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Ms. Alsuwaidi Counsellor at the UAE Embassy, reads an Arabic story to a student at North American International School

By Susan Novela
27 February 2023

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates celebrated the richness and beauty of the global linguistic tapestry on the International Mother
Language Day 2023 at the North American International School Pretoria.

The function aimed at increasing awareness of the Arabic language. This
is particularly important as language is fundamental to all communication that facilitates change and development in human society.

February 21 is International Mother Language Day. The International Mother Language Day was created at a time when linguistic diversity was under threat. It has been observed every year since 2000 when it was proclaimed by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November 1999.

International Mother Language Day is celebrated to spread awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, and to promote multilingualism.

My language, my identity says Ms. Alsuwaidi in celebrating the International Mother Language Day

Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.

The theme for this year was “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education.”

Ms. Alsuwaidi interacts with students

It is quite instructive that South Africa has 11 official languages and many more unofficial languages that are protected by the constitution.

This is in recognition of the fact that language is an important part of culture and identity, as well as being essential for communication and education.

The Arabic language is a pillar of humanity’s cultural diversity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012.
The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the
sixth official language of the Organization.

Ms. Alsuwaidi with the students at the North American International school

In various diverse forms, classic or dialectal, and from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and music.

It opens up access to an incredible variety of
identities and beliefs, and its history reveals the richness of it’s links with other languages.

Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge – promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enabled a dialogue among cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.

Ms Fatima Alsuwaidi, Counsellor at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates said the Embassy organized the event at the North American International School to celebrate the diversity of languages and to encourage Arabic speaking pupils to maintain their knowledge of their mother language as well to learn the use of other languages.

Ms. Alsuwaidi asserted an important sine qua non for progress in mother tongue-based multilingual education; “Languages are essential tools for communication and knowledge sharing, memory, and history. Furthermore, they are also keys to full and equal participation.

One of the most effective ways of empowering children is to encourage them to use their language in education, particularly as a medium of instruction as long as it is practical, and to provide public
services and employment opportunities in these languages,” she intimated.

The Arabic language’s beauty continues to amaze linguists around the world. This is because it contains sounds in its diction that are alien. to the Western world. Consequently, this has created an aversion towards learning it. However, the experience of learning it has surprised a growing number of enthusiasts who were initially attracted to it to facilitate trade with Middle Eastern countries.

Ms. Alsuwaidi took time to read story books in Arabic and provided the students with literacy and numeracy skills. The UAE Embassy donated books and materials to the children as tools for learning and understanding Arabic.

#arabic
#arabiclanguage
#CulturalDiplomacy
#UAENews
#uae

Also Published in the Pretoria News on 27 February 2023

25 February 2023

On Thursday, 23 February 2023, The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini , co-chaired the 5th South Africa-Philippines Bilateral Consultative Forum (BCF). with Ms. Theresa Lazaro, Undersecretary of Bilateral Relations and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.

The BCF between South Africa and the Philippines will further consolidate the existing bilateral cooperation, discuss important bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, and afford an opportunity to review existing bilateral agreements and to make proposals on further agreements that may be needed to enhance cooperation in various fields.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training, Research and Development between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines will be signed during the BCF.

There is a steady growth of South African exports to the Philippines from various sectors. Sales of South African wines, juices and fruits have shown a marked increase and are available on retail shelves across the Philippines. There exists potential for closer and more beneficial relations with the Philippines.

The two countries have undertaken efforts to enhance bilateral trade and commercial relations with total bilateral trade for 2022 at R3.511 billion, with South African exports at R 974 million and imports valued at R2.537 billion.

#PhilippinesInSA
#SAPhilippinesRelations

21 February 2023

International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on the 21st of February and the purpose of this day is to raise awareness of language, cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world.

This Year’s International Mother Language Day
The theme for 2023 is “multilingual education—a necessity to transform education

The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.

UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.

Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear

Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

This is also the aim of this International Day: celebrating these ways of expressing the world in its multiplicity, committing to the preservation of the diversity of languages as a common heritage, and working for quality education – in mother tongues – for all.

