Category: Uncategorized

 Kissinger turned 100 years old on Saturday, May 27, 2023, the renowned diplomat and presidential adviser reached a historic milestone on Saturday as he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Despite facing health challenges, including heart surgeries, blindness in one eye, and hearing loss, the extraordinary U.S Diplomat Henry Kissinger revealed in an interview with CBS News that he continues to dedicate approximately 15 hours a day to his work, a commitment of Kissinger’s enduring passion for Diplomacy and public service.

Kissinger was born in Germany on May 27, 1923, and has been at the forefront of U.S. diplomacy, widely recognized for his role in shaping American foreign policy during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly his efforts to extricate the United States from the Vietnam War.

Photo: Ambassador Saeed Alhameli of the United Arab Emirates in South Africa

Photo: (L-R)Ambassador Saeed Alhameli of the United Arab Emirates in South Africa and Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP)

“As a friend of Africa and an observer member of the African Union; the United Arab Emirates celebrates and acknowledges the successes of the African Union,” Ambassador Saeed Alhameli said”

Ambassador Mahash Alhameli was speaking during his speech at United Arab Emirates Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday at the Africa Day event.

President of the Pan African Parliament Chief Fortune Charumbira was the guest of honour in his remarks he said Africa Day commemorates the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) 60 years ago.

Africa Day also seeks to promote the African Agenda and strengthen the African Union institutions and policies towards the realisation of the continent.
This year’s Africa Month programme was celebrated under the theme: “Deepening the AU Vision for Unity for Africa through Prosperity, Peace and Modernity for a Better Africa and a Better World.”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long-standing ties with African countries, its implementation of Africa policy dates back over 20 years ago

Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as one of the largest investors into Africa among the GCC states

The interests of the GCC countries in cooperation with Africa have historically been shaped by their relatively one-sided and short-term economic goals. But propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, food supply issues and the changing regional geopolitics in recent years, the dynamics have been shifting toward deeper, longer-term—and mutually beneficial—commitments between the Gulf States and the African continent.

Currently, all GCC States, barring Saudi Arabia, have signed and ratified bilateral investment treaties—BITs—with African countries, strengthening economic ties while pursuing diversification strategies beyond traditional sectors and addressing current critical issues, such as food security.

Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as one of the largest investors into Africa among the GCC states, and is the fourth-largest investor globally into Africa—after China, Europe and the United States. In 2018 alone, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development also financed more than 66 projects in 28 African countries, valued at US$16.6 billion. Between January 2016 and July 2021, the UAE invested US$1.2 billion into sub-Saharan Africa, a staggering 88 percent of the GCC total during that period.

Between January 2016 and July 2021 alone, the UAE invested approximately $1.2 billion into sub-Saharan Africa, and with an agenda to increase these investments multi-fold, the UAE is set to play an increasingly important role in unlocking resource monetization and development in Africa.

#uaeafricaconnect
#AfricaDay2023
#OurAfricaOurFuture
#AfricaDay
#COP28UAE
#ClimateAction
#BetterAfricaBetterWorld

Warm wishes on the occasion of Africa Day. 60 years on, we honour the spirit of Pan Africanism
We pay tribute to pioneering leaders & to all others that have invested in the progressive Africa we celebrate today and stand in solidarity with Africa.

Celebrated across various countries in the African continent, the occasion of Africa Day is the yearly commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity. This day is observed every year on May 25th.

The occasion of Africa Day will always remind us of the blood and sweat that has gone into making Africa free.

Let us come together and celebrate this day with high spirits by honoring and celebrating all those who worked for the freedom of Africa.

Let us come together and celebrate the occasion of Africa Day with everyone around by celebrating the most important thing, i.e.. freedom.

Celebrating #AfricaDay2023 #OurAfricaOurFuture

Photo: Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr. Yerkin Akhinzhanov briefing participants on implementation of political, social, and economic reforms in Kazakhstan

Photo: Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr. Yerkin Akhinzhanov with some of the participants who attended the Round table on the political and economic development of Kazakhstan and the prospects for cooperation with South Africa at the Kazakh Embassy in South Africa

The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pretoria organised a round table on the topic: The political and economic development of Kazakhstan and the prospects for cooperation with South Africa, “

The event was attended by representatives of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other South African governmental institutions, the diplomatic corps, representatives of business circles, academia, and mass media.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov made
a briefing on the establishment of the gradual building a New Fair Kazakhstan, and the implementation of political, social, and economic
reforms in Kazakhstan, which has been conducted under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the outcome of the successful elections of members of the Mazhilis (Lower Chamber) of the Parliament and Maslikhats (local assemblies) in Kazakhstan, as well as the main
initiatives and goals set by the President to the new Government of the
country.

