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16 September 2025 Issue 340 - Journeys Without Borders
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| Cinematic Journeys Without Borders |
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Jason Patel stars as Aysha in Unicorn
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The 12th European Film Festival in South Africa is a cinematic journey in search of love, identity, family, and belonging. Ten contemporary European films reflect on the realities of Europe and its place in the world now. Their strong characters in unusual situations, carefully crafted stories, and breathtaking landscapes make these films a road trip for the heart and mind.
The Festival takes place in Cape Town and Johannesburg, from 9 to 19 October, 2025, with a smaller curated programme online in Southern Africa.
In Le Mohican, an unlikely hero, supported by his Corsican community, is on the run from the mafia and ruthless property developers who threaten to take his land. His resistance transforms him into a legend. (France) |
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| Xi’s GGI – Charting a Path for a Balanced World Order |
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Young students from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries try on Peking Opera costumes during the Kaleidoscope Cultural Bazaar in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran)
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When President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, the timing was neither coincidental nor symbolic alone. It coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, a moment that continues to remind humanity of the dangers of unchecked aggression and the transformative hope of collective action.
The UN’s founding in 1945 was humanity’s response to the devastation of two world wars. New York City, chosen as its headquarters, became the symbolic nerve centre of international governance. Cosmopolitan and diverse, New York reflects the very ideals the UN aspired to, a gathering place for the traditions, languages, and cultures of the world.
The United States, too, once prided itself on embodying this openness. Yet a striking contrast has emerged: while New York represents global inclusivity, Washington’s foreign policy often undermines it, with unilateral interventions, selective application of international law, and the use of sanctions that weaken multilateralism. The GGI, in this light, is not a rejection of the UN but a call to return to its spirit, ensuring that global governance is legitimate, inclusive, and representative of the Global South as well as established powers. |
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| Brazil’s 203rd National Day - A Rising Global Voice with Deep African Ties |
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Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho of Brazil with Ambassador Mxolisi Bona of DIRCO (photo: TDS)
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On September 5, the Embassy of Brazil in South Africa marked the 203rd anniversary of Brazil’s independence with a reception in Pretoria. Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho reflected on the growing ties between Brazil and South Africa, describing the relationship as “a time of mutual discovery and special bonds.” His remarks highlighted not only the historic connections between the two nations but also Brazil’s expanding role as a regional leader in Latin America and the Caribbean, and an increasingly influential voice on the global stage.
As the largest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, both in size and population, Brazil has emerged as a natural leader in the region. Under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who returned to office in 2022, Brazil has prioritized rebuilding relations with Africa and reasserting its role in international diplomacy. |
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| Korean Wave Lights Up Africa’s First G20 Summit: ‘Ubuntu with Korean Culture’ Draws Thousands |
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K-pop artist Ailee performing at the Ubuntu with Korean Culture Concert (photo: KCC) |
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From K-pop and K-dramas to sensational animation, South Korea's cultural wave—also known as Hallyu—continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its global influence is undeniable: K-pop acts like BLACKPINK fill stadiums across continents, K-dramas like Squid Game break viewership records, and the most recent global obsession, KPop Demon Hunters, has even seen its fictional K-pop soundtrack top international music charts. In South Africa, this cultural phenomenon has also taken hold, drawing fans eager to experience the energy, creativity, and excitement of Korean culture firsthand.
Building on this growing enthusiasm, more than 8,000 people gathered in Pretoria on Saturday, 6 September 2025, for a unique festival celebrating the vibrancy of Korean culture alongside South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, titled “UBUNTU with KOREAN CULTURE FESTIVAL” at SunBet Arena. The one-day festival celebrated South Africa’s historic hosting of the G20 Summit—the first on African soil—while embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because you are,” a concept that resonates with Korea’s own values of community and interconnectedness, emphasizing mutual respect and support, and flourishing together in harmony. |
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| Science Diplomacy Empowering Women – Tunisia and South Africa |
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Karima Bardaoui, Ambassador of Tunisia delivering opening remarks (photo: TDS) |
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On the 28th of August, Karima Bardaoui, Ambassador of Tunisia to South Africa, hosted guests at the Tunisian residence in Pretoria at an event to celebrate and discuss the empowerment of women in STEM and how to best use science diplomacy for this purpose. The event was hosted in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa (DTSI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA).
This event follows a recent strengthening of a partnership through science, technology, and innovation (STI) called Scaling up Tunisia - South Africa Strategy, which includes a Plan of Action and Joint Research Call. It was appropriate to focus the discussion on women’s empowerment as both South Africa and Tunisia celebrate their national women's day in August (9th and 13th of August respectively).
In her opening remarks Bardaoui informed the audience that Tunisia ranks first in the world in the percentage of female students enrolled in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with a rate of 43.3%. They are proud of their near gender parity (with women making up the majority in some cases, such as the health sciences) as their society is successfully implementing empowerment strategies. |
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| Mzansi Ballet Announces Year-End Production: Sean Bovim’s Private Presley – The Ballet |
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The cast of Elvis Presley's ballet (photo supplied) |
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Johannesburg, South Africa – Mzansi Ballet is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated year-end production: Private Presley – The Ballet. This newly reimagined version of the popular ballet originally created by Sean Bovim offers a fresh and emotionally resonant perspective on the life and legend of Elvis Presley.
Set to grace the stage at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from 24 October to 30 November 2025, Private Presley takes audiences on a powerful journey through the triumphs, relationships, and tribulations of the King of Rock 'n Roll.
International ballet sensation Jorge Wade of Mexico stars in the title role of Elvis Presley, while South African Prima Ballerina Angela Revie brings to life the role of Priscilla Presley with grace and passion.
Adding to the magic of the production, acclaimed vocalists Patience Mahema and Logan James will perform live, infusing the ballet with the unforgettable sound of Presley’s music and deepening its emotional impact. |
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