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26 June 2025 Issue 337 - Beyond Posturing
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| Awakening the Spirit: Yoga and the Dialogue of Civilisations in the Age of Overload |
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Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar and the High Commission staff in the front row at the Yoga session in Pretoria (photo: Indian High Commission in SA) |
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On the sprawling lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, under the clear winter skies of the Highveld, the annual International Day of Yoga unfolded with grace and symbolism. Hosted by the High Commission of India, this year’s celebration echoed beyond the postures and breathing exercises, it resonated with a deeper message of balance, unity, and reconnection in a world increasingly pulled apart by digital dissonance.
International Yoga Day, marked every year on June 21st, synchronises with the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, and a celestial moment revered in many ancient cultures for its spiritual potency. Its relevance to the inaugural United Nations International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations, on June 10th reinforces the idea that understanding, peace, and introspection are more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, divided world.
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| Philippines Showcases Culture and Diplomacy in South Africa |
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Riveting performances by Musiko Filipino Rondalla with the Mamelodi Music Conservatoire |
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IThe vibrant diversity of Filipino culture, heritage, and international friendship was on full display at the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration, hosted on 15 June 2025 at the Musaion Hall, University of Pretoria. The event, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in South Africa, marked the proclamation of the first democratic republic in Asia, honouring the sacrifices of Filipino heroes who secured independence on June 12, 1898. But beyond remembrance, it also reinforced the future, one grounded in stronger partnerships with Africa, economic diplomacy, the arts and cultural industries and shared progress.
Delivering her remarks, Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja reminded the audience that Independence Day is not just a historical milestone but also a moment for reflection on the Philippines' enduring commitment to democracy, multilateralism, and global cooperation. “As we look to the future, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to be a responsible member of the international community, advancing a multilateral order built on justice, equality, and the rule of law,” said Ambassador Baja.. |
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| Expanding Water Cooperation between Tunisia and South Africa |
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Group photo of the Tunisian - South African Seminar on Water Management (photo supplied)
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In collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the South African Academy of Sciences and the Capital of Science Diplomacy for Africa, the Embassy of the Tunisia in Pretoria, organized a Seminar about Water Management in Tunisia and South Africa, titled "The Role of Science Diplomacy on Knowledge and Expertise Sharing, Tunisia-South Africa Experience on Water Management as a Model", on June 19, 2025, at Pretoria International Convention Centre.
The event was attended by more than 140 people, including Representatives from the South African Departments of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Health, Representatives from the African Development Bank for Southern Africa, Mr. Mohamed Fethi Ben Hammouda, a Professor and Head of the Department at the Tunisian National Institute of Agronomy and Coordinator of theTunisian-South African Cooperation project "MAISGM," Mr. Essam Nouiri, a Professor at the mentioned Institute, as well as Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Diplomats, Delegates from South African Research Centres, Private Sector’ actors and media representatives, along with members of the Tunisian community.
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| Commemorating the Spirit of 1976, Youth in Dialogue, Discovery, and Diplomacy |
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Wu Peng, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China addressing guests (photo: TDS) |
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The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa paid tribute to the fearless youth of June 16 1976 with a vibrant cultural and diplomatic event titled “China–South Africa Youth Exchange Night.” Hosted in partnership with the National Press Club, the event served not only to honour a defining moment in South Africa’s liberation struggle, but also to inspire a new generation to rise to today’s global challenges through unity, creativity, and cooperation.
June 16, 1976 marked a seismic moment in South Africa’s history. Young students, defying brutal oppression, took to the streets to demand a voice in shaping their own future. Their courage sparked a movement that ultimately contributed to the dismantling of apartheid. |
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| A Call for Unity, Dialogue, and National Dignity in Honour of Our Late President, His Excellence Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu |
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By Willah Joseph Mudolo
As Zambia navigates one of the most delicate and painful chapters in its modern history, I am compelled to speak not merely as a citizen, but as a patriot who loves this land and who believes deeply in the moral and spiritual fibre that binds us together. The passing of our former Head of State, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has struck the heart of our nation. It has forced us to confront not only our grief, but also our values, our governance, and our collective identity as Zambians.
The initial handling of this tragedy by government authorities, ranging from the restrictions placed on the former president’s travel to South Africa for urgent medical review, to the disorganised response that followed his death, has rightly drawn criticism. These were not small administrative oversights; they were significant failures in responsibility and protocol. Yet, even as we acknowledge those failures, we must not allow them to lead us down a path of disunity, vengeance, and disrespect. |
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| Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential through Streamlined Bureaucracy and Deeper Integration with China |
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By Kirtan Bhana – TDS
The Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held in Changsha in June 2025, alongside the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting, marks a pivotal moment in China-Africa relations. The unveiling of a zero-tariff trade framework between China and all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties underscores Beijing’s enduring commitment to building a high-quality, equitable partnership with the continent.
This initiative, rooted in the vision of a shared future and guided by the principles of Agenda 2063, offers Africa a timely opportunity to fast-track economic integration and recalibrate its development trajectory. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now steadily progressing in implementation, is Africa’s flagship platform for achieving continental integration. However, the success of AfCFTA—and of partnerships like FOCAC—will largely depend on Africa’s ability to streamline its bureaucracies, simplify border procedures, and unify fragmented regulatory systems across its 53 states. The excessive duplication of protocols, cumbersome customs regimes, and disjointed policy environments remain major impediments to intra-African trade and external partnerships. |
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