Iss

ue

No

. 8

Issue 7, 27 September 2018

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-Chief Nthabiseng Makuwa

Managing Editor Mathapelo Monaisa

Copy Editor Delien Burger

Photographers Jacoline Schoonees

Yolande Snyman

Katlholo Maifadi

Yandisa Monakali

Content coordination Busisiwe Kubheka

Mathapelo Monaisa

Publisher The Department of International

Relations and Cooperation

(DIRCO)

Tel: +27 12 351 1000,

www.dirco.gov.za, Private Bag

X52, Pretoria, 0001

460 Soutpansberg Road,

Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084,

Republic of South Africa

No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced in any form

without the written permission of the publishers. DIRCO is not

responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to

amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed

necessary. Copyright is reserved. Views in this newsletter are

not necessarily those of DIRCO or the South African

Government. These entities cannot accept any liability arising

out of or in connection with the contents of this publication.

Dear Diplomats,

Editor ’s Letter

The year 2019 started immediately with South Africa’s (SA)

assumption of its non-permanent seat on the United Nations

Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2019-2020. Thus far,

the country has made her presence felt ensuring that her

objectives are reflected in the statements made by appointed

representatives at the Security Council. To date, South Africa

has made 22 statements on a various global issues. The

significance of South Africa’s third tenure on the UNSC has

been elevated when the country deposited its Instrument of

Ratification of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear

Weapons on the 25th of February 2019. A positive step

towards the realisation of the mandate to silence guns by

2020.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the birth of South

Africa’s democracy. On 27 April 1994, all South Africans of

voting age queued at the polls to cast their votes to usher in a

democratic government. Since then, the country has been

admitted to the participation on the international stage across

numerous fora including the African Union. In February,

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu accompanied President Cyril

Ramaphosa to the the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly

of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government where

South Africa was confirmed as Chair of the AU for the year

2020. An incredible opportunity for South Africa as an

influential state within the continent.

The World Economic Forum in Davos, Swtizerland held under

the theme “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in

the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” gave South Africa

a platform to promote President Ramaphosa objective to

attract foreign investment for envisaged growth.

Under the leadership of Minister Sisulu, DIRCO

continues to carry this message globally and in bi-

lateral meetings held by the department’s principals

such as the SA-French Foreign Policy Dialogue, the

visit to India, and the Minister’s breakfast with the

Diplomatic Corps, among many others.

It has already been an incredibly eventful year and we

look forward to the upcoming SADC Solidarity

Conference which will further intensify the regions

support for the self-determination of the people of the

Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. As the only African

country which is still colonised, it is only right that South

Africa as part of SADC adds its voice to this important

cause. .

MMMathapelo Monaisa

South Africa and India enjoy a strategic partnership and bilateral relations are

anchored by a deep and shared history of friendship and solidarity. A strong historical

relationship also exists between South African and Indian’s political leadership

establishments. Both countries have produced two 20th-century icons in the persons

of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Since its independence, India was one of

the leading countries at the forefront calling attention to the injustices of apartheid

South Africa. Today, our respective nations enjoy a strategic partnership, which has

grown in leaps and bounds, and is underpinned by a deep and shared history of

friendship and solidarity. Our relations cover a wide spectrum of political to

economic, scientific, defence and multilateral cooperation – a reflection of the depth

and breadth of this special relationship.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Reginah Mhaule,

undertook an Official Visit to India from 6 to 10 January 2019, visiting our Consulate

in Mumbai and our Mission in New Delhi respectively. The visit also preceded a State

Visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his attendance as the Chief Guest to the

Republic Day celebrations of the Republic of India.

The aim of Deputy Minister’s Mhaule’s visit to India was, among others, to participate

in the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship multilateral conference on geopolitics and

geo-economics. She participated in three flagship events at the dialogue, including in

the only session dedicated to Africa: Africa First: Global Growth’s New Frontier.

Deputy Minister Mhaule used the platform to advance South Africa’s policy in terms

of key issues such as the continental agenda, regional development and peace and

security.

The key objectives of her visit were:

• strengthening the commitment to the bonds of friendship that exist between

both countries and the consolidation and strengthening of the bilateral

relationship

• ensuring that the partnership between the two countries is supportive of the

objectives of the National Development Plan and contributes to job creation

and poverty alleviation in order to address the rising inequality in South Africa

• engaging with identified think tanks to encourage and facilitate trade and

investment into South Africa and advance South Africa’s foreign policy

objectives

• aligning positions in global fora in pursuance of the strengthening of multilateral

organisations and the reform of global institutions of governance.

