rise in both international arrivals and visitor spending, buoyed by streamlined visa policies and an improved travel environment, according to officials.

Guizhou Province Shines in Johannesburg: A New Chapter in China–South Africa Economic, Cultural and Tourism Cooperation

By Kirtan Bhana

On 14 May 2025, Johannesburg played host to a vibrant and forward-looking engagement between South Africa and China’s Guizhou Province. Held at the NH Hotel in Sandton, the China (Guizhou)–South Africa (Johannesburg) Promotional Conference for Economy, Trade, Culture and Tourism was more than a showcase, it was a declaration of intent to deepen the already flourishing all-round strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Kubayi to participate in a high-level Retreat on the Kampala Amendments and International Criminal Justice in Ghana

18 May 2025

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will travel to the Republic of Ghana to participate in a high-level Retreat on the Kampala Amendments and International Criminal Justice.

“The Retreat will bring together Ministers of Justice and senior officials from all 33 African States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), alongside representatives from the ICC Presidency, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, senior African Union officials, and international legal experts,” the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said on Sunday.

Vesak Day 2025 Celebrated in South Africa

15 May 2025

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria organised a Vesak Day celebration on its premises on 11 May 2025. This year’s event was organised as a multireligious observance, bringing together followers of Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The celebration was attended by diplomats, members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community, as well as South Africans from Johannesburg, Pretoria, and nearby areas, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural harmony.

President Ramaphosa champions African-led growth at Africa CEO Forum during Côte d’Ivoire working visit

14 May 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire where he held a bilateral meeting with Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to discuss matters of mutual interest. The two leaders committed to strengthening bilateral ties and to increase trade between their countries. 

Mashatile explores tourism's potential to boost Africa's economy

13 May 2025

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off today, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile using the platform to highlight the continent’s vast, untapped tourism potential.  Speaking at the opening ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector.

Unleashing North–South Trade Potential Along the Cairo-to-Cape Axis

By Kirtan Bhana – TDS

12 May 2025

As the global economic landscape continues to shift toward multipolarity, Africa is poised to harness its immense potential through strategic, intra-continental collaboration. At the forefront of this drive are the continent’s two largest economies, Egypt and South Africa, whose bilateral trade currently hovers at a modest US$200 million, a figure that does not reflect the vast commercial promise between them.

Media Wars and the New Harmony

Reclaiming the balance of the narrative in an Age of Digital Disruption

By Kirtan Bhana - Founder and President, The Diplomatic Society

“To see what is right and not do it is want of courage.” - Confucius

In an age where headlines travel faster than the truth, and algorithms often outrank accountability, we find ourselves in the middle of a profound battle, not of arms or ideologies, but of reality versus perception. The media, once a trusted mirror of society, is now a contested space where narratives are shaped, reshaped, and weaponised.

Love Triumphs - 80th Victory Day Celebrated

By Anisha Pemjee – TDS

9 May 2025

The Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted a movie marathon in the lead up to Victory Day screening films about World War 2. On May 7 this marathon culminated in the screening of the movie ‘Five Brides’ and a reception, bringing together diplomats, government officials and friends of Russia to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.