20 February 2023

The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Nigeria, H.E. Thabo Mbeki, has urged the country’s political parties, candidates and their supporters to play their part in ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible elections on Saturday, 25 February 2023.

The former President of South Africa made his statement at a press conference in Abuja, following the arrival of Commonwealth observers in Nigeria on 18 February 2023.

Addressing the journalists, President Thabo Mbeki said:

“This month’s elections will be Africa’s largest democratic exercise. The outcomes of the elections will be significant not only for Nigeria, but also for the entire continent. Therefore, we urge all stakeholders in Nigeria to uphold their commitment to ensure a peaceful and inclusive election in which the people of Nigeria are able to freely exercise their right to vote, with the fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly fully respected.”

He added: “Our mandate is to observe and assess the pre-election period, activities on polling day and the post-election period. Throughout, we will consider all factors relating to the credibility of the electoral process. We will assess whether the elections are conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself … As we undertake this assessment and conduct our duties, we will be objective, independent and impartial.”

Over the coming days, the group will receive briefings from the electoral authorities, political parties, the media and civil society groups representing women, youth and people with disabilities. This will enable the group to get a better understanding of the situation within the country ahead of the elections.

As of February 2023, an estimated 93.4 million registered voters will have the right to cast ballots for presidential and national assembly candidates in 176,846 polling units across Nigeria.

From 23 February, observers will be deployed across the country to observe the pre-election preparations as well as voting, counting and results processes at polling stations.

An interim statement, which provides the group’s preliminary assessment of the electoral process, will be delivered by the Chairperson at a press conference on 27 February in Abuja.

Following the elections, the group will submit its recommendations in a report to Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. She will forward the report to the Government of Nigeria, the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission, the leadership of political parties taking part in the elections and all Commonwealth governments. The report will be made public afterwards.

The Observer Group comprises 16 eminent persons from around the Commonwealth, including politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender equality and election administration.

20 February 2023

The Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) have elected H.E Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, as the new Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2023. The event took place today, Saturday 18 February 2023 during the official opening of the Thirty-Sixth (36th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, holding at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

President Azali of Comoros, is took over the baton of command from H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, who has concluded his term as the Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2022.

The symbolic ceremony took place in the presence of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), representatives of the Regional Economic Commission, dignitaries and invited guests as well as the AU staff.

The composition of the new bureau of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union for 2023 as presented by the Dean of the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC) is as follows:

Chairperson of the African Union (AU) – H.E Azali Assoumani Union of Comoros (East African region)
First Vice Chair of the Union – (Northern Region), consultations are still ongoing;
Second Vice Chair of the Union – Republic of Botswana, (Southern Region);
Third Vice Chair of the Union – Republic of Burundi, (Central Region); and
Rapporteur – Republic of Senegal – (West African region);

The outgoing Chair of the Union thanked the AUC Chairperson, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat for his leadership and support, including all the members of the Commission. “Serving our continent has been a privilege and a great pride, because I believe in a united Africa, an Africa standing up, an Africa at work, an Africa in peace and confident in its future”. Underlined President Macky Sall. Adding that, this has made him to be more determine and even more motivated, “at the front of the fight for Africa, everywhere, for everything and all the time; because it is the responsibility conferred on us by the heritage of the pan-Africanism, to realize the dream of the Founding Fathers and the aspirations of our peoples”. Concluded President Sall.

In his acceptance speech, President Azali Assoumani said he appreciates the honor coupled with the responsibility and the trust invested in his person, and the members of the new Bureau, to lead the destiny of the Organization for the next one year., “I thank you and assure you of our commitment to work together with all member countries in the exercise of our mandate” indicated the incoming Chair of the Union. “I pay tribute to the founding fathers of the Organization. Six decades later, their luminous vision continues to inspire our living together and to illuminate our united march towards the ideal of African integration” He added.