President Tokayev recommended limiting the president’s term to one term
of seven years (instead of a maximum of two five-year terms) in order to prevent the monopolization of power. Re-election to the highest state
post is prohibited.
The new electoral cycle is designed to restart the political system because of the enshrined constitutional and legislative
novelties. This will lead to more efficient and smart state governance.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov said they were milestone achievements and results by different benchmarks obtained recently
under the leadership of President Tokayev in the socio-economic sphere.
Among them are the growth of the national economy by 3-4% and proficient surplus of the Kazakhstani budget, which was between the level of USD
7-10 billion at the end of 2022.
South African participants noted the level of ongoing democratic reforms and noted the great potential for the growth and development of
Kazakhstan. The referendum in June last year ushered in a new democratic dispensation with constitutional amendments and principles for an inclusive government expressing the will of the Kazakhs. Regulations and procedures for registering a political party were simplified to create a representative parliament, presidential powers limited with only one term in office extended to seven years. Once elected, the president gives up political party credentials and serves all Kazakhs, irrespective of
political affiliation. The direct election of mayors is also among the many other progressive reforms undertaken to position the country and
its resources to benefit all of its people.

Kazakhstan is a land linked country in Central Asia measuring 2.7 million km2, and it is the 9th largest country in land size in the world.
Located in the midst of a crossroads on the expanse of the Eurasian continent, the ancient history and nomadic culture is found in the
diversity that makes up the people of Kazakhstan. The multi-vector foreign policy of the administration is crafted on the basis of this diversity and the true spirit of mutual respect.

Today, Kazakhstan’s population stands at 20 million in one of the least densely populated countries in the world. During the Kazakh famine of 1930-1933, a tragic event in which an estimated 1,5 million Kazakhs were killed due to starvation caused by the collectivisation policies of the
Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. Many Kazakhs left the country during this period, which made Kazakhs minorities in their own country.

Kazakhstan is a pioneer of international non-proliferation and disarmament diplomacy, having experienced the horror of nuclear weapons testing at the Semipalatinsk test site and the people and environment
still continue to be impacted by these devastating tests many decades later. Like South Africa, Kazakhstan dismantled its nuclear weapons
program recognizing that security is best achieved through disarmament.
This vast country is endowed with rich and precious mineral resources and agricultural land and is turning the disadvantage of being a land-locked country to a land-linked country with untold potential.

Kazakhstan holds the largest uranium reserves in the world and is the largest producer of this radioactive fuel, and it is also abundant with gas, oil, and coal energy resources and reserves.75% of the land is
suitable for agricultural production, most of which is being used to rear livestock and for grazing.

South Africa and Kazakhstan share the endowment of mineral resources and agriculture. Both countries have an opportunity for collaboration and cooperation in these sectors as well as in mining and are moving forward to increase trade and commercial exchanges between the countries.

14 billion U$D worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was attracted into Kazakhstan. The establishment of the International Finance Centre
Astana (IFCA) in 2018 created a competitive, efficient, and transparent financial market in Kazakhstan. It also revised the rules and regulations for trading on the International Stock Exchange of Astana
(ISEA).

The courageous action by the Kazakhs is to change the constitution of the country and transform into a government that listens to its people
and creates and implements policy accordingly is commendable and serves
as an example for many nations trying to innovate better, more efficient, and
effective systems of governance.
Participants noted the great potential of cooperation between Kazakhstan
and South Africa, in particular, in the areas of bilateral trade,
investments, tourism, and cultural exchange. Kazakhstan and South
Africa, who last year celebrated the 30th anniversary of their
diplomatic relations may be geographically distant from each other, but
distances matter a little, when nations build cultural bridges.

By: TDI

Photo: Bulgarian President, Rumen Georgiev Radev and Minister Naledi Pandor at the Bulgarian – South Africa Business Forum
Photo Credit: Dirco

Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed cooperation agreement, the Agreement was signed by the BCCI Leader Tsvetan Simeonov and SACCI President Adv Mtho Xulu

During an official visit by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev a business forum was held in Pretoria on Friday, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation between business organizations and companies from the two countries, said BCCI.

