Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela 

Bern, Switzerland – In a deeply symbolic gesture of cultural respect and friendship, Switzerland has voluntarily returned three sacred cultural artefacts belonging to South Africa’s Nkuna royal family. 

The handover, conducted during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Switzerland, marks a significant moment in the ongoing effort to restore African heritage to its rightful custodians.

The cultural goods – a carved wooden stick, a divination basket, and a bovine astragalus amulet – were originally owned by the Nkuna royal family of Limpopo and used in ritual and spiritual ceremonies dating back to the 19th century.

The items were part of the collection of the Ethnographic Museum of Neuchâtel (MEN) and were returned to South Africa voluntarily by the City of Neuchâtel following years of dialogue and cooperation between the museum, the Nkuna family and cultural authorities.

“Yesterday, in Neuchatel, sacred artefacts of the Nkuna royal family began their journey home after more than a century. More than pieces in a museum, these objects carry the memory of generations and the identity of a people.

“This act of repatriation speaks to who we are – both Switzerland and South Africa. It speaks to our shared belief that dialogue can heal what conflict has broken, and that the dignity of every human being transcends borders and time,” President Ramaphosa said during his address earlier on Wednesday. 

The Nkuna family, represented by Petronella Nobantu Mokoena, Abel Mxolisi Shilubane, Sipho Thammy Shiluvana, and Slate Shiluvane, joined President Ramaphosa, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, and Aurélie Carré, Director of the Ethnographic Museum of Neuchâtel, for the formal presentation. 

The three artefacts hold deep symbolic and spiritual significance. A carved wooden stick, believed to have belonged to Regent Nkuna Mankhélou around 1850, represents pre-European indigenous art and leadership.

A divination basket containing bones and shells known as “Boula” or “Nhlolo” was used by healers in traditional medicine and fortune-telling rituals.

A bovine astragalus amulet, once part of a sacred altar, symbolises protection and ancestral power; it was among four cattle sacrificed following a historic battle and later preserved by Prince Mankhélou Shilubane.

The items were originally collected in South Africa by Protestant missionary Henri-Alexandre Junod (1863–1934) from Neuchâtel, who lived and worked in the region from 1889 to 1921. 

Historical records show that Junod purchased the items directly from the royal family and expressed great admiration for their culture and traditions. 

In 2016, descendants of the Nkuna family initiated contact with the museum to request the return of the artefacts, describing them as essential parts of their spiritual heritage. The museum responded positively seeing it as an opportunity not just for restitution, but also for a broader collaboration in cultural research and knowledge exchange.

The Federal Office of Culture (FOC) supported the process, emphasising its importance as a gesture of mutual respect and cultural diplomacy. The return of the artefacts is viewed as the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the museum, South African cultural institutions, and the Nkuna community.

According to the Swiss authorities, the voluntary return highlights Switzerland’s growing commitment to ethical cultural cooperation and the recognition of Africa’s rich heritage.

As part of the State Visit, President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter viewed the artefacts alongside members of the Nkuna family, symbolising a bridge between past and present and between two nations united by a shared commitment to respect, reconciliation, and cultural renewal. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela 

Bern, Switzerland – South Africa and Switzerland on Wednesday signed five cooperation agreements aimed at deepening bilateral relations across key sectors including trade, education, culture, sustainable development, and peace mediation.

This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a two-day State Visit at the invitation of President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The signing ceremony followed official talks between President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter at the Bernerhof in Bern, where the two leaders and their delegations discussed ways to advance collaboration at both bilateral and international levels.

Before the talks, the Presidents walked together from the Swiss House of Parliament to Bernerhof, accompanied by ministers and senior officials from both countries. 

The discussions were attended by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande, Minister Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi, senior advisors, ambassadors, and officials.

Opening the meeting, President Keller-Sutter welcomed President Ramaphosa and his delegation. In his response, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s hospitality and the strong foundations of cooperation built between the two countries throughout the year.

“Let me thank you very much for the incredibly warm welcome that you have shown us. We are truly honoured and well welcomed, the hospitality that you have shown to us as South Africa is something that we really appreciate.

“Our get together at four occasions just this year have laid a very good foundation for a very strong and enduring relationship between our two countries… This in many ways is quite historic,” President Ramaphosa said.