During her visit, Deputy Minister Mhaule met with her counterpart, the Minister of

State for External Affairs, General VK Singh (Retd), during which they engaged on

issues of mutual interest, such as enhancing the trade and commercial relationship,

growing foreign direct investment from India and cooperation within the international

fora. While in Mumbai, the Deputy Minister also met with the Governor of the State of

Maharashtra, Vidyasagar Rao. Mumbai

Deputy Minister Mhaule visits India by Lebohang Matshaba

is the commercial capital of India and has evolved into a global financial hub.

In her engagement with the Governor, they reflected on the trade relations between

South Africa and how these could be further advanced. Throughout her visit in

India, the Deputy Minister met with a number of strategic think tanks in order to

encourage and facilitate trade and investment into South Africa and advance South

Africa’s foreign policy objectives with regard to peace and security and economic

development, including the Oceans Economy.

Another highlight of her visit was the speech delivered by the Deputy Minister on

South Africa’s 25 Years of Freedom at the respected think tank, the Research and

Information Systems for Developing Countries, in which she reflected on South

Africa’s foreign policy achievements in the democratic era, as well as the priorities

going forward.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup (officially ICC Cricket World Cup 2019) is the 12th edition of the Cricket World Cup, scheduled

to be hosted by England and Wales, from 30 May to 14 July 2019.

As part of the pre-tournament efforts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Berlin, Germany, on 17 February 2019,

together with the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy. To promote the Cricket World Cup, a friendly cricket match took place in

front of the historic German Federal Parliament, Bundestag.

Attending this historic event was Mr Brian Mantle (CEO, German Cricket Federation), Mr Siegfried Franz (President, German

Cricket Federation), Mr Ed Shuttleworth (Regional Development Manager, ICC) and Minister Plenipotentiary, Adv Mohamed

Cassimjee, representing Ambassador Stone Sizani, together with players from the women's national team as well as some

representatives from cricket clubs in Berlin.

The event also provided a great opportunity to promote cricket in Germany, including highlighting the growing interest in the

women’s league. In this regard, Germany is currently the fastest-growing cricket-playing country in the world with over 350

teams growing at a rate of about 25% every year.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) also conveyed its support for the event and was encouraged to see the number of European

countries playing cricket continues to grow year on year. The Embassy will also continue to develop relations with the

German Cricket Federation in cooperation with CSA and the Ministry of Sport.

Cricket World Cup Trophy comes to Berlinby Adv Mohamed Cassimjee

Adv Mohamed Cassimjee, Minister Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy, Berlin with Mr Ed Shuttleworth (Regional

Development Manager , International Cricket Council) and the ICC

World Cup Trophy

Mr Brian Mantle (CEO Cricket Federation) together with the

Diplomatic representatives of Test playing nations in Berlin

Germany

The German Woman’s National team to show the advancement

of women’s cricket in Germany

MISSION FEATURE

South African trade delegation woos Kuwaiti businessmen

The Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) received a trade

delegation from South Africa (SA) led by Mr Mzolisa Bona, South Afirca’s

Ambassador to Kuwait. The delegation was in Kuwait to promote business

opportunities between the two countries. The delegation, led by Seema

Sardha, Director Export Promotion Middle East from the Department of Trade

and Industry (DTI) in South Africa. As the first country to perform the first heart

transplant in the world, SA is promoting Africa’s vibrant and talented workforce

under 35 years old, its state-of-the-art technology, and pioneering and

innovative healthcare facilities.

