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| SA PARTICIPATES IN G20 LEADERS' SUMMIT |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa this weekend led the South African delegation to the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit. |
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The G20 Leaders' Summit was convened by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on deepening global cooperation around the theme of “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”.
The summit set out international efforts to develop a robust coordinated global response to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguard the global economy and enhance international cooperation.
Discussions centred on empowering people, protecting the planet and the resolution of global challenges through solutions that benefit all of humanity.
This virtual summit followed the extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit held on 26 March 2020, which resolved to develop a G20 Action Plan in response to COVID-19, adopt a G20 Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative and to close the short-term financing gap to combat COVID-19.
The leaders assessed progress made in the actions agreed upon.
President Ramaphosa on Saturday, 21 June 2020, participated in the first session on "Overcoming the Pandemic and Restoring Growth and Jobs". This session highlighted ongoing efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to ensure affordable and equitable access to vaccines for all.
Later, the President delivered a statement to the leaders' side-event on "Pandemic Preparedness and Response".
This side event highlighted the importance of long-term solutions to address gaps in global pandemic preparedness and response and to ensure that the world is better prepared for future pandemics.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa participated in the session on "Building an Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Future".
This session underscored the need to further empower women and youth, including through quality education, financial inclusion, bridge the digital divide and support inclusive community development through tourism.
The G20 economies account for 85% of the global gross domestic product, 80% of world trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.
As the “premier global forum for international economic cooperation”, the G20’s value is based on its global leadership role and convening power in bringing together leading advanced and emerging economies in times of crisis.
The summit sought to find common ground on promoting sustainable development, which included issues related to global health, trade and investment, digitalisation, climate change, the environment, energy sustainability, employment, women’s empowerment, agriculture, anti-corruption, education and tourism.
President Ramaphosa was supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA RECEIVES LETTERS OF CREDENCE |
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President Cyril Ramaphosa recently received letters of credence from ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, who have been nominated by governments to serve in diplomatic missions in South Africa.
The credentials ceremony was held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria, where the President received letters from nominated heads of mission from 17 countries.
Senior diplomats from the following countries will serve at missions in South Africa, with the aim of advancing diplomatic relations:
- Socialist Republic of Vietnam
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Islamic Republic of Iran
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- Republic of Botswana
- Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
- People’s Republic of Bangladesh
- Republic of Ukraine
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- People’s Republic of China
- Kingdom of Sweden
- Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic
- Republic of South Sudan
- Islamic Republic of Mauritania
- Republic of the Sudan
- Republic of Finland
- Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Republic of Slovenia. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za
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| MINISTER PANDOR LEADS MINISTERIAL DELEGATION TO MEETING WITH LESOTHO |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, led a South African delegation to a Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. |
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The meeting took place in Maseru, the Kingdom of Lesotho, on Friday, 20 November 2020.
The JBCC serves as a structured mechanism through which the bilateral cooperative engagements between the two countries are cordially conducted.
The JBCC Agreement was signed in 2001 and is currently due for renewal. In this regard, the Senior Officials Meeting of the JBCC was convened in Pretoria from 3 to 4 November 2020.
The Council of Ministers convened in Maseru to consider the report of the Senior Officials Meeting and to appraise progress made in the implementation of joint programmes which cover five areas of cooperation, namely: political and strategic cooperation, defence and security, good governance as well as economic and social areas of cooperation.
The Council of Ministers signed agreed minutes that contain decisions and endorsed implementable actions that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance the bond of friendship which exists between the people of the two countries.
Other ministers who formed part of the delegation included the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Minister of Police as well as Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry, Industry and Competition, State Security and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. |
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| 16 DAYS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED |
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| The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign on Tuesday, 24 November 2020. |
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The 16 Days Campaign is a United Nations drive, which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, as the Chairperson of the IMC, addressed the media under the theme “Women’s Economic Justice for a Non-Violent and Non-Sexist South Africa”.
The launch also provided the opportunity for the IMC on GBVF to provide an update on progress made in implementing the National Strategic Plan (NSP).
The IMC consists of the Ministers of Justice and Correctional Services, Social Development, Police, Public Service and Administration and National Treasury.
The NSP on GBVF was approved by Cabinet in March this year and presented to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The NSP is founded on six pillars: accountability, leadership and coordination; prevention and restoration of the social fabric; protection, safety and justice; response, care, support and healing; economic empowerment; and research and information systems.
“A great deal of work and progress in the implementation of several interventions has been made since the launch of the NSP and the release of the Emergency Response Action Plan (ERAP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” the IMC said in a statement on Monday.
