Media Advisory
08 November 2016
DIRCO to launch the 2017 Annual Ubuntu Awards
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will launch the 2017 annual Ubuntu Awards on Wednesday, 09 November 2016 in Pretoria where media will be briefed on this prestigious annual event and the procedures for nominations in the Awards’ eight categories namely:
1. Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Africa)
2. Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Global)
3. Ubuntu Social Responsibility Award
4. Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Veteran) - Public Vote
5. Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Diplomacy Award (Youth) - Public Vote
6. Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award
7. O. R. Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in Diplomacy Award
8. O. R. Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award
A media pack will be provided at the launch which contains information on:
- Each award
- Eligibility
- The nomination and judging process
In 2015, the annual Ubuntu Awards were launched to celebrate South African citizens who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally. Through excellence in their chosen fields, these proud South Africans serve as global ambassadors of our nation.
Next year’s Ubuntu Awards will be hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and is expected to take place in February 2017 in Cape Town. The event will take place after the opening of Parliament and will bring together captains of industry, leaders from civil society, members of Cabinet and eminent persons in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
The awards are aimed at recognizing and honouring South African industry leaders, organizations and extraordinary citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values throughout the world. Each award will be given to an organization and/ or an individual, who through excellence, innovation, creativity, social responsibility and patriotism, distinguished themselves as exceptional ambassadors of South Africa.
The year 2017 marks the centenary of Oliver Tambo’s life. Therefore, the theme of the Ubuntu Awards will be: “In his footsteps.” The Ubuntu Awards thus recognise South African citizens who embody the principles of OR Tambo, namely: Integrity, Passion, Patriotism and Humility.
Previous award winners include South African companies MTN and Nandos, top Olympic athletes Wayde van Niekerk and Chad le Clos (Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award), DJ Black Coffee and Hugh Masekela (Ubuntu Cultural Diplomacy Award), the former South African Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Billy Modise and the late South African liberation struggle stalwart and diplomat, Mme Ruth Mompati (OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award) to mention but a few.
Media are invited as follows:
Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, 09 November 2016
Time: 11h00
Venue: Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Diplomatic Guesthouse, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084
RSVP: Laoura Lazouras, lazourasl@dirco.gov.za / 083 564 2024
Enquiries: Ms Salome Baloi, 083 778 7182
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
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