The Agreement was signed by the leaders of BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov and SACCI President Adv Mtho Xulu.

A total of 31 Bulgarian companies and 40 South African leading companies participated in a bilateral business forum in Pretoria on Friday, on the first day of an official visit by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. The business representatives held bilateral talks and further discussed areas of cooperation for investment between the two countries.

Among the areas of investment cooperation discussed were the opportunities in the sectors of mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, agriculture and food production, technology, transport, and tourism.

The trade exchange value between the two countries in the first ten months of 2022 is said to be USD 343 million with Bulgarian exports of USD 238.4 million and imports from the RSA of USD 104.6 million.

Simeonov said that so far, contacts in trade and business have been limited to exploring market opportunities, exchange of economic information, and business visits, but the two chambers of commerce are ready to deepen cooperation.

Bulgarian exports to South Africa in 2022 was USD 225.1 million, increasing by over 200%, which is mainly due to the large quantities of sunflower oil; kraft paper and cardboard and automatic data processing machines exported from Bulgaria. At the same time, imports from the RSA to Bulgaria increased significantly, reaching USD 119.5 million. “These figures indicate an upward trend in trade in recent years, which speaks of the growing interest of the business communities in Bulgaria and RSA in mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership,” said Simeonov.

Numerous meetings were held between Bulgarian and South African companies with interests in information technology and innovation, the fintech industry, mechanical engineering, energy, pharmaceutical and defence industry, agriculture, and food industry.

The business forum was part of the programme of the official visit to RSA by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev

Photo Credit: Dirco

#sabulgariarelations
#SACCI
#BulgariaChamber
#BulgariastatevisittoSouthAfrica

Photo: 🇿🇦🇧🇬 Arrival of Bulgarian President, Rumen Georgiev Radev.
Photo Credit: Dirco
#SABulgariaRelations 🇿🇦🇧🇬
#31yearsofdiplomaticrelations

Photo: Bulgarian President, Rumen Georgiev Radev was received by Minister Naledi Pandor upon arrival

Photo Credit: Dirco

President Rumen Radev arrived in the Republic of South Africa on Thursday evening on a May 12-13 official visit. He was received by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor.

The President is accompanied by his wife Desislava Radeva.

On Friday, Radev met with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa at his official residence in Pretoria. The two presidents had a one-on-one discussion, after which they chaired plenary talks between the delegations of the two countries. Deeper political dialogue and the development of bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest was the focus of the talks.

A business forum was held in the framework of Radev’s visit to Pretoria, which was attended by representatives of 31 Bulgarian companies and industry organizations and their counterparts from South Africa. A memorandum of cooperation between the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry was expected to be signed during the event.

Radev paid tribute to those who died in South Africa’s struggle for freedom and layed a wreath at the Freedom Park in the South African capital.

Radev opened an exhibition on Bulgarian support for the struggle of the South African people against apartheid and social discrimination.

On Saturday, in Midrand, at the invitation of the Association of Bulgarians in South Africa, Radev attended the consecration of the first Bulgarian Orthodox church in South Africa, St. John of Rila. It was consecrated by the Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora and met with Bulgarian community

Radev’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport Minister Hristo Aleksiev, Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov, and the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Innovation and Growth, Velislava Petrova and Stefan Savov. Representatives of industry organisations, companies in the field of information technology and innovation, fintech industry, mechanical engineering, energy, pharmaceutical and defence industry, agriculture, and food industry are also part of the delegation.

This is the second visit by a Bulgarian head of state after President Georgi Parvanov (2002-2012) visited Johannesburg on September 1-5, 2002, for the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Photo: His Excellency Mr. Mahash Saeed Al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to South Africa, handing over the official COP28 invitation letter from the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa

11 May 2024

Susan Novela

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine SA

His Excellency Mr. Mahash Saeed Al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to South Africa, met with His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa and handed him a written message from the

President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding bilateral relations and extended an official invitation for him to participate in the Conference of the Parties to the Convention United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), to be held in the Dubai Expo City in November 2023.

These meetings are a pivotal part of engagement with the leaders of countries and leaders of climate action to ensure that the preparation process for the next session of the COP28 Conference is comprehensive

and sufficiently consultative on common priorities, in light of the preparation for the Conference of the Parties (COP28).

