Category: MIL-OSI

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Committee Tells School Leadership to Eliminate Culture of Bullying at Milnerton High

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has told the principal of Milnerton High School, along with members of the school governing body (SGB) and management team to ensure that the school has an effective anti-bullying policy in place as a matter of urgency.

The committee also, in the presence of senior officials of the Western Cape Department of Education, parents of the bullied learners and representatives of the Western Cape provincial office of the Human Rights Commission, called on the school leadership to ensure that there is a concrete turnaround strategy in place to eliminate, among other things, the deeply entrenched culture of intolerance among the school’s learners.

The committee visited the school yesterday in the wake of the horrific assault on a 16-year old learner by several other boys, who used various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt to beat the boy. Before the committee reached the school, it visited the home of the victim at Parklands as a gesture of support to the traumatised family.

The parents told the committee that their trauma has been deepened by the death threats their son has received for telling his parents about the assault.

In the committee’s engagement with the school’s leadership team and SGB, the principal noted that there is anti-bullying policy in place, but when he was asked to show it to the committee, he was unable to do so, leading the committee to conclude that it does not exist. The school’s code of conduct, which was provided by the principal, mentioned anti-bullying in a paragraph but with no tangible plan to address the problem.

When she explained the purpose of the meeting, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Joy Maimela, said after the committee was aware of this horrendous act from social media, it had asked the office of the provincial Department of Education for a preliminary report on the matter, but it never received it.

The committee welcomed the update that there will be a disciplinary hearing on Saturday, 25 October. It urged the principal to share the outcomes of the disciplinary hearings with the committee the following day. The Human Rights Commission representatives told the committee that their office will also conduct investigations on the matter and share the report of their findings with the committee.

Ms Maimela, said a second session will be convened on the matter, away from the school grounds. She linked the culture of bullying to rugby first team and urged the school to investigate that possibility and uproot it if it exists. Ms Maimela also called on the school to develop an anti-bullying policy with speed, expedite the disciplinary hearing process, and ensure that there is transformation that uproots all the tendencies that stifle change in the school.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Journée des Nations Unies : à Beni et Bunia, les autorités saluent l’impact du travail de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Partout dans le monde, la communauté internationale célèbre la Journée des Nations Unies, symbole de solidarité et de coopération entre les peuples. En République démocratique du Congo, des cérémonies ont été organisées en Ituri et au Nord-Kivu pour marquer l’édition de cette année, célébrée le 24 octobre. Les autorités ont salué l’engagement des Nations Unies aux côtés des populations congolaises, quatre-vingts ans après l’entrée en vigueur de la Charte de l’ONU.

À Beni, chef-lieu provisoire du Nord-Kivu depuis l’occupation de Goma par les rebelles du M23, elles ont mis en lumière les efforts conjoints menés avec les Nations Unies dans les domaines de la sécurité, de l’assistance humanitaire, de la santé, de l’éducation et du développement local. Dans la province voisine de l’Ituri, le gouverneur a, lui aussi, souligné l’impact de la MONUSCO dans la stabilisation d’un territoire longtemps affecté par l’activisme de groupes armés.

Lors de la cérémonie organisée à la base de la MONUSCO de Mavivi, le vice-gouverneur du Nord-Kivu, le commissaire divisionnaire Louis Segond Karawa, a rendu hommage au travail accompli par les Nations Unies aux côtés des populations congolaises. « Je rends hommage à tous les Casques bleus, hommes et femmes, qui servent ici au péril de leur vie. Leur présence est un symbole fort de solidarité envers notre population », a-t-il déclaré.

Une vitrine des actions de l’ONU dans la région

Ali Garba, chef intérimaire du sous-bureau de la MONUSCO à Beni, a lancé un appel à l’engagement collectif pour la paix : « Nous devons dire non à la guerre, mais aussi participer activement à la paix. Le thème de cette année, “Construisons l’avenir ensemble”, ne peut se concrétiser sans la paix », a-t-il souligné. Après la cérémonie officielle, une exposition a permis aux visiteurs de découvrir les nombreuses interventions de la MONUSCO et des agences des Nations Unies dans les territoires de Beni, Butembo et Lubero.

Des efforts et des résultats visibles

À Bunia, le gouverneur de province, le général Johnny Luboya Nkashama, a mis en avant les interventions des Casques bleus et des agences onusiennes, qui ont permis à des milliers de personnes déplacées de regagner leurs villages d’origine dans les territoires de Djugu et Mahagi, qu’elles avaient quittés à cause de l’insécurité.

Pendant plusieurs années, l’activisme des groupes armés avait contraint des populations entières à fuir leurs localités. Aujourd’hui, la stabilité retrouvée dans certaines zones favorise le retour des déplacés et la reprise des activités agricoles et économiques.

La localité d’Amee, dans le territoire de Mahagi, illustre cette dynamique. Plus de 20 000 personnes y ont regagné leurs villages au cours des trois dernières années.

