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CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF FREEDOM |
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President Jacob Zuma to bestow National Orders on outstanding South African citizens and foreign nationals at the Sefako Mapogo Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria in celebration of
Freedom Day. |
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The Chancellor of the National Orders, Dr Cassius Lubisi, announcing the names of those South African nationals and foreign nationals who will be awarded National Orders at an investiture ceremony to be held on Freedom Day, Saturday 27 April 2013. |
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As part of the Freedom Month celebrations under the theme “Mobilising Society towards Consolidating our Democracy and Freedom,” President Jacob Zuma will lead the Freedom Day celebrations at Freedom Park and the Union Buildings on 27 April 2013.
As per the tradition, the President will also bestow South Africa’s highest awards – the National Orders – which are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
President Zuma will bestow on deserving recipients the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. To view all the recipients of the National Orders, go to: www.presidency.gov.za. |
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MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE HOSTS LESOTHO COUNTERPART |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, invited her counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa, to attend the renewed Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) between the two countries in Pretoria from 17 to 18 April 2013.
The ministers reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. On the issue of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the ministers underscored the need to expedite implementation of the project. With regard to immigration issues the two countries agreed to work towards full implementation of the Agreement on Free Movement of People, Goods and Services between the common borders. South Africa reconfirmed her pledge to assist Lesotho on immigration issues, in particular, to develop the essential population register. |
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SA’S REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS A PEACEFUL AND
STABLE CONTINENT |
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South Africa participated in a United Nations thematic debate to examine tools of peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa on 25 April 2013. |
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Cabinet has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment towards a peaceful, prosperous and stable Africa through various interventions and programmes, including peacekeeping missions.
“The peaceful resolution of Africa’s conflicts is one of the cornerstones of South Africa’s foreign policy. It is intended to create a better South Africa, Africa and world,” it said in a statement.
Cabinet also extended its sympathy to the families of the 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives in the Central African Republic, and sent well wishes for a speedy recovery to the soldiers who were wounded.
“All of these sacrifices were in pursuit of peace and stability on the continent.”
Cabinet also expresses its condolences to the families of the five SANDF soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Kruger National Park. |
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SOUTH AFRICA AND GERMANY LOOK TO MORE ADVANCED PARTNERSHIPS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
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The science and technology cooperation agreement between South Africa and Germany was signed in 1996, with a joint research fund established to support research and development in agriculture, life, earth, mathematical, engineering, and physical and health sciences. |
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| Prof. Dr Annette Schavan, the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, and Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of Science and Technology, opened the German-South African Science Year 2012/13 in Cape Town on 16 April 2012. |
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South Africa and Germany have further intensified their cooperation in science and technology, providing opportunities for more sustainable and strengthened relations. This came as the two countries' collaboration culminated in the celebration of the year-long German-South African Year of Science 2012/13 in Berlin, themed: “Enhancing Science Partnerships for Innovation and Sustainable Development”.
A joint initiative between the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology, the Year of Science celebrated the two countries’ intense relations in science and research, and sought more innovative ways to strengthen the relations further. |
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DEPUTY MINISTER THABETHE LEADS SA COMPANIES TO ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR |
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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe, is leading a group of 47 South African companies to the 54th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), taking place in Bulawayo from 23 to 27 April 2013.
The companies that exhibit at the fair were assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. |
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FIGHTING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION |
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Eliminating all forms of racial discrimination remains high on the agenda of the South African Government. |
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Cabinet has approved that South Africa’s Periodic Report on the United Nations (UN) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination for the period 2002 to 2011 be submitted to the UN.
The report outlines achievements and challenges in eliminating all forms of racial discrimination. After presentation to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the report will be published and made public. |
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