This is also in line with the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to a fruitful partnership with the United Nations during the Conference of the Parties (COP28). Ambassador Al Hameli said that the United Arab Emirates believes in the urgent need for a coordinated response at the multilateral system level, as we must not neglect any aspect of the climate crisis, including its clear impact on international peace and security.

His Excellency Ambassador Al Hameli also announced that the United Arab Emirates will host the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the

Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, Expo City, during the period from November 30 to December 12, and that the COP28 conference will be an important station in climate action. This is the first comprehensive assessment of the nationally determined contributions of the signatory parties to the Paris Agreement, and the progress made in implementing the goals of the agreement, including the goal of preventing global warming exceeding 1.5

degrees Celsius. This is especially important because the Conference of the Parties (COP28) coincides with the preparations to celebrate the golden jubilee of the United Arab Emirates. He affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to the efforts of the international community aimed at intensifying cooperation with the aim of reducing the repercussions of climate change and the challenges it brings. This includes supporting

communities most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. “COP28 will emphasize a “leave no one behind’’ approach to climate action: that’s why we’re here. This is what we work for. We can do it together; I am very sure” Ambassador Mahash Al Hameli intimated.

#uaeinsouthafrica

#uae

#COP28UAE

#COP28

Also published in the Pretoria News on 5 May 2023

Photo: Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille at Opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023

Photo credit: Department of Tourism

Photo: Honourable Patricia De Lille and Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs, MP Moses Vilakati at the Eswatini Stand at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023!

Photo: Minister Patricia de Lille visited the Zambia exhibition and met with Minister Rodney Sikumba of Zambia

Photo: Minister Patricia de Lille met with the Minister of Tourism of Botswana, Ms Philda Nani Kereng, and discussed bi-lateral matters.

Photo: On the sidelines of the Minister Patricia De Lille, met with the Minister of Culture & Tourism of Mozambique, Edelvina Materula, and discussed bilateral matters.

Photo: Minister Patricia de Lille received a warm welcome from her counterpart, Minister Vera Kamtukule, at the Malawian exhibition stand

Photo: Minister Patricia de Lille visited the Zimbabwean exhibition and met with Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso

9 May 2023

Speech by Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille at Opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023

It is an honour and privilege for me to be here at the 2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba in this picturesque city of Durban, renowned for its sunshine, surfing, and swimming and of course cultural melting points amongst many attractions.

We are gathered here at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, named after Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, to celebrate Africa as we all pull our efforts towards our sector’s recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In one of his famous quotes, Inkosi Luthuli expressed his strong connection to mother Africa; he said: “I am an African. I am bound to Africa by the ties of blood, race, history, culture and language.” END QUOTE

During the month of May, we celebrate Africa Month and I would like to remind us of the inspirational words of the African Union Anthem which says:

“O Sons and Daughters of Africa, Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky Let us make Africa the Tree of Life, Let us all unite and sing together to uphold the bonds that frame our destiny. Let us dedicate ourselves to fight together for lasting peace and justice on earth.” END QUOTE

Today are here to honour the African people’s incredible ingenuity, fortitude, and magnificence.

We do so with humility as we also welcome delegates from across the world.

We are part of a common humanity and we are here bound together by a desire for shared prosperity.

As Africans, together, we will craft a narrative that tells our story in our own words, sharing with the world the unique contributions we bring to the global tourism community.

I am looking forward to coming together with as many of you as possible and for us to learn from each other, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more tolerant and inclusive society.

A repositioned Africa’s Travel Indaba

Ladies and gentlemen, a lot has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we felt it necessary and critical to reposition Africa’s Travel Indaba to ensure it remains relevant in the current environment.

This year, we are hosting Indaba under the mantra “Shaping Africa’s Tomorrow, Through Connection Today.”

This positioning speaks to the essence of Africa’s Travel Indaba, bringing the world to Africa to positively influence the continent’s economic and cultural trajectories.

One of Africa’s best exports, Ben Okri, the Nigerian author and poet, is on point when he writes: “The most authentic thing about us, as Africans, is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering.”

The 2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba, at near the pre-pandemic scale, also demonstrates that we can host world-class safe events as Africans.

This year, at Africa Travel Indaba, we are working hard to exceed pre-COVID attendance numbers and have an estimated 6 000 people attending from all over South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world.