The briefing, which was held in Pretoria, gave away five electric vehicles to civil-society organisations, donated by BMW, to the GBVF Council.
“This is in the pursuit of GBVF interventions across all service delivery levels, in line with the six pillars of the NSP,” the IMC said.
The five days of mourning to remember those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and GBVF were also announced during the media briefing.
The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.
According to the agency, the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to increasing their risk of violence. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| WHO URGES GREATER COVID-19 VIGILANCE IN AFRICA AS HOLIDAYS NEAR |
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging African countries to be on high alert for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases. |
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This comes as nearly 20 countries in the region experienced an uptick in cases since early October after reporting a downward trend, then a plateau.
“Unlike the first wave of cases, which was triggered by hotspots in southern Africa, the latest increase is driven by the North African region, where temperatures are beginning to fall,” said WHO.
The agency is reporting that 19 out of the 47 countries in the WHO African region have recorded over a 20% increase in new cases in the past 28 days, compared with the previous four weeks.
However, 17 countries are also logging more than a 20% drop in infections over the past 28 days, compared with the previous four weeks.
Meanwhile, health workers, especially among the experienced, are getting more infected and losing their lives.
Large gatherings
Large gatherings and mobility have been identified as risk factors for increasing the spread of COVID-19.
WHO is concerned the holiday season can promote these risks, leading to super spreader events.
“As we near the time of year when people get on the move to spend their holidays together, there is a bigger risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
“New clusters of cases can emerge in places that have so far been unaffected as people travel or gather for festivities,” she added.
However, she believes that the risk can be lowered by wearing masks, limiting the numbers of people who come together, observing physical distancing and practising good hand hygiene.
“We can celebrate yet do so safely,” said WHO.
Risk assessment
WHO is urging member states to conduct risk assessments at the subnational level and identify areas of high risk.
Based on this analysis, WHO said local governments would be able to adjust their public health measures accordingly and be agile in their decision-making.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to help prepare for a potential rise in hospital admission by training additional contact tracers and clinicians to handle cases.
The agency is also working towards ensuring crucial supplies are on hand and boosting screening at border crossing points.
Mask up
WHO said it had identified a worrying trend of disregarding safety measures among populations.
The agency has since launched the “Mask Up, Not Down” Campaign as part of an effort to revitalise key public health measures.
The campaign aims to reach over 40 million young people in Africa with positive messages on the correct use of masks through social media to combat complacency, fatigue and misunderstanding around COVID-19 prevention measures.
“In the face of COVID-19, complacency can be dangerous.
“At this critical moment as Africa begins to see an uptick in cases, we need to re-energise and recommit to wearing masks. I know many are finding the public health measures cumbersome, but without action from everyone, Africa risks a new surge in COVID-19 cases," said Moeti.
WHO is urging governments to invest in engaging communities and winning their buy-in and support for life-saving public health measures.
“Only by ensuring people in cities, districts and villages in Africa are committed to fighting COVID-19, will we overcome the pandemic.” – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| TWO OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST LUXURIOUS TRAINS HAVE REOPENED – WITH MAJOR DISCOUNTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS |
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| After months of downtime due to lockdown travel restrictions, South Africa’s Blue Train has once again resumed operations in time for the festive season. |
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The Blue Train is the country’s oldest luxury rail journey, running eight times a month between Pretoria and Cape Town.
The train’s origins date back to the Union Limited and Union Express trains which began in 1923. The tour follows a 1 600-km line to Cape Town and takes 27 hours to complete.
En route to Cape Town, there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, and on the northbound journey, there is a stop at Matjiesfontein for an off-the-train excursion.
As part of its reopening special, the train service is offering tickets from R12 715 per person sharing on bookings between 1 November 2020 and 31 March 2021.
“When confirming bookings, guests will submit their dietary requirements and complete a pre-screening questionnaire which includes a declaration of COVID-19 symptoms.
“Should guests meet all requirements, confirmation will proceed. Should guests not meet the pre-screening requirements, the booking will be deferred to a later date.”
Crew will render services with a face mask and latex gloves and each staff member will be issued with their own hand sanitiser. All suites will be stocked with additional soap as part of the amenities.
The air conditioning system will be cleaned and disinfected at every departure, to ensure good ventilation at all times.
There will be a medical practitioner on board the Blue Train and an isolation car with two suites made available for quarantine purposes.
Constant cleaning with steaming of all upholstery and surface disinfecting of all furniture, doors, handles, toilets, trash bins and toothbrush beakers will be done. All cleaning detergents will be in line with the World Health Organisation and South African Tourism guidelines.