President Azali Assoumani further stated that, it is with great emotion, thanking the members of the Bureau of the African Union who have just done a great honor to his country, the Union of the Comoros, by “entrusting in Comoros for the first time in its history, the destinies of our continental Organization”. He also thanked colleagues, brothers and sisters from the countries of East Africa for having supported his candidature for this noble function and more particularly “My Dear Brother, President William RUTO who had the elegance to withdraw the candidacy of his beautiful country, Kenya, for this position, which today allows the historic accession of the Union of the Comoros to this noble function. By allowing the Union of the Comoros to lead the African continent, our Organization has just proved to the world its conviction that all countries have the same rights and enjoy the same freedoms”. Underscored the incoming Chair of the Union. “Thus, in succeeding, in this sacred place, to my brother President Macky SALL, as current President of the African Union, it is with the weight of the continental responsibility on my shoulders, that I intend to assume, as of today, the functions of President of the African Union, in this 36th Ordinary Session.

“It will not be easy to succeed him, but I will do my best to continue his work and, among other things, by favoring as he has always been able to do, dialogue, listening and gathering, essential conditions to make this mandate, that of the success of our Continent” Concluded the newly elected Chair of the Union.

About the African Union:

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens.

The AU Vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

#AUSummit2023
#Comores

17 February 2023

Your Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Peace, and Security Council,
Your Excellency Felix Tshisikedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Your Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda,
Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola,
Your Excellency, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to you all to the 1140th Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, held at Heads of State and Government level.

Thank you to the AU Commission for facilitating this meeting.

The PSC is meeting to consider the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is in the broader context of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region signed on the 24th of February 2013.

The aspiration of the Framework was to usher in peace, security, stability and development in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region as a whole.

Ten years since it was signed the eastern DRC continues to experience periodic cycles of conflict and violence.

We agree that the volatile security situation in the eastern DRC has gone on for far too long, and is untenable.

We cannot but be troubled by this humanitarian catastrophe.

We cannot but be horrified to see people being butchered, women and girls being violated and by the blatant violations of human rights and of the rules of rules of engagement in conflict.

The current cycle of violence is even more worrying, and is being fueled by the resurgence of the armed group M23 that was thought to have been dismantled in 2013/2014.

The AU Peace and Security Council is charged with the prevention, resolution, and management of conflicts in Africa. We must redouble our efforts to resolve this dire situation, working in close collaboration with regional processes.

In 2022 the Council held two meetings on the situation in the eastern DRC. The Council called for an evaluation of the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework to enhance its effectiveness.

The Council must take actionable decisions to address challenges emanating from lack of implementation of the Framework.

If it is not fully implemented in both letter and spirit, the security situation in the eastern DRC will continue to present challenges.

Political will from all parties to the Framework, from the government of the DRC, from the region, from the AU, and from the international community is key to the effective implementation of the Framework.

I wish to commend the efforts of H.E. President Lourenco in mediating between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda, as mandated by the May 2022 Extraordinary Summit of the AU.

We also commend the East African Community for their efforts to assist, resulting in the deployment of the East African Community Regional Force.

This Council must encourage the parties to the Cooperation Framework particularly the governments of the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda to focus on the following:

· Honouring their commitments contained in the Cooperation Framework.
· Exercising total restraint and de-escalation
· Embarking on genuine dialogue
· Expeditiously implementing the outcomes of the Luanda and Nairobi processes
· The withdrawal from the Eastern DRC of foreign armed groups
· Urging all the signatories and guarantors of the Cooperation Framework to ensure full enhancement of the Regional Oversight and Ad Hoc Verification Mechanisms to deal with security concerns.

It is critical that we redouble our efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. This means combating the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, and fighting corruption, money laundering and organized crime. More needs to be done to build the institutional capacity of regional border management and control, as well as of regional justice and law enforcement agencies.

With regards to gender-based violence, we call on the UN system to continue to provide capacity and technical assistance for State institutions to maintain standards of accountability concerning sexual and gender-based violence, and to strengthen the legal framework for the fight against impunity.

We have set ourselves an ambitious goal to Silence the Guns across Africa. To achieve this goal, we must show zero-tolerance for current and emerging conflicts and redouble our efforts to resolve them.

