Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us

A group photo at IDSA's Coffee Morning  hosted at New Zealand High Commission

The warmth of New Zealand hospitality met the cultural diversity of Pretoria’s diplomatic community when the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) held its September Coffee Morning at the New Zealand High Commission on 28 September.

Hosted by Romchalee Kanokngamwitroj, spouse of the New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa, the gathering brought diplomatic spouses together for a morning of friendship, cultural exchange and conversation during South Africa’s Heritage Month.

The occasion reflected the spirit of this year’s Heritage Month theme, “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us”, which highlights the importance of culture, traditions and shared experiences in strengthening social cohesion and a sense of belonging.

The morning began with a Māori mihi from the host. A mihi, or mihimihi, is a form of introduction and welcome that establishes connections between people and acknowledges who they are and where they come from. It provided a meaningful opening to a gathering whose purpose is itself centred on building relationships across cultures.

New Zealand High Commissioner Philip Hewitt then opened the event with a karakia, offering a traditional New Zealand welcome to the guests.

Dr L’Antoinette Stines, renowned choreographer and founder of L'Acadco with the performers (photo: TDS)

Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence was celebrated in South Africa with an exhilarating performance by L’ACADCO: A United Caribbean Dance Force, bringing the rhythm, movement and cultural spirit of Jamaica to the University of Johannesburg.

Led by renowned choreographer Dr L’Antoinette Stines, the Jamaican dance company presented its production 1LUV in Johannesburg after performing at the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience in Durban.

The performance was a vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture, combining powerful movement, rhythm and storytelling. The dancers commanded the stage with energy and precision, creating an experience that was both visually striking and deeply rooted in Jamaica’s cultural traditions.

The performance reflected the spirit of 1LUV, exploring Black creativity, spirituality and identity through contemporary Caribbean dance.

Welcoming guests, High Commissioner of Jamaica to South Africa Joan Thomas Edwards spoke of the significance of bringing Jamaican culture to South Africa and of the enduring connections between Jamaica, Africa and the Caribbean. She noted that while Jamaica and South Africa established formal diplomatic relations in 1994, the relationship between their peoples has much deeper roots. Jamaica’s support for the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s journey to democracy remain important parts of that shared history.

‍Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Nguyen Trong Kien (right) and his spouse Nguyen Thanh Thuy (left), along with South African Deputy Minister under the President's Office Kenneth Morolong (third, left), Miss South Africa 2026 Romanda Hombir (third right) and other distinguished guests, at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong praised the progress in bilateral ties, particularly since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam’s engagement with BRICS through the Partner Country model reflects a strong convergence of strategic interests with South Africa in global governance and the promotion of South-South cooperation, South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong has said at a recent ceremony marking Vietnam’s 81st National Day in Pretoria.

These intertwined dynamics affirm Vietnam's crucial position in South Africa's foreign policy, he noted.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Nguyen Trong Kien said Vietnam has undergone profound transformation, strengthening its position and prestige internationally and becoming a trusted partner and responsible member of the international community.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres - UN

By Kester Kenn Klomegah,

On the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has intensified Russia’s coordination with African leaders, re-emphasising the importance of reforms while undertaking strategic steps towards transforming and reshaping Africa’s architecture to ensure economic sovereignty within the framework of an emerging multipolarity.

Foreign Minister Lavrov explicitly maintains that countries of the Global South and East are asserting themselves as sovereign centres of growth and are assuming responsibility for ensuring security in their respective regions. Russia’s foreign policy is intended to support Africa’s growth and future prosperity, with adequate preparations and strategically selected African leaders, regional heads and other individuals identified for interaction at the 81st UNGA in New York.

‍Ambassador Nonceba Losi, Ambassador of South Africa to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Ambassador Jevin Pillay Ponisamy, Permanent Representative of SADC to the African Union (photo supplied)

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, jointly hosted the commemoration of Southern Africa Heritage Day and SADC Day 2026 on 19 September 2026.

The event, held in Addis Ababa, brought together nationals of SADC Member States through a bring-and-share concept, providing an opportunity for participating countries to showcase their diverse cultural heritage.

Some of the highlights included the sharing of traditional food and the showcasing of different cultures and traditions from across the SADC region.

The event was officially opened by Ambassador Nonceba Losi, Ambassador of South Africa to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Ambassador Jevin Pillay Ponisamy, Permanent Representative of SADC to the African Union. In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of unity, cultural diversity, cooperation and strengthening the bonds among SADC Member States.

As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, a significant publication launched in Pretoria offers a way of understanding the enormous institution at the centre of contemporary multilateral diplomacy.

The 63rd edition of the United Nations Handbook, jointly produced by New Zealand and Australia, was launched at the New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria on 16 September 2026 by New Zealand High Commissioner Philip Hewitt and Australian High Commissioner Tegan Brink, with South Africa's Deputy Director-General for Global Governance and Continental Agenda, Ambassador Xoliswa Mabhongo, as Guest of Honour.

The launch took place just days before the opening of the General Debate of the 81st General Assembly, where Heads of State and Government and other senior representatives are gathering from 22 to 26 September and again on 28 September. The theme of this year's session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

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www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za

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