Rovos Rail
The Rovos Rail has also resumed trips after the lockdown prevented national travel.
The train service said it was offering residents of South Africa and neighbouring countries a special 50% reduced rate on board a two-night Cape Town journey this January.
The trips include:
- Pretoria – Cape Town: 20 January 2021
- Cape Town to Pretoria: 23 January 2021.
The special rates per person sharing is as follows
- Deluxe Suite: R18 250
- Royal Suite: R24 450.
The Rovos Rail was founded in 1986 when Rohan Vos received the first letter of permission to run a train on the national rail network.
In 1987, the first loco 2702 BIANCA was rebuilt along with the first seven carriages that were to depart on the first journey on 29 April 1989.
Rovos Rail follows a similar route to the Blue train, taking a 1 600-km meander through the Highveld, the Great Karoo, through mountain ranges and the winelands of the Cape, ending in the Mother City.
Highlights of the north- and southbound routes once again include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, and another stop in Kimberley. – Source: www.businsstech.co.za |
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| UMHLANGA SHINES AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS |
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| Durban was named the leading city destination and Africa’s leading meetings and conference destination. |
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uMhlanga’s Oyster Box hotel was named South Africa’s leading hotel at this year’s World Travel Awards. The City of Durban also raked in major awards after being announced as Africa’s leading city destination and Africa’s leading meetings and conference destination.
The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, said the awards showed that Durban’s tourism products and services were world standard.
“These awards give credence to our long-held view that indeed Durban is a leading global destination and as we go into the festive season, we are optimistic and confident that this will give the much-needed impetus to our marketing efforts and translate into increased number of visitors,” he said.
Kaunda said this was a result of the working relations that the city had with trade partners.
“If you look into our new and upcoming tourism products closely, you can clearly see that we are on the right track in terms of using tourism to drive economic development and growth. An example, we just welcomed a new Garden Inn resort under the Hilton group in Umhlanga and them winning major awards is an indication that we are doing something right in terms of investment attraction,” he said.
Durban has a number of other major projects in the pipeline, as part of the city’s catalytic projects, said Kaunda.
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. – Source: https://northglennews.co.za |
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| CITY OF CAPE TOWN LAUNCH “POCKET-FRIENDLY” TRAVEL EXPERIENCES |
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| The Pocket-Friendly travel experiences aim to show local and international tourists that Cape Town is affordable for any budget! |
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Cape Town Tourism is proud to announce its latest campaign – The Pocket-Friendly Challenge.
This campaign aims to show locals and travellers alike that Cape Town is a destination for everyone and that, no matter what your budget, you can have a memorable time exploring vibrant, pocket-friendly experiences in the neighbourhoods of the Mother City.
“Everyone has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and people are really battling in the current economy,” says Leigh Dawber, Marketing Executive of Cape Town Tourism (CTT). |
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“Our latest CTT Consumer Impact Report confirms that finances are one of the biggest concerns for travellers. We have also seen that over the past few months there has been a drastic change in the attitude of consumers towards travel, with almost half of our survey indicating that they would strongly consider travelling within their country which is up by 42%. For these reasons, we have chosen to showcase a pocket-friendly Cape Town, highlighting value-for-money experiences that people may not necessarily know about.”
The campaign is part of the city’s overall domestic-driven partnership with TravelStart and will be digitally driven. The Pocket-Friendly Challenge features a series of six two-minute episodes where various travellers explore Cape Town’s neighbourhoods with a set budget of R150 per person. |
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The episodes will be released weekly, with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to get out and about in Cape Town, no matter how much or how little you have to spend.
“There is a little bit for everyone, whether you are a solo traveller, a family, a couple or a group of friends, with experiences ranging across various themes, including food, entertainment, heritage, nature and culture,” explains Dawber.
Viewers will be able to see that Cape Town has so much to offer right across the Peninsula. In Langa, you can learn to drum, shop for local crafts, take in some street art and experience local food. Kalk Bay offers legendary fish and chips, amazing shopping bargains and secret playgrounds. While Blouberg gives you a picture-perfect view of the mountain, beach picnic opportunities and perhaps a surfing lesson if you’re up for it. Head to Athlone where you can sample some of Cape Town’s famous street food and shop for our famous Cape Malay spices. These are just some of the things that each group will experience as they are challenged to have a pocket-friendly adventure for R150 per person in Cape Town.