« La MONUSCO a beaucoup fait dans notre entité, d’abord pour la sécurité de la population et de ses biens, ensuite pour le développement, en construisant au moins cinq ponts, en réhabilitant des routes et en installant l’éclairage public au centre d’Amee. Tout cela permet de relier notre entité à trois groupements (Mbr’bu, Nioka et Ugwero) dont nous étions coupés à cause du délabrement des infrastructures », témoigne le chef de groupement.

Relance des activités agricoles

Dans le groupement de Mbr’bu, toujours en Ituri, la relance agricole est tangible. La production annuelle dépasse désormais dix tonnes de maïs, de haricot et de café. Le président de la fédération locale des commerçants exprime sa satisfaction : « Depuis l’installation de la MONUSCO chez nous, l’insécurité a reculé. Tous les quartiers et champs étaient abandonnés. On ne pouvait pas cultiver. Et la sécurité est revenue : on se rend aux champs sans être inquiétés et, en cas d’attaque, les Casques bleus interviennent rapidement et patrouillent chaque jour. Leur présence a également favorisé la création de champs communautaires, non loin de leur base ».

Ces efforts contribuent aussi au renforcement de la cohésion sociale entre communautés longtemps divisées par les conflits. Le gouverneur s’est félicité de ces avancées : « Là où il n’y avait pas de vie, vous avez vu la vie reprendre. Je suis sûr que, sans eux, nous aurions eu beaucoup plus de difficultés. Les résultats sont palpables. Vous savez que depuis quatre ans que je suis ici, nous avons travaillé en étroite collaboration avec la MONUSCO, de sorte que là où il n’y avait pas de vie avant, en Ituri, vous avez vu la vie reprendre. Je parle ici de la RN27 : quand vous arrivez à Kabarole, vous montez vers Nyakunde, vous allez à Boga, Tchabi… Vous allez à Amee, avec tout ce qu’il y avait eu là-bas, vous allez à Ngote, jusqu’à Djalasiga… Nous sommes très contents. Et même les déplacés sont pris en charge jusqu’à aujourd’hui », a rappelé le gouverneur.

Il a également rendu hommage aux agences des Nations Unies telles que le PAM, le HCR, le PNUD, l’UNFPA, l’UNICEF et l’OMS, saluant leur « sacrifice énorme » et leur engagement constant auprès des populations les plus vulnérables.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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De la « performance exceptionnelle » du 10e contingent d’aviation sri-lankaise

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le 22 octobre 2025, à Bria, 130 Casques bleus, dont trois femmes, du 10e contingent d’aviation sri-lankais (SRI AVN 10), ainsi que des officiers d’état-major et des observateurs militaires de la MINUSCA, ont reçu la médaille des Nations Unies. Une reconnaissance pour leurs efforts remarquables consacrés à la protection des civils et au maintien de la paix en République centrafricaine.

Déployé depuis le 6 décembre 2024 dans cette région sensible, le contingent sri-lankais a fait preuve d’une performance exceptionnelle avec plus de 1 200 heures de vol, soit une moyenne de 120 heures par mois, plus de 450 tonnes de fret transportées et plus de 3 000 passagers acheminés. Le contingent a également mené 24 opérations d’évacuation sanitaire, dont cinq missions de nuit, illustrant son rôle vital dans les évacuations d’urgence et témoignant de sa préparation opérationnelle exemplaire, de sa résilience et de son engagement envers la paix.

La cérémonie a vu la présence du Lieutenant-général Humphrey Nyone, Commandant de la Force de la MINUSCA, du Gouverneur de la région du Fertit, du Chef de bureau de la MINUSCA, ainsi que de représentants des Forces de défense et de sécurité centrafricaines.

Dans son allocution, le Lieutenant-général Nyone a salué le professionnalisme du 10e SRI AVN et souligné sa contribution majeure au maintien de la paix et de la sécurité dans le pays. Il a déclaré : « Cette cérémonie n’est pas seulement une remise de médailles ; elle incarne la dévotion, le courage et l’engagement de ce contingent. Aujourd’hui, nous honorons des hommes et des femmes qui sont allés au-delà du devoir dans le service de la paix », a-t-il dit a l’égard des récipiendaires.

De poursuivre, le Commandant de la Force a fait valoir que « Ces médailles symbolisent la fierté, le service désintéressé, la résilience et le sacrifice. Elles reflètent à la fois vos accomplissements individuels et notre volonté collective de promouvoir la paix, la sécurité et l’espoir dans les zones qui en ont le plus besoin ».

Durant son mandat, le 10e contingent sri-lankais a excellé dans divers domaines :  renseignement, surveillance, reconnaissance, transport de troupes, de munitions, de vivres, de carburant et autres fournitures essentielles, tout en menant des missions au-delà de sa zone de responsabilité

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Concours de recrutement de 150 fonctionnaires des Douanes : La liste des candidats retenus pour les épreuves psychotechniques déjà disponible

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Directrice générale des Douanes informe les candidats au concours direct de recrutement de Cent cinquante (150) fonctionnaires des Douanes, session 2024, que la Commission Nationale d’Organisation a délibéré sur les épreuves sportives.