Following their discussions, five key cooperation documents were signed by members of the Swiss Federal Council and South African Cabinet Ministers. 

The first agreement, a Letter of Intent between the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland and the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, focuses on cooperation in international peace mediation and strengthening democratic resilience. It was signed by Minister Lamola and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

The second agreement, a Joint Declaration of Cooperation between the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland and the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, establishes collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It was signed by Minister Manamela and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.

The third agreement, a Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation, reaffirms the two countries’ intention to resume and advance negotiations on modernising the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). It was signed by Deputy Minister Godlimpi and Federal Councillor Parmelin.

The fourth agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in urban sustainable development in South Africa, provides for a Swiss contribution to a South African urban development programme aimed at boosting the economy. It was signed by Minister Lamola and Federal Councillor Parmelin.

The fifth agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of arts, culture and heritage, seeks to intensify cooperation in cultural exchange and heritage preservation. It was signed by Minister Manamela and Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.

According to the Swiss Federal Council, the State Visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa serves as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations.

“On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African President was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level,” the Swiss government said. 

Both countries commended the breadth and intended strengthening of relations, with the Swiss delegation emphasising South Africa’s important role in international forums such as the United Nations and the Group of Twenty (G20).

Discussions also covered trade and business relations, economic development cooperation, science and research partnerships, as well as cooperation in mediation, democratic resilience and cultural exchange.

The two governments hailed the visit as the beginning of a new chapter in South Africa–Switzerland relations, one that deepens collaboration, drives innovation, and promotes shared prosperity through sustainable development and inclusive growth. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela 

Bern, Switzerland – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Switzerland has been described as a historic moment reaffirming the enduring partnership and shared values between the two nations.

Speaking during an official ceremony at the Swiss House of Parliament in Bern, President Karin Keller-Sutter said it was an honour to host a South African President for the first time on a State Visit, marking a new chapter in Swiss–South African relations.

“While Nelson Mandela officially visited Switzerland in 1997, today is the first time that Switzerland is hosting a South African President for a State Visit. And this State Visit is particularly important. It symbolises the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and South Africa, matured through decades of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” President Keller-Sutter said.

She said that history appeared to repeat itself as President Ramaphosa strengthened relations through frequent engagements this year.

“More than 8000 kilometres lie between Bern and Pretoria. And yet, from the alpine peaks to the plateau of the highveld, the distance between Switzerland and South Africa is relative, thanks to the similarities and close relationship between our two countries. 

“And it’s therefore no coincidence that we’re seeing each other for the fourth time already this year. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting you in January in Davos, in February in your country, in September in New York and now, as I welcome you to Switzerland for the second time,” she said. 

President Keller-Sutter said Switzerland’s relationship with South Africa was built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and sustainable development. 

She acknowledged that, like all longstanding partnerships, the relationship had endured difficult periods in history but had since evolved into one of constructive cooperation and respect.

“I am therefore very pleased that today our relationship reflects the spirit of two countries which, though located on different continents, share varied and vibrant bilateral relations,” she said.

The Swiss President highlighted the depth of collaboration between the two nations, pointing to strong economic, scientific, and cultural ties.

“In trade, South Africa is a prime trading partner on the African continent. Our countries exchange more than US$4 billion worth of goods. More than 100 Swiss companies are active in South Africa, creating more than 50 000 jobs. South Africa is the first destination for Swiss foreign direct investment in Africa,” she said.

Switzerland views South Africa as a strategic partner in trade and economic cooperation, she said, noting that discussions were underway to modernise the free-trade agreement between the two countries.

“Our countries can count on a broad set of agreements to facilitate trade and investment. And in view of current global developments, it is worth noting that already in 1997, Switzerland exempted most South African industrial goods and certain agricultural products from import duties. 

“I am confident that this State Visit will also help jump-start the ongoing discussions to modernise our free trade agreement,” the President said.

President Keller-Sutter expressed satisfaction that ministers from both sides would sign five new agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, vocational training, and culture.

“Our relationship does not limit itself to trade. Our ministries of foreign affairs work together closely on a number of projects and activities, bilaterally as well as in international fora,” she said.

She praised South Africa’s role in peacebuilding and mediation, noting that its experience in overcoming apartheid made it uniquely positioned to contribute to global conflict resolution.

