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Tshwane, 12 August 2021. A round table was held in Pretoria on the topic: “The Pearl Jubilee of the Independence of Kazakhstan: 30 years on the path of building peace and harmony”. It was attended by well-known public figures, representatives of international organizations, as well as South African academia and mass media.

In particular, Honourable Mrs. Ndileka Mandela (the eldest grandchild of H.E. Nelson Mandela, the First President of South Africa, the Nobel Prize laureate), who is Founder and CEO of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, philanthropist and social activist, was the Guest of Honour at the event. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Abdülaziz Yiğit, Director of the Representative Office of the Institute of Turkish Language and Culture in South Africa (Johannesburg) named after Yunus Emre; Professor of Al-Ghazali College (Tshwane), Doctor of Philosophy Mr. Asadullo Karimov; Ms. Susan Novela, CEO of the South African media outlet ‘The Diplomatic Informer Magazine’; as well as other representatives of the South African society.

In his welcoming speech Ambassador Kanat Tumysh of Kazakhstan, acquainted the participants to the meeting with the following:

– the main aspects of domestic and foreign policy of Kazakhstan; priorities for cooperation with the countries of the Southern African region;

– the course of implementation of international initiatives of H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – the Leader of the Nation (Elbasy), in particular, in the anti-war and anti-nuclear spheres, as well as in the field of interethnic harmony and inter-confessional dialogue;

– in addition, the Kazakh diplomat dwelled on the state reforms by H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, carried out based on the principles of the ‘Listening State’.

– he especially emphasized that throughout this year of 2021 Kazakhstan is celebrating the Thirties (Pearl) Anniversary of its Independence as a state, whose authority and reputation on the international arena are unshakable. The country, which has managed to become an economic ‘Snow Leopard’ and a regional power, implemented important reforms in the field of development and other important areas. Significant global initiatives of its leadership have become known to the whole world, primarily in the field of building a world free from wars, conflicts and terrorism, as well as achieving a nuclear-weapon-free future.

In this vein, the Ambassador said that on the eve of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, celebrated all over the world on August 29, the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan plans to hold on 25-27 August 2021in Nur-Sultan a number of international events, dedicated to this day and 30th Anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. In this regard, he invited Honourable Ms. Ndileka Mandela and representatives of the South African mass media to pay a visit to Kazakhstan for participating these events in the Kazakh capital, familiarize personally with the Land of Great Steppe and get the first-hand information about the country’s development from its political, social, business and academic circles. Regarding some world-famous initiatives of Elbasy, such as G-Global and the Alliance of Global Leaders for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World, Mr. Tumysh noted that they received broad support in South Africa largely thanks to the active support by Ms. Ndileka Mandela. In this context, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan highly praised her contribution to the popularization of the ‘Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Formula for Peace and Harmony’.

In turn, Ms. Ndileka Mandela, while addressing the participants to the round table, underscored some important topics as noted below:

“I consider the formula of peace and harmony of Nursultan A. Nazarbayev as a unique recipe for the leadership and people of the country to build a highly successful independent state and overcome various modern challenges, while meeting the current difficult times under the world-famous motto of Kazakhstan: ‘One people, one country, one destiny’.

By the 30th Anniversary of its Independence, Kazakhstan was able to become a dynamic state in terms of its development, a confident economic leader and a regional power with significant influence. The First President Nursultan Nazarbayev headed the country at the dawn of Freedom and led it to today’s successes. Immediately after the end of the Cold War – in the turmoil, tension and uncertainty of the early 90s of the last century, Elbasy, thanks to His Excellency’s wisdom and foresight, created this successful formula and adhered to it, having secured the decisive support of his people. Hence, he was able to convincingly present to his compatriots the contours of a brighter future awaiting them, and subsequently bring them to it three decades later.

His life values are similar to those of my famous grandfather Nelson Mandela. He also gave priority to building statehood and gaining freedom, improving the quality of education and living standards of marginalized people, ensuring equality for all citizens of all nationalities and ethnicities”.

In July 2021, at the initiative of Honourable Ms. Ndileka Mandela, a representative office of the International Platform G-Global was opened on the African continent (in Johannesburg) for the first time in history. Concurrently, she also became Chair of the G-Global International Fund for the Empowerment of Youth in the framework of the UN SDGs 2030 Agenda, and was recently elected a member of the International Board of the Global Silk Road Award.