Ms Sardha commented, “We have seven designated economic zones to

create a vibrant South Africa. We have a favourable business environment for

everyone to take advantage of, a well-placed democracy. Furthermore, our

legal system is remarkable, and we are the gateway to a one billion rand

market in the African continent. This is proof of South Africa’s innovativation

and what we can bring to your table,”

Sardha noted that opportunities in the agriculture sector are also vast, as well

as in the area of energy, pharma and tourism. With great opportunities in the

pharmaceutical and tourism sectors, Ms Seema Sardha further highlighted the

fact that South Africa is open for business. “We want you to invest in our

country. South Africa is open for business and we are open to all through

collaborative work, BOT, PPP and technology transfer. We invite the chamber

to visit South Africa and enjoy the hospitality we offer,”

Ms Seema Sardha addressing the delegates at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry

MISSION FEATURE

Ambassador Bona added, “We are promoting mutually

beneficial opportunities for both countries. We want you to

be part of South Africa’s emerging economy and be part of

our growth,” The sectors included are: Agro-processing

(meat, dairy products and beverages), chemicals used for

agriculture, food, industry, water purification, oil and gas,

construction and engineering, electro-technical, medical

equipment, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, health

and beauty, work wear (safety boots) and clothing, textiles

and leather.

My career in Government started on 1 April 1973, after periods with the CPA and TPA. In July

1988, I was transferred to the Mission in the Ciskei, where my main function was the

administration of the seconded officials in the former homeland. On 1 January 1990, I was

transferred to the Mission in Umtata, (Development and Cooperation section), where my main

function was projects, for example, the building of schools, clinics, special employment

programmes and other government projects.

This was an interesting stage in my career and was also very satisfying, working with people

and to see structures completed like classrooms/clinics to the benefit of the people.

In April 1994, I was transferred back to Pretoria after which was I was moved to the Mission in

the Netherlands, my first real posting. We left in August 1995. My eldest daughter graduated

from the American School in 1999. As a family, we were happy in the Netherlands and with

heavy hearts we returned to South Africa in September 1999.

The next two postings were completely different than Europe: Kuwait in the Middle East from

2002 to 2006, where our youngest daughter graduated from the British School. We then went

to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from 2009 to 2013. There it was just my wife and I.

We made it our temporary home and soon found our feet and enjoyed the rich culture and food

of the Middle East.

We felt blessed being able to see the world and tour. We met many interesting people and

have fond memories.

I will always remember the Branch: Public Diplomacy, which became my home when I was

transferred back to Head Office from the two missions mentioned above. Interesting times, first

under Mr Mamoepa and from 2014 with the present DDG, Mr Monyela. What I will always

remember is the fact that the travel budget for official trips abroad was always constrained and

my favourite saying to colleagues was “no money”. My last day with the department was on 31

December 2018.

I am now my own boss. I must admit, so far so good, although it still feels as if I am on holiday.

This being the reason I think why I am not missing work so much at this stage.

After working for 46 years and being busy all the time, and now still in the early days of my

retirement, I will have to get something to keep myself busy. Luckily for me, I can fall back on

my experience over the years with the Government and put it to good use, especially in the

field of charity.

Before that can happen, with all the postings I had with DIRCO, I haven’t seen many places in

South Africa and would like to tour my own country first.

A few words from Mr Fanus Venter

HEAD OFFICE

DDG Clayson Monyela hands over a gift to Mr Fanus Venter, on behalf of Branch: Public

Diplomacy,

THE G20 AND AFRICA: NAVIGATING AFRICAN PRIORITES FOR THE G20

By: Busisiwe Kubheka

On the 29th January 2019, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) held a G20 Africa conference

at the Protea Hotel in Menlyn under the theme: The G20 and Africa: Navigating African priorites for the G20.

During the conference, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations & Cooperation Mr Luwellyn

Landers delivered a key note address on the participation at the GEG-Africa programme and the T20 African

standing group meeting. In his speech, Deputy Minister Landers noted that the Buenos Aires G20 Leaders’

Summit held in 2018, marked the 10th year anniversary of the G20 meeting at Leaders’ Summit level, which he

described as an historic opportunity for the Leaders to reflect on current global economic, financial and

development challenges.

Deputy Minister Landers’ speech was focused on two broad areas. Firstly, South Africa’s foreign policy approach

to its engagement with the G20 and secondly, South Africa’s priorities in terms of the developmental agenda and

G20 support for Africa, in particular. When further explaining our foreign policy approach, Deputy Minister Landers

mentioned the four strategic foreign policy pillars of our Republic that guide South Africa’s participation at the G20

namely;

i) advancing our national interest to attain domestic objectives;

ii) enhancing the African agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development;

iii) influencing the global multilateral architecture; and

iv) advancing the agenda of the South through strengthening South-South cooperation and North-South

Dialogue.

