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21 July 2025 Issue 338 - Guided by the Stars
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| Guided by the Stars: A Celestial Celebration of Matariki in South Africa |
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South Africa's Junior Springboks won the 2025 World Rugby U20 World Championship title with a 23-15 victory over New Zealand (photo: X)
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In a tribute to the infinity of the cosmos, High Commissioner Philip Hewitt of New Zealand to South Africa celebrated Matariki – the Māori New Year – on July 3 at his official residence in Pretoria.
“Mānawatia a Matariki!” he began. “Tonight, we are here to celebrate Matariki—a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future, guided by the rising of the stars.”
The High Commissioner noted, “We gather not just beneath the stars, but within their stories - stories that stretch across oceans and deserts, mountains and rivers—stories that connect the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and the peoples of Southern Africa in a celestial embrace.”
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| “The United States and South Africa are family” - Celebrating the 4th of July |
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South African Minister Gayton McKenzie and United States Chargé d’Affaires David Greene at the US Independence Day celebrations (photo: TDS) |
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At the celebration of the United States of America’s 249th Independence Day in Pretoria, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie called the two countries family. Amid recent tensions, McKenzie said, “The US is not just a friendly country to South Africa, we are family.”
The presence of the myriad of American companies operating in South Africa at the celebration was an indication of the value of this relationship. US Chargé d’Affaires David Greene in his remarks said, “That’s why it matters that South Africa is the United States’ largest trading partner in Africa, and a key investment destination for American firms; and that over 600 U.S. companies operate here, employing hundreds of thousands and contributing to skills development, infrastructure, and innovation.”
Independence Day is a time to reflect on the ideals of the American story: liberty, democracy, opportunity, said Greene. “The right of each person to determine their own destiny. These are values that Americans hold dear, and ones that resonate here in South Africa—a nation with its own proud, living legacy of fighting for freedom and for fundamental rights for all citizens. |
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| Hambalyo Somalia: 65 Years of Independence Marked in Pretoria |
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Ambassador Mohamed Sheik Issak, Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and Deputy Minister Narend Singh at the celebration (photo credit: DFFE)
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Somalia marked 65 years of independence with a celebration held in Pretoria, South Africa, that highlighted both the country’s progress and its growing international presence. The occasion also saw the official inauguration of the new chancery of the Somali Embassy in South Africa, affirming a strengthened diplomatic commitment between the two nations.
Ambassador Mohamed Sheik Issak of Somalia to South Africa welcomed guests to the event, noting, “Freedom is the cornerstone of our identity.” He reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to building closer ties with South Africa, particularly through economic and cultural cooperation. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established in 2012, and in 2023, a general cooperation agreement was signed to deepen collaboration in sectors such as agriculture and the ocean economy.
South African Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Narend Singh, represented the South African government at the event. He praised the new chancery, describing it as “modern and beautiful,” and recognised the importance of Somalia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa. Singh pointed out that Somalia’s emerging market holds potential for South African investment, especially in areas like agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure. |
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| Reflections on South Africa - Thailand Relations in a Changing World Order |
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Paisit Boonparlit, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy speaks to The Diplomatic Society |
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As Paisit Boonparlit prepares to retire from his post as Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in South Africa, he reflects on a remarkable journey that spans not only a distinguished career in Thailand’s civil service but also a pivotal period of transformation and deepening relations between Thailand and South Africa. For the past seven years, Boonparlit has observed first-hand the evolution of bilateral ties between two countries separated by geography, yet increasingly connected by shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
Thailand established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1993, during a historic moment as the apartheid regime came to an end and a democratic South Africa was born. "The transformation of South Africa is profound," Boonparlit reflects. “Having endured colonialism and the brutal apartheid system, the country has emerged resilient and with great potential. Thailand deeply respects this journey.” |
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| Safety, a Questionnaire, and a White Paper on the RMB |
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Zhang Chaoyang, Chairperson of SACETA and CEO of the Bank of China in Johannesburg (photo: TDS) |
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“We are full of confidence in South Africa's future development and in the bright prospects of China–South Africa cooperation. At the same time, to promote healthier, more stable, and more sustainable development of our bilateral economic and trade relationship, we must also acknowledge the challenges we currently face,” said Ambassador WU Peng of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa.
Speaking at an event jointly hosted by the Bank of China (Johannesburg branch) and the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI), Ambassador Wu expressed deep concern regarding the surge in violent crime, particularly kidnappings, targeting Chinese nationals in South Africa. Since the beginning of the year, 12 such cases have been reported to the Chinese Embassy. In one instance, a woman was held hostage for 40 days while pleas for her release were ignored. “Some are even forced to abandon their businesses and return to China,” he added. “This situation not only gravely violates the personal safety and property rights of our citizens, but it also undermines the confidence of Chinese enterprises and personnel in South Africa.” |
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| A Morning of Movement, Culture, and Connection Indonesian Style |
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Guests of the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria were warmly welcomed by host Dyah Krisnawan. Each guest was greeted with “Dee’s morning booster” – a concoction of pineapple, beetroot, orange, apple, ginger and turmeric – to ward off the winter morning chill and energise everyone for the Indonesian fun that lay ahead.
Dyah, or Dee as she is fondly known, hosted the International Diplomatic Spouses Association’s (IDSA) monthly Coffee Morning. IDSA’s winter blanket drive was a great success, as reported by IDSA Chair Karem Ruiz de Livieres of Paraguay. More than 100 blankets were collected and will be donated to a deserving charity organisation. Karem also finalised details for the group’s Mandela Day activities.
Throughout the morning, IDSA members and guests immersed themselves in Indonesia’s rich diversity of food, art and culture. |
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