This year’s Indaba sees more than 350 tourism products being showcased, 1000 buyers from across the tourism ecosystem and just under 1 000 exhibitors.

The attendees include destination marketing bodies, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, and 10 African Tourism Boards and 21 African countries represented here.

Competition and collaboration

Ladies and gentlemen, competition is often considered the lifeblood of destination marketing and tourism.

However, it is important to note that competition should always be balanced with collaboration.

While healthy competition can drive growth and innovation, unhealthy competition can lead to a race to the bottom, with businesses and destinations undercutting each other on price and quality.

Therefore, as the tourism industry, let us foster a culture of healthy competition, where businesses and destinations are encouraged to compete on quality and innovation.

Let us remember that long-term success in the industry depends not only on competing but also on recognising the value of collaboration and partnerships.

And so, each player in the value chain has a unique role to play, and by working together, we can create seamless and memorable travel experiences for visitors – that is the spirit of Africa’s Travel Indaba.

Supporting Tourism Enterprises

The Department of Tourism keenly understands the value of tourism businesses especially small to medium enterprises and that is why I am proud of the investment we have made in this regard as part of our Market Access Support Programme.

The Department of Tourism is thus supporting 123 local small inbound tourism enterprises through its Market Access Support Programme (MASP) to showcase their products and services at the Hidden Gems pavilion during Africa’s Travel Indaba.

The total value of support approved for the 123 enterprises amounts to R11.7million and this investment will enable these small businesses to display their unique products and services, expand their networks, and foster partnerships that will drive the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in South Africa.

To all the buyers present here today – you are critical in promoting Africa as a premier travel destination and thank you for continuing to partner with us in showcasing our continent’s diverse experiences and attractions.

To all the African product owners, thank you for your contribution in creating a cohesive and thriving tourism sector that benefits communities and promotes faster economic growth.

I am a firm believer that our country’s and continent’s tourism sector can only grow if we work together.

So whether you are an accommodation establishment owner, an airline partner, a travel agency, a tour operator or any other tourism product and experience – this is a call to you.

I invite all South African tourism companies to be part of this year’s Sho’t Left Travel week by providing discounted travel deals to South Africans.

By offering discounts of up to 50% off during the week starting from the 4th to the 10th of September, we will be encouraging South Africans to travel our beautiful, vibrant and diverse country.

South African Tourism will promote all Sho’t Left Travel Week deals on various marketing platforms, so make sure you don’t miss out on this chance to market your products or services.

Please register on deals.southafrica.net(link is external) by no later than end of August 2023.

Africa’s Tourism Sector Performance

Africa’s tourism sector is open and thriving, offering various products and experiences catering to travellers’ needs and preferences.

For South Africa, we have seen encouraging growth in our tourist arrival numbers between January and December 2022 where it reached nearly 5.8million with over 4 million of those arrivals from African countries.

This represents an overall inbound increase of 152.6% for South Africa compared to January to December 2021.

The future looks bright. We have, as a collective, weathered the COVID-19 hurricane and it should only propel us to exceed our targets.

After stronger than expected recovery in 2022, this year could see international tourist arrivals to South Africa return to pre-pandemic levels in Europe and the Middle East.

These numbers demonstrate the immense potential of tourism in Africa, not only as a revenue generator but also as a job creator and a catalyst for faster economic growth.

Here at Africa’s Travel Indaba, the African tourism sector works together to create sustained growth and economic impact; there’s no Big Brother here.

Africa’s Travel Indaba provides the ideal platform for us to collectively showcase our African products and experiences.

It is the most valuable platform for all of us to meet face-to-face, do business with the most influential partners in the world and access Africa’s excellence and endless possibilities.

The business opportunities and quality connections gained at this trade show will certainly shape Africa’s tomorrow.

Challenges to overcome

In addition to collaboration across the value chain, there are other areas where we need to work together to unlock the full potential of the African tourism sector.

One of these is the visa regime in all African countries.

We must have a harmonised visa regime across the continent to make it easier for visitors to move from one country to another.

We must also simplify the e-visa application process and reduce visa costs to make Africa a more attractive destination for both Africans and international travellers.

In this regard, South Africa has visa waivers for several African countries for a specified period and up to a maximum of 90 days, including SADC countries such as Tanzania, Namibia. Angola, Mozambique. Mauritius, Malawi and Botswana.

We have also rolled out the e-visa system to several countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo and we are expanding the e-visa system to an additional 20 countries.