À l’issue de ces délibérations, les candidats dont les noms seront publiés sont déclarés admis à prendre part aux épreuves psychotechniques. Ces derniers, y compris ceux inscrits pour les postes de personnels techniques et administratifs, seront convoqués ultérieurement par les canaux officiels pour la suite du processus.

Pour toute information complémentaire, les candidats sont invités à se rapprocher de la Direction générale des Douanes, des Directions régionales des Douanes, ou à contacter le numéro vert suivant : 01 91 13 13 13.

La Directrice générale des Douanes remercie tous les candidats pour leur patience et leur esprit de compréhension.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Message by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde on the occasion of United Nations Day

Source: APO


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On the occasion of United Nations Day, the Republic of Seychelles reaffirms its profound respect for the persistent role of the United Nations (UN) in promoting peace, fostering multilateral cooperation, and advancing global sustainable development. This day serves as a reminder of the United Nations’ enduring commitment and instrumental contributions to building an inclusive, just, and resilient global community.

The UN continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collective action, enabling all nations to work together in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of our time. Seychelles reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fundamental values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Over the years, the UN has consistently upheld, supported, and championed the unique needs and priorities of Small Island Developing States, recognising their vulnerabilities and particular development needs. Aligned with these efforts, Seychelles remains dedicated to advocating for climate justice, as well as promoting ocean governance and peace.

Recent significant advancements in securing ceasefires and building consensus across conflict-affected regions, supported by the United Nations, offer a renewed sense of hope and reaffirm the power of diplomacy and dialogue. These positive steps not only underscore the potential of collective commitment to resolving differences peacefully but also highlight the success of multilateralism as a core pillar for international peace and security.  We remain confident that through continued cooperation and solidarity, the international community can overcome challenges and realise the enduring peace that is so earnestly sought by all nations and peoples.

In this pivotal year, we call upon the international community to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to global solidarity and to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The complex challenges confronting humanity demand our collective resolve, guided by mutual empathy, shared responsibility, and a steadfast dedication to the common good.

As we commemorate United Nations Day, let us renew our shared pledge to advance the noble pursuit of a just, inclusive, and sustainable world—one that upholds the dignity and well-being of all people, and endures for the benefit of present and future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

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Peace begins with the smallest voices and the greatest hope on the United Nations’ 80th anniversary

Source: APO


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“In the ashes of broken promises and hope, the light blue and white came in 1945, 80 years ago. They did not come with swords nor with arrows, but with peace upon their wings and trust in shades of the sky. They gather meaning to every life. UNMISS, standing tall like a wall between faith and fear, holding dreams that tremble in the night, holding peace like a candlelight.”

On a burning hot day in Juba, amidst a vibrant celebration, a young dreamer passionately expresses her hopes for her own future as well as that of her country.

Ten-year-old Aluel Mochnom Wuor, inspired the large crowds gathered at a commemorative event in the capital with her deeply moving poem calling for collective action for peace.

As a true ambassador for positive change, she embodies the hope for a brighter future for the world’s newest nation.

“Silence is not surrender, and strength is shaped by every pain that we face,” she continued.

On 24 October, the courtyard of the University of Juba vibrated with the collective spirit and energy of hundreds of young people who gathered to celebrate United Nations Day, reaffirming a mutual commitment to fostering partnerships between the international community and people across South Sudan in the pursuit of peace.

Under the UN global theme of “Building Our Future Together,” participants pledged to collectively shape a brighter and more prosperous future for the conflict-affected country.

“Here in South Sudan, the UN has worked in partnership with the people and the Government to provide humanitarian assistance, support for the peace process, protection of civilians, improve livelihoods, and build resilience. There has been progress,” emphasized Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, voicing the collective stance of the UN family in South Sudan.

South Sudan stands at a pivotal moment in its history, as it grapples with rising tensions and political violence and confronts the potential collapse of the peace deal. While the United Nations is needed more than ever at this volatile time, humanitarians and peacekeepers are facing significant new financial constraints which are impacting their support. Despite these challenges, the United Nations family is committed to staying and delivering alongside the people it serves.

On the 80th anniversary, the focus was on the United Nations’ contribution to peace, recovery and development and the strong partnerships it has forged with the host government and communities across the country.

“South Sudan as a country in transition looks to the United Nations for continued technical, economic, and development cooperation, and we particularly urge one, sustained support to the peace roadmap and preparations towards credible, peaceful elections,” stated Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. 

A photo exhibition highlighted the strong, steadfast support of the United Nations efforts to South Sudan, since its independence in 2011 through to the signing of the landmark peace deal in 2018 and today, as the country continues to struggle to secure peace and stability. 

But together, the UN and people of South Sudan continue to plant the seeds of hope and work together to ensure peace flourishes.

“This organization — your organization, can think of no better time to recommit to South Sudan’s vision: a vision of a peaceful, a prosperous and a stable nation where no one, especially young girls, are left behind.,” added Ms. Gbeho.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Le Président Ndayishimiye a officiellement présenté le nouvel administrateur de la commune Tangara

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans la suite de prise de fonctions des administrateurs communaux, le Président de la