Now, let’s turn the focus on the G20 Buenos Aires Leaders’ Summit 2018 and its outcomes. South Africa

participated in the Buenos Aires Leaders’ Summit that was held under the theme, “Building Consensus for Fair and

Sustainable Development”. The Summit focused on the priority areas of “the future of work”, “infrastructure for

development”, and “a sustainable food future”. Deputy Minister Landers said and I quote, “Despite prevailing geo-

political and international trade tensions, the G20 Leaders were able to muster the political will to adopt the Buenos

Aires Leaders’ Declaration by consensus. It was underpinned by the Leaders’ “renewed commitment to work

together to improve a rules-based international order that is capable of effectively responding to a rapidly changing

world.” This was a significant achievement recalling that the recently held G7 and Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC) Summits were unable to adopt a consensus Declaration.”

“President Ramaphosa throughout his engagements at the Summit firstly

emphasized the following:

1. The need to build safer and more resilient global financial

systems;

2. The promotion of the international development agenda;

3. The continued commitment to a rules based multilateral system;

4. The need for inclusive growth and sustainable economies;

and

5. The rejection of seemingly rising unilateralism and

protectionism,” said Deputy Minister Landers

In conclusion, Deputy Minister Landers looked ahead to the G20 Osaka Summit

to be held on 28 and 29 June 2019, and building on the strong commitment of

the G20 to development and African priorities. He said, “We are encouraged by

the Prime Minister Abe’s commitment to use his Presidency of the G20 to “lead

global economic growth by promoting free trade and innovation, achieving both

economic growth and reduction of disparities, and contributing to the

development agenda and other global issues with the SDGs at its core. Through

these efforts, Japan seeks to realise and promote a free and open, inclusive and

sustainable, “human-centred future society.” In this context, the deliberations of

this conference is as an important input in guiding South Africa’s approach and

engagement in the work of the G20 during 2019

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers at the SAIIA G20 Africa Conference

Nepad CEO Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Dep Min

Landers, Japan's Ambassador Mr Norio Maruyama and

Ms Elizabeth Sidiropoulos (GEG Africa Member)

PUBLIC LECTURE

SCENE @ DIRCO

Monthly Media Briefing

Minister’s breakfast with the

Diplomatic Corps

Mr Ben Malan talks about Travel

Smart With DIRCO during DIRCO

Open Day

Minister Sisulu and French counterpart, Mr

Jean Yves le Drian

Ambassador T Joyini arriving with the Kumalo

family at the memorial of Ambassador Dumisani

Kumalo

Learners listening attentively at DIRCO Open Day

Minister Sisulu meets with Somalia’s Minister of

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr

Ahmed Isse Awad during the AU Summit

DIRCO OPEN DAY 2019

The Directorate Internal Communication and Social Media within Branch: Public

Diplomacy (PD), hosted a successful DIRCO Open Day on Friday, 22 February 2019 at

DIRCO’s OR Tambo Building. The Open Day, which took place under the theme:

“Information Sharing Is Key to Guiding the Youth”, targeted approximately 80 students

from three Senior Secondary Schools around Pretoria; namely: I.R Lesolang High

School, Jafta Mahlangu High School and Clapham High School. The invitation was

extended to grade 10 – 12 learners who are interested in studying International

Relations, Political Science and related fields.

The purpose of the Open Day was to inform and educate students about the mandate

of the department, experience the work environment and different branches within the

Department. Furthermore, this excursion exposed the learners to how South Africa’s

Foreign Policy is implemented.

Amongst amazing speakers such as Mr Malan from Consular Services to Mr Albert

Geldenhuys who took the learners through a career presentation about careers

available at DIRCO; this prestigious event was also honoured by the presence of

Ambassador Martin Schäefer, the German Ambassador to South Africa, who took the

learners through his journey to Diplomacy and left the learners eager to one day, if not

soon, become South African Diplomats.

DIRCO OPEN DAY

Learners participate in a quiz during DIRCO Open Day

Ubuntu Radio’s Mr Tali Munzhedzi, the Programme

Director with some of the learners

Germany’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Martin

Schäefer delivering the keynote address

Learners from 3 high schools in Pretoria attended the DIRCO Open Day

Contributions can be sent to:

Mathapelo Monaisa @ MonaisaM@dirco.gov.za or Busisiwe Kubheka @ KubhekaB@dirco.gov.za