Media Statement
29 February 2024
Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini thanks embassies for their generous donations to the Eastern Cape
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, has thanked the foreign diplomatic missions that participated in the public participation programme held in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on 28-29 February 2024.
The event was organised in partnership with the OR Tambo District Municipality based in Mthatha. The provincial government of the Eastern Cape also took part in the events.
Several foreign diplomatic missions were represented by their Ambassadors, High Commissioners and senior officials. These included the missions of the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Burundi and Zambia.
At a dinner hosted in honour of the visiting diplomats on 28 February 2023, the various local municipalities under OR Tambo District made presentations showcasing the investment potential in their respective localities.
On 29 February, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini and the foreign diplomats visited Nqwathi Village, where they interacted with the principal and staff as well as representatives of the School Governing Body at the Cibini Junior Secondary School.
The foreign diplomats donated an assortment of goods to the school, including computer tablets, stationery, sports equipment and water bottles. The People’s Republic of China pledged an amount of R100 000 towards the building of the school kitchen.
Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini thanked the foreign diplomats for their generous donations to the school. “The Ambassadors and High Commissioners as well as senior diplomats present with us in Mthatha have demonstrated that they are good friends of South Africa and that they align themselves to our focus on the value of education, especially in rural schools. And we cannot thank them enough for their kindness and friendship”.
The visit to Mthatha formed part of a series of public participation events conducted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation across the country, pursuant to government’s commitment to working directly with communities in addressing some of the country’s challenges.
Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini used the occasion to outline South Africa’s foreign policy priorities and decisions and how these impact the daily lives of South Africans. In particular, the Deputy Minister spoke about the historic ties that South Africa enjoyed with the countries that took part in the event and how South Africa maintains positive political, trade and economic relations with these countries.
Enquiries: Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084