At the end of the round table, Mr. Tumysh thanked the representatives of the South African society and international community for their contribution to the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Nur-Sultan and Pretoria in the cultural, humanitarian and developmental spheres. At the same time, he presented to Ms. Ndileka Mandela a Letter of Gratitude from H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a token of special recognition of her merits in the popularization of international initiatives of Kazakhstan in South Africa, as well as in the development of universally recognized humanitarian values all over the world. In addition, the important contribution of South African and international public figures in the RSA to the promotion of the legacy of Abay and Al-Farabi in Africa was also highly appreciated. In this context, Ms. Ndileka Mandela, Mr. Abdülaziz Yiğit, Dr. Assadulo Karimov and Ms. Susan Novela were awarded the Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Raimkulova, which were presented to them by Ambassador Tumysh on behalf of the Kazakh side.

12 August 2021

International Youth Day 2021 is celebrated to create awareness and highlight the problems faces by the youths across the globe. This special day was initiated by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon to the UN General Assembly. In 1999, the United Nations decided to commemorate this special day on August 12 annually.

International Youth Day is celebrated through campaigns, events, concerts, etc, to highlight the socio-political and socio-economic issues youths are facing. This year the theme of this special day is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. According to the UN, this year’s theme highlights the need for “inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.”

Youth is energetic, hopeful, fearless, smart and determined…. Youth is the future of a country…. Youth is making the impossible possible…. Celebrate this amazing phase on International Youth Day.

On the occasion of International Youth Day, the Diplomatic Informer Magazine SA wishes all the Youth around the World Warm wishes on International Youth Day. Happy International Youth Day 2021. Promise yourself to become a responsible youth…. to work for the development and brighter future of the country. May you always shine bright!!

The vigour and power of youth are unmatched. Make the most of this time for the good of your family and your country.

The following vacancies exist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

1. Programme Management Officer, P3, Addis Ababa – Closing Date 16 September 2021

2. Communications Officer, P4, Addis Ababa, 18 September 2021

For detailed job descriptions, please visit https://careers.un.org/

10 August 2021

Addis Ababa home of the African union, Ethiopia’s capital city is the highest capital city in Africa, with the height of above the sea level and it is the fourth highest capital city in the world with an altitude of 2,335m (7,726 ft) above sea level.

Founded in 1887. The empress Taitu, wife of Emperor Menelik ll (reigned 1889-1913), the man who led Ethiopian Army to A victory over Italian Fascist that persuaded the emperor to build a house near the hot springs at the area where the city is now.🇪🇹

#Tourism
#ExploreAfrican
#ExploreAddisAbaba
#ExploreEthiopia

Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 August 2021

H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Leader of the Nation, and his principles have played a special role in the formation and development of Kazakhstan as an
independent state. Like my late Grandfather Nelson Mandela, the Leader of the Kazakhstani Nation has prioritised freedom, peace and harmony in
his country.

As eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela, the first democratic President
of the Republic of South Africa, I highly value the formula of peace and
harmony H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev has put forward. He has, in particular, been able to convey and promote these principles on the
world stage, where they have garnered due recognition. I would like to note that His Excellency’s constructive international initiatives are historically significant for the future of humanity, as well as its
security and sustainable development.

In this regard, I established a Representative Office of the International Platform G-Global for the African continent in Johannesburg, and became the Chairperson of the International Foundation “Contribution of Youth to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Agenda 2030,” as well as the Member of the Board of the International Global Silk Road Award.

My grandfather, Nelson Mandela, paid special attention to disarmament
and non-proliferation. In this regard, I fully support President Nazarbayev’s timely and relevant initiative – the Global Alliance of Leaders for Nuclear Security and a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, whose membership I have assumed recently. Towards end of this month, I intend to participate in the Alliance’s Summit in Nur-Sultan and contribute to
its work on behalf of Africa.

I consider Nazarbayev’s formula for peace and harmony as a unique recipe for the country’s leadership and people to meet various modern
challenges and overcome difficult times as a successful independent
state under the Kazakhstani motto            “One people. One
country. One destiny.”

On the eve of the 30th Anniversary of its Independence, Kazakhstan has
become a dynamic state in terms of development, a confident economic
leader and an influential regional power. The First President Nursultan
Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan guided his country since attaining its independence and led it to a great success. In the turmoil, tension and
uncertainty of the post-Cold War period, he created this formula and
consistently adhered to it, gaining the people’s strong support and
thereby His Excellency was able to ensure a bright future for his
compatriots.
His vision and time-tested values are aligned with the values of my
grandfather Nelson Mandela. Yet, Nursultan Nazarbayev also gave priority to the creation of statehood and freedom, improving the quality of
education and raising the living standards of his people, as well as
ensuring equality for all citizens from all ethnicities and communities.