Another critical area is airlift capacity.

On the global stage, Africa is the strongest performer currently with international air connectivity in Africa.

However, this growth has been uneven, with some African regions and countries having better airlift connectivity than others.

I am looking forward to working with various partners in reducing the high cost of air travel in Africa as we know that this deters visitors and thereby limit tourism growth.

Despite some challenges, there are some positive developments in the African aviation sector.

For example, some African airlines are expanding their fleets and increasing their routes to meet the growing demand for air travel.

The African Union (AU) has also launched the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aims to liberalise air transport on the continent and promote greater competition and connectivity.

Sustainable Tourism

Ladies and gentlemen, we must prioritise sustainable tourism practices that addresses climate change, protects our environment and cultural heritage while promoting economic development.

One of the key projects the Department of Tourism in South Africa has to help businesses mitigate climate change and adapt to energy constraints is the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP).

The programme encourages and incentivizes private sector tourism enterprises to move towards the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources through installation of solar system and water saving technologies.

The GTIP also ensures an uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists, reduce operational input cost and facilitates increased competitiveness and operational sustainability in the tourism sector.

Apart from providing funding to 130 tourism businesses under this programme, the Department of Tourism also invested R98.5 million to retrofit 8 state owned tourist attractions.

Combined savings for all eight sites is estimated to be just under R40 million by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

Ladies and gentlemen, sustainability is big for our sector. We must invest in sustainable tourism to protect communities’ natural resources, cultural heritage, and social fabric while creating economic opportunities.

Again, collaboration and partnerships between African countries and the public and private sectors will be critical in achieving this objective.

We must also prioritise innovation and technology, which can help us develop and promote our tourism offerings more effectively and efficiently.

Finally, we must ensure that our efforts to promote the African tourism sector are inclusive and benefit all members of our society.

We must work to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably and that all members of our communities can access the opportunities created by the sector.

At the very least, that is what the future generation of African children expect and deserve.

Ladies and gentlemen, through concrete actions, not just words, we are here as Africans, at Africa’s Travel Indaba to work to reposition ourselves in the minds of international travellers.

Our top-notch hospitality, favourable weather, and unique wildlife are just a few examples of what makes Africa an attractive tourism destination.

We are also here to recognise the value of visitors travelling to different parts of Africa and the world.

We know that through tourism, we can help create cultural exchanges, promote understanding, and break down stereotypes.

This can help to build bridges between different communities and contribute to the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions.

On a domestic front, South Africa must keep our country’s domestic sectors going.

Countries with a strong domestic tourism sector are generally better equipped to withstand fluctuations in international demand as has been witnessed with the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

For us in South Africa, growing our country’s tourism sector is a key aspect of the country’s Tourism Sector Recovery Plan and aims to ignite economic growth and create jobs.

I would like to thank all the South Africans that continue to heed the call by taking a Sho’t Left and exploring their own country.

Thank you fellow South Africans for playing your part in our country’s tourism sector recovery and ultimately contributing towards an inclusive economy.

In conclusion

I am proud to welcome all international delegates to South Africa. I invite you to experience, the beauty of our landscapes, and the richness of our cultural heritage.

I know this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba will serve as a platform for building new relationships, sharing knowledge, and driving the growth and success of the African tourism sector.

It is possible. Let’s do it together.

I thank you and God Bless.

Issued by: Department of Tourism

9 May 2023

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes EU peace and unity.

Europe Day is held on 9 May every year to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic Schuman declaration, which started Europe on the path to today’s European Union. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

United in diversity, “the motto of the European Union, first came into use in 2000. It signifies how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the continent’s many different cultures, traditions and languages.

To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions traditionally open their doors to the public in early May. Local EU offices in Europe and all over the world organise a variety of activities and events for all ages.

Each year, thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts, and other activities to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.

Photo: The British Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla 👑

6 May 2023

Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla after the Service, Their Majesties returned to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Their Majesties were joined in the procession by other Members of the Royal Family.

Upon returning, The King and The Queen received a Royal Salute in the Garden of Buckingham Palace from the Armed Forces, taking part in the Processions.

The King and The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, then appeared on the Buckingham Palace Balcony for the Flypast and the conclusion of the day’s ceremonial events

#theirmajesties

#kingcharles

#coronationday2023

#KingCharlesIII

#coronation