I thank you.

17 February 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Friday 17 February 2023, arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to attend the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government to be held on 18 and 19 February 2023 under the theme of the AU for the year 2023: “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”.

It is expected that the Assembly will take stock of the progress made thus far in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) following the start of trading on 1 January 2021.

African Heads of State and Government are expected to reaffirm their commitment to the full implementation of the AfCFTA and the significance of accelerating the finalisation of outstanding issues – including, the Rules of Origin and supporting Protocols.

The Assembly will also consider a myriad of thematic issues such as the report on the activities of the Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the state of peace and security in Africa; the election of the new Bureau of the AU Assembly for the year 2023; the AU Institutional Reform; appointments to various organs of the Union as well as reports of the leaders on specific thematic issues.

The current Chair of the African Union, H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, will present the annual report of the chairperson as well as a report on global governance matters wherein the proposal for the AU to become a member of The Group of Twenty (G20) will be considered by the Heads of State and Government.

President Sall will also be handing over the chairship of the AU to the Island State of Comoros.

South Africa’s participation is crucial to influence the strategic direction of the deliberations on some of the above-mentioned matters during the Summit, as well as the outcomes document in the form of the Assembly Decisions.

President’s itinerary during the meeting

On 17 February 2023, President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Chair of the AU PSC, will chair a meeting to discuss the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On 18 – 19 February 2023, during the Summit, President Ramaphosa and Chair of the AU PSC, will present the Report on the State of Peace and Security on the African Continent. South Africa is currently the chair of the AU PSC for February 2023.

In his capacity as the AU Champion on Covid-19, the President will also present the Report on the AU Response to COVID-19 in Africa to the Assembly. The focus of the Report will be on concrete actions undertaken to contain the spread of the pandemic on the Continent. He is also expected to deliver the Progress Report on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Infrastructure Championing Initiative.

The President will be accompanied to the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor. The President will also be supported by Ministers Mondli Gungubele of the Presidency; Enoch Godongwana of Finance; Joe Phaahla of Health; Ebrahim Patel of Trade and Industry and Competition as well Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla of Defence and Military Veterans.

The Assembly will be preceded by the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which will be held on 15 and 16 February 2023.

16 February 2023

A book of condolence was opened at the Embassy of Turkey in Pretoria in honour of the victims of the devastating February 6th Earthquake. Representatives of the South African government, the Diplomatic Corps, Civil Society, Business, Academia and South African community visited the Embassy of Turkey in Pretoria to share their sorrow, and signed the
Condolence Book.

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine, CEO and Publisher, Ms. Susan Novela and the Director of Circle Way Training, Ms. Nickoulah Chesa, also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to expressed their heartfelt condolences.

On Monday, February 6, at 04:17 local time, a catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria at a depth of about 17.9 kilometres,
with a second enormous quake measuring 7.5 magnitude-hitting hours later. The initial earthquake was followed by more than 100 aftershocks,
some as large as 6.5 magnitudes and felt in countries as far away as Palestine, Greece, and Egypt, indicating the enormity of this disaster.

According to the most recent reports, over 35 000 people have died, with at least 80 000 seriously injured and many more trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The number of fatalities is sharply rising. . The quake caused widespread destruction across cities in
southern Türkiye, and northern Syria, a country already devastated by nearly 12 years of conflict.

At least 26 million people have been affected by this natural disaster. The earthquakes are the worst to hit
the Turkish region in 19 years and in Syria, the worst in over acentury.

The scale of this tragedy cannot yet be determined as the situation on the ground continues to evolve, what we do know is that it is a raceagainst time to save lives. Please donate generously to our Türkiye
Syria Earthquake Appeal now.

The earthquake has destroyed infrastructure
such as homes, buildings, schools, hospitals, roads, airports and essential services, making it difficult for those affected to access fundamental necessities such as food, water, shelter and medical care.

More than 6,000 buildings have been demolished since the earthquake struck, displacing cities of people, exacerbated by freezing winter
temperatures.