Indeed, the extraordinary achievements under President Nazarbayev’s
leadership are a source of admiration in many countries around the
world, and it is a source of great pride in the people of Kazakhstan.

There is a lot to learn from Kazakhstan’s experience in ensuring
inter-ethnic harmony as well as human development throughout Africa. This amazing country has also established itself as a reliable partner in the building a new bright, safe and prosperous future.

Kazakhstan’s multifaceted actions and renowned international
initiatives, good reputation, rich experience, as well as tangible results have inspired and influenced positively South Africans and representatives of many other countries.

In this regard and on the occasion of the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, I wish its founding father His Excellency First President Nursultan Nazarbayev, His Excellency President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and all the people of Kazakhstan peaceful life,
prosperity and continued success.

Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s first grandchild,
President of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation

THE DIPLOMATIC INFORMER MAGAZINE SA WISHES ALL WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA, A HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY

Without Women the world is incomplete,

Without Women the heart feels empty, Let the world blossom with your smile

Every year, in August, our country marks Womens Month, where we pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women from all backgrounds and cultures who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

From our Moms to World Leaders, Inspirational women are everywhere around us.

Let us also remember our country’s brave women who marched for freedom from oppression.

May we never forget the heroines that laboured this freedom that we enjoy. May we at all times try to emulate their spirit. ✊🏿

Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo!

HAPPY WOMENS DAY!

The SADC Organ Troika constituting, Botswana as Chair, South Africa as the Incoming Chair, and Zimbabwe as Outgoing Chair, as well as members of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC), commenced virtual consultations with key stakeholders in the Republic of Zambia on 2nd August 2021, ahead of the country’s General Elections scheduled to take place on 12th August 2021.

The Troika and SEAC are led by Honourable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana, and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, representing the President of the Republic of Botswana and Chairperson of the Organ, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi.

Owing to the precarious situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, the virtual consultations are being conducted instead of the physical deployment of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM).

To date, SADC has held informative and substantive virtual engagements with stakeholders representing the Government, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Political Parties, Academia, and Non-Governmental Organisations. These stakeholders have all provided their perspectives and expectations on the electoral process.

The consultations will continue during the pre-election, election and post-election phases. SADC will remain seized with all developments throughout the electoral process.

SADC wishes to express appreciation to all the stakeholders engaged so far, for dedicating their time to this important consultative process, which concludes on 14th August 2021.

SADC also urges all stakeholders to comply with all relevant laws of Zambia, including the COVID-19 regulations and Standard Operating Procedures, to ensure a safe and peaceful election. In this regard, we appeal to all political leaders and their supporters to facilitate the work of the ECZ and other relevant authorities in the discharge of their mandates.

SADC, however notes with regret, reports of sporadic acts of political violence in some areas of Zambia that resulted in the loss of lives. In this context, we call upon political party leaders to guide their supporters towards mutual political tolerance, calm and a peaceful settlement of political disputes.

Issued on 6th August 2021

Easterncape – Tsitsikamma National Park

Experience the best that the Tsitsikamma National Park has to offer. Explore the stormsriver on a kayak and enjoy the long, deep, quiet pools with deep caves and ancient indigenous forest that the gardenroute is famous for. 🇿🇦

#stormsriver

#southafrica

#gardenroute

#forest

#kayak

5 Aug 2021

Fellow South Africans,

This evening, I am announcing certain changes to the National Executive.

This comes at a time when the country is facing several challenges and we are called upon to undertake several tasks at once.

Firstly, we are working to accelerate our vaccination programme to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secondly, we are working to ensure peace and stability in the wake of the recent outbreak of violence and destruction in parts of the country.

Thirdly, we are mobilising all available resources and capabilities to rebuild our economy and provide relief to those most vulnerable.

I am therefore making changes to the National Executive to improve the capacity of government to effectively undertake these tasks.

At the same time, there are a number of vacancies that need to be filled.

These include vacancies created by the tragic passing of Minister Jackson Mthembu and Deputy Minister Bavelile Hlongwa, and the appointment of former Deputy Minister Parks Tau as an MEC in Gauteng.