“In the current geopolitical context – marked by a rising tendency to resort to political hatred, polarisation, and even armed violence and war to deal with differences – it is all the more important to promote and defend mediation and democracy to help prevent and resolve conflicts. 

“South Africa, with its history and experience of overcoming apartheid, is best placed to understand the importance of mediation and to support other countries in their search for peaceful conflict resolution.”

She was therefore pleased a declaration of intent would be signed to strengthen cooperation in mediation and promoting democracy. 

“Our countries have the background, the experience and now the institutional framework to work together internationally to jointly promote peacebuilding efforts,” she said. 

She further noted that collaboration in science and culture was flourishing, pointing to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) as a prime example of international cooperation advancing human knowledge.

“Since 2022, our countries have worked together on the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, a globally significant project aiming to build the largest radio telescope ever constructed. This project illustrates what is possible through knowledge and scientific cooperation: bringing nations and people together and opening perspectives for the future.”

President Keller-Sutter concluded her remarks by reaffirming Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and commending President Ramaphosa’s visit as a significant and long-awaited milestone.

“It is an important symbolic step in our bilateral relations. Additionally, the five agreements being signed today – in trade, vocational training, diplomacy and culture – testify to our clear willingness to intensify our bilateral cooperation. Thank you, Mr President, for your presence here today,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Switzerland for its enduring friendship with South Africa and its steadfast commitment to peace, democracy and prosperity, saying the two nations share a deep belief in dialogue, justice and global cooperation.

“Yours is a country that is admired around the world for its democracy, prosperity and commitment to peace. On behalf of the people and Government of South Africa, I convey my deep appreciation for the kind invitation, the warm welcome and the enduring friendship between our two nations,” President Ramaphosa said.

Addressing the Swiss Parliament in Bern on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa reflected on the historic repatriation of sacred artefacts of the Nkuna royal family from Switzerland to South Africa.

He described the gesture as a powerful act of healing and respect for human dignity.

“More than pieces in a museum, these objects carry the memory of generations and the identity of a people. This act of repatriation speaks to who we are – both Switzerland and South Africa. It speaks to our shared belief that dialogue can heal what conflict has broken, and that the dignity of every human being transcends borders and time,” he said.

The President paid tribute to the Swiss citizens and organisations that stood in solidarity with South Africans during the struggle against apartheid, saying this shared history had “planted the seeds of friendship and cooperation”.

He commended Switzerland’s global role in mediation, diplomacy and humanitarian relief. 

South Africa and Switzerland, he said, both believe that peace “is not merely the silence after the guns have stopped, but the presence of justice and development”.

“Peace is about justice and development. It is about communities flourishing and economies growing. South Africa supports Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace through mediation and diplomacy. We welcome your active role in conflict prevention and humanitarian relief around the world,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President noted that both countries’ commitment to infrastructure, industrialisation and digital innovation opens vast horizons for partnership.

“Our vision embraces women taking their rightful place in the economy, young people igniting innovation and small enterprises growing into mighty engines of prosperity. Together, we can prove that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not adversaries but allies,” he said.

Earlier in the day, President Ramaphosa was received by Swiss President Keller-Sutter during a ceremonial welcome at the Federal Square in Bern.

The official proceedings began with a photo opportunity, followed by the introduction of the two delegations. The Swiss Army Military Band played the national anthems of countries before President Ramaphosa inspected the Guard of Honour. 

The two Heads of State then greeted members of the public during a walk to the Swiss House of Parliament’s Wandelhalle.

The day’s engagements form part of a State Visit aimed at strengthening political, economic and scientific ties between South Africa and Switzerland.

A key focus of the visit is the advancement of a youth cooperation framework, which seeks to promote training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy.

South Africa is Switzerland’s key partner in science, research and technology on the African continent. Switzerland’s 2022 accession to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) deepened collaboration in space and radio astronomy, underscoring a shared commitment to global scientific advancement.

The relationship between the two countries remains long-standing and robust, built on constructive political dialogue, strong economic ties and collaboration in multilateral forums.

The visit marks what President Ramaphosa described as “the beginning of the next chapter” in South Africa–Switzerland relations, one defined by transformation, innovation and shared prosperity.

“This will be a chapter defined by lives transformed, thriving partnerships and a world that is more just, more peaceful and more sustainable,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025