“We’ve ensured that the groups are diverse and that they represent the culture and fabric of Cape Town and South Africa as a whole,” says Enver Duminy, CEO of CTT. “The idea is to show that Cape Town really is for everyone and with us living in really tough times at the moment, we are desperately needing to restart our tourism engine and keep the wheels moving at a steady pace. There are so many peoples’ lives affected directly and indirectly by tourism, and our main aim is to ensure we recover after the past few months.”
Alderman James Vos, MEC for Economic Opportunities, Asset Management and Tourism at the City of Cape Town, notes that this type of campaign is exceptionally important for tourism and local businesses. – Sources: Cape Town Tourism and www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SONG “JERUSALEMA” GETS MORE THAN 230 MILLION VIEWS, BECOMES THE GLOBAL LOCKDOWN HIT |
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| The South African song called “Jerusalema” has created the right kind of waves. So much so, that it has now clocked over 230 million views on YouTube and is being considered as the global lockdown hit. |
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Written with Zulu lyrics, Jerusalema is a gospel-influenced song. It was released when the entire world was under lockdown to curb the rampant spread of novel Coronavirus. Its popularity was due to the fact that it brought people together from each and every corner of the world.
The lyrics say, "Jerusalem is my home, guard me, walk with me, do not leave me here – Jerusalem is my home, my place is not here, my kingdom is not here”.
It is sung by South African musician Kgaogelo Moagi, who is popularly known as Master KG. He co-wrote and performed the song with Nocembo Zicode.
Not only that, the dance in the song was an instant hit as well. People mimicked the dance steps and posted it online that went viral in a matter of minutes. The Jerusalema dance challenge took place on the Internet where netizens shared videos of them grooving to the song. – Source: www.timesnownews.com |
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| BRAD BINDER CROWNED MOTOGP’S 2020 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR |
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Brad Binder – South Africa’s MotoGP star – has been named Rookie of the Year in MotoGP for 2020. |
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South Africa’s MotoGP star – Brad Binder – sealed the Rookie of the Year Award at the Portuguese Grand Prix despite crashing out of the race.
An unprecedented year, that at times nobody thought would take place, delivered one of the most memorable MotoGP years in history … and Brad Binder has been holding South Africa’s flag high with pride.
And now the South African has been named Rookie of the Year in MotoGP for 2020.
He beat Spaniard Alex Marquez to that title, despite crashing out of the final race of the season in Portugal. The Red Bull KTM Factory rider won his first race this season, at the Brno in the Czech Republic, and ended 11th in the standings. He says the rookie title was one of his aims at the start of the season, and he’s looking forward to improving next year.
Binder, the 25-year-old from just outside of Johannesburg, burst onto the MotoGP scene in 2020, claiming a historic victory in the third round of the season in Brno, Czech Republic.
At the time, little was known beyond racing circles about the young outsider shaking up the grid in a sport usually dominated by Europeans. Now the story of Binder’s rise to the very top is being revealed in a new feature-length documentary.
Brad Binder said: “My first season in MotoGP has been full of ups and downs but I’ve really enjoyed it, and to top it off with this documentary coming out is super cool.
“When I was younger I was always searching online for documentaries about riders and other sportspeople, so it’s insane to think that I have my own. It’s been nearly 10 years of filming with Red Bull, from the Red Bull Rookies Cup all the way through to this season – I’m sure there will be things in there that even I’ve forgotten, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it!”
Starting out his racing career in karts, Binder was a national champion aged just eight, before moving to two wheels and being accepted into the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2009 at 14.
But with early success came sacrifice for the Binder family, as mother Sharon moved to Europe to support Brad’s dreams while father Trevor stayed with younger brother and fellow two-wheel racer Darryn.
By 2012, Brad had reached Moto3 but wasn’t considered a podium contender until an incredible charge from last to first saw him claim his debut Moto3 win at the Grand Prix of Spain in 2016, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Under the guidance of Red Bull KTM’s Aki Ajo, Binder became Moto3 World Champion, graduated to Moto2 and took five wins in the 2019 season to claim his place at the summit of MotoGP, taking on a new race number of 33 to echo his initials. – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SA’S BAUM ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF WORLD SAILING |
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| South African and African sailors have hailed the appointment of Philip Baum as one of the vice presidents of World Sailing. |
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A former president of SA Sailing, Baum was chosen for the position at the recent elections in which China’s Quanhai Li was elected as the new World Sailing president.
The newly appointed board of directors will serve a four-year term up until the 2024 General Assembly.
Speaking about his election, Baum said: “It is a great honour to have been elected a member of the World Sailing board. This is the first time that an African has sat on the board. I am well aware of the enormous responsibility that goes with the position. It is a special opportunity not just for Africa but for smaller countries globally. The membership of World Sailing recognises the importance of growing the sport around the world and the significance of representation from all corners of the globe.”