A further vacancy has arisen following the request I have received from Minister Zwelini Mkhize to allow him to step down as the Minister of Health in order to bring certainty and stability to this important portfolio.

I am grateful to Minister Mkhize for his service, and particularly for the outstanding leadership he has provided in the face of the worst pandemic in over a century.

I have also accepted a long-standing request by Minister Tito Mboweni to be excused from his position as Minister of Finance.

Minister Mboweni took up this position following the sudden departure of former Minister Nhlanhla Nene in October 2018.

Since then, he has effectively and ably steered National Treasury through extremely difficult economic times, providing stability and instilling confidence. I am grateful to Minister Mboweni for responding to the call to serve our nation at its time of need.

We are making certain changes to the configuration of government departments and Ministries.

The first of these is to separate the Ministry of Human Settlements from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.

At the beginning of this administration, we had brought these two portfolios together on the understanding that the provision of water is closely tied to the development of human settlements.

However, the reality is that water is a far broader issue, impacting not only on human settlements, but also on agriculture, industry, mining and environmental management.

Water is our country’s most critical natural resource.

Water security is fundamental to the lives and health of our people, to the stability of our society and to the growth and sustainability of our economy.

We have therefore decided that water and sanitation should be a separate Ministry, which will enable a dedicated focus on ensuring that all South Africans have access to a secure and sustainable supply of this precious resource.

The second change we are making is to do away with the Ministry of State Security and place political responsibility for the State Security Agency in the Presidency.

This is to ensure that the country’s domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation.

With respect to Ministers, I am making the following new appointments:

The Presidency: Mr Mondli Gungubele

Communications and Digital Technologies: Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Defence and Military Veterans: Ms Thandi Modise

Finance: Mr Enoch Godongwana

Health: Mr Joe Phaahla

Human Settlements: Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi Public Service and Administration: Ms Ayanda Dlodlo

Small Business Development: Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

Tourism: Ms Lindiwe Sisulu

Water and Sanitation: Mr Senzo Mchunu

Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will be deployed to a new position, and we thank her for service to the nation and dedication to her responsibilities.

With respect to Deputy Ministers, I am making the following appointments:

The Presidency: Ms Pinky Kekana will come in as a second Deputy Minister

Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform: Ms Zoleka Capa

Communications and Digital Technologies: Mr Philly Mapulane

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: Ms Thembi Nkadimeng

Health: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo

Mineral Resources and Energy: Dr Nobuhle Nkabane

Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majake

Small Business Development: Mr Sdumo Dlamini

Transport: Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga

Water and Sanitation: Ms Dikeledi Magadzi

Mr Zizi Kodwa is appointed as Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for state security. My Fellow South Africans,

Three weeks have passed since the country experienced an orchestrated campaign of public violence, destruction and sabotage.

I wish to once again commend the brave actions of our security forces on the ground, who were faced with a difficult situation and exercised commendable restraint to prevent any loss of life or further escalation.

While calm has been restored to the affected areas and our law enforcement agencies are working hard to bring those responsible to justice, we have acknowledged that our security services were found wanting in several respects.

As part of the critical measures we are undertaking to strengthen our security services and to prevent a recurrence of such events, I am appointing an expert panel to lead a thorough and critical review of our preparedness and the shortcomings in our response.

The members of the panel are:

Prof Sandy Africa, as chair,

Adv Mojanku Gumbi

Mr Silumko Sokupa

The panel will examine all aspects of our security response and will make recommendations on strengthening our capabilities.

To improve support to the President and the National Security Council in the strategic management of the country’s security, I am appointing Dr Sydney Mufamadi as National Security Adviser. This position has been vacant since Mr Charles Nqakula stepped down earlier this year.

I wish to express my deep appreciation to all outgoing Ministers and Deputy Ministers for their service to government and to the people of South Africa.

The task of rebuilding our economy and our society requires urgency and focus.

It requires cooperation among all sectors of society and the active involvement of all South Africans.

As this administration, as this collective, we are unwavering in our determination to build a capable state, one which is ably led and which effectively serves the needs of the people.

I thank you.

Botswana through the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs will on 12th August 2021, 0800hrs, launch online visa application platform.

This therefore implies that Botswana has considered moving from manual to online visa in an effort to facilitate the ease of doing business in the country and also to enhance convenience and efficiency in visa services. The web portal was developed and the final life test was done in mid June 2021.

The online visa application platform will be launched by the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Honourable Anna Mokgethi at Avani Hotel