The aftershocks, freezing temperatures, and damaged roads impede efforts to reach and rescue those affected by Monday’s earthquake in southern
Turkey and northern Syria.

Health facilities are understaffed and under-resourced, with shortages of essential medical supplies reported
and limited staff due to being directly impacted. The situation is dire, and there is an urgent need for support to assist those affected by the disaster.

The Embassy, has been working around the clock together with the Turkish Embassies in Pretoria and Cape Town and various organisations including
Gift of the Givers and the Turkish Disaster Agency to ensure manpower, medical supplies and other essentials for the search and rescue.

Ambassador Kandas said South Africa was one of the first countries to respond to Turkey’s plea for help. “We are so happy that amongst the first countries that responded was South Africa. Last we recorded; it
was 70 countries that responded. She said there were currently six SA organisations on the ground.
“What we need now is medical supplies, medical devices, medicine, the list of the urgently needed material are on our social media accounts.
“As the ambassador of Turkey, I would like to say we are truly grateful for all the help.

To support relief efforts, make contact with the Turkish Consulate on 078 821 1991 or reach them on their Facebook and Twitter account
@Turkish EMBPTA, for the Embassy in Pretoria or @Cape Turkish for the Consulate.

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Turkey following the devastating earthquake.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and the people of Turkey, the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by this natural calamity and we hope for an early restoration of normalcy

16 February 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government to be held on 18 and 19 February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The theme of the AU for the year 2023 is “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”.

It is expected that the Assembly will take stock of the progress made thus far in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) following the start of trading on 1 January 2021.

African Heads of State and Government are expected to reaffirm their commitment to the full implementation of the AfCFTA and the significance of accelerating the finalisation of outstanding issues – including the Rules of Origin and supporting Protocols.

The Assembly will also consider a myriad of thematic issues such as the report on the activities of the Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the state of peace and security in Africa, the election of the new Bureau of the AU Assembly for the year 2023, the AU Institutional Reform, appointments to various organs of the Union as well as reports of the leaders on specific thematic issues.

The current Chair of the African Union, H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, will present the annual report of the chairperson as well as a report on global governance matters wherein the proposal for the AU to become a member of The Group of Twenty (G20) will be considered by the Heads of State and Government.

President Sall will also be handing over the chairship of the AU to the Island State of Comoros.

South Africa’s participation is crucial to influence the strategic direction of the deliberations on some of the above-mentioned matters during the Summit, as well as the outcomes document in the form of the Assembly Decisions.

President’s itinerary during the meeting

On 17 February 2023, President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Chair of the AU PSC, will chair a meeting to discuss the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On 18 – 19 February 2023, during the Summit, President Ramaphosa and Chair of the AU PSC, will present the Report on the State of Peace and Security on the African Continent. South Africa is currently the chair of the AU PSC for February 2023.

In his capacity as the AU Champion on COVID-19, the President will also present the Report on the AU Response to COVID-19 in Africa to the Assembly. The focus of the Report will be on concrete actions undertaken to contain the spread of the pandemic on the Continent. He is also expected to deliver the Progress Report on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Infrastructure Championing Initiative.

The President will be accompanied to the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor. The President will also be supported by Ministers Mondli Gungubele of The Presidency, Enoch Godongwana of Finance, Joe Phaahla of Health, Ebrahim Patel of Trade and Industry and Competition, as well Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla of Defence and Military Veterans.

The Assembly will be preceded by the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which will be held on 15 and 16 February 2023.

9 February 2023.

This year, it will be 10 years since we bid farewell to Nelson Mandela, the first President of a democratic South Africa, our beloved Madiba. It will also be 105 years since his birth.

As we honour his remarkable life, let us draw inspiration from the words he spoke at his inauguration in 1994 when he said:

“Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.

“Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.”

To build such a society, to overcome the great difficulties of the moment, we need to work together. We need to stay the course.

We need, as a nation, at this time more than any other, to reveal our true character. We need to work together and leave no one behind.

#SONA2023 #LeaveNoOneBehind

Read more: https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-2023-state-nation-address-9-feb-2023-0000