Baum himself competed internationally in sailing – both at youth and senior level – and is passionate about growing the sport on the continent. – Source: www.Supersport.com |
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| LUNGI NGIDI BECOMES FIRST CRICKETER TO JOIN JAY-Z’S ROC NATION SPORTS |
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| Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has joined a prestigious list of athletes from around the world who are part of Roc Nation Sports, an agency owned by Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z. |
The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising talents in South African cricket, having broken records during his short time as an international player.
He becomes the first cricketer signed to the agency, joining countrymen Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe, who both joined after their Rugby World Cup triumph in Japan.
Roc Nation Sports made the big announcement in a short video which features the three South African sports stars. Lungi Ngidi joins countrymen Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe at RocNation Sports, with the likes of Marcus Rashford also part of the agency.
Roc Nation Sports was founded in 2013 and is now home to over 100 athletes from all over the world. – Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| QUINTON RUTHERFORD EARNS A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST OCEAN PADDLE |
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| Quinton Rutherford has earned an official Guinness World Record for the longest ocean paddle; paddling 227 kilometres in 24 hours. |
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South Africa’s Quinton Rutherford just broke New-Zealander Tim Taylor’s 2015 Guinness World Record for the longest ocean paddle in 24 hours. Quinton didn’t take on the challenge to beat New-Zealand (although that is always a bonus); he took on the challenge to honour the life of a friend and fellow ocean lover.
The record held by Tim was for a 214-km ocean paddle in 24 hours; the new record held by Quinton saw him paddling 227km in 24 hours. He broke the record in the presence of Guinness World Record officials in November, which means his name will be printed in the 2021 copy of the official record book.
Quinton started his paddle at Cape Vidal near St Lucia on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast at 4.30 am and ended it at Thompson’s Bay in Ballito at around 10 pm the very same evening.
Quinton honoured the memory of his friend Mark Perrow who was a fellow surf-skier. Sadly, Mark passed away in a light aircraft accident in March 2020. He completed the record on Mark’s birthday and ended his paddle in the bay overlooked by Mark’s home. – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| A3 + 1 JOINT STATEMENT DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF SOUTH AFRICA, TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA, 23 NOVEMBER 2020 |
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“Madame President,
“I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on the situation in Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Niger, South Africa, Tunisia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (the A3+1).
“At the outset, this briefing takes place against the backdrop of Somalia embarking on a political milestone of holding the 2020/21 elections and having witnessed significant progress made by all Somali parties and leaders, especially with regard to the electoral model, electoral timetable and the procedures that will guide the implementation thereof.
“The A3+1 would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Somalia. We also would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mr James Swan, and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Mr Francisco Madeira, for their briefings.
“We commend everyone for their abiding commitment and efforts to support the stabilisation and continued state-building processes in Somalia.”
Read more : http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/matj1123.htm |
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| STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON THE POLITICAL AND HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN SYRIA, 25 NOVEMBER 2020 |
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“Thank you, Madame President,
“I thank Ms Khawla Matar (Deputy Special Envoy); and Mr Ramesh Rajasingham (Acting Under-Secretary-General; and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator) for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria.
“South Africa would also like to welcome our colleagues, the Permanent Representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey to today’s meeting.
“Madame President,
“I will be addressing three elements in my statement today namely, the political, security and humanitarian situations in Syria.
“Firstly on the political situation Madame President, South Africa welcomes the recent package of agreements agreed to by the co-chairs of the Constitutional Committee on the agenda and dates for upcoming meetings.”
Read more: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/matj1125.htm |
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| STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR XOLISA MABHONGO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON IRAQ, 24 NOVEMBER 2020 |
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“Madame President,
“We thank the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in the efforts of the Special Representative.
“Madame President,
“South Africa supports the mandate of UNAMI in promoting the strengthening of the Government of Iraq and its electoral processes. We look forward to the adoption of the election law by the House of Representatives ahead of the much-anticipated elections on 6 June 2021.
“We support the drive for an inclusive government which will bring together all diverse aspects of Iraqi society into the governance structures. National reconciliation and unity remain vital in avoiding future challenges stemming from shifting government policies and actions. Domestic unity, cohesion and determination are urgently needed to build resilience against narrow partisan interest, foreign interference, and criminal elements which actively seek to impede Iraq’s stability.
“South Africa is pleased to witness a significant breakthrough following the formation of the new Government headed by His Excellency Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, which pays special attention on improving public services and meeting the promises made to the people of Iraq.”
Read more: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/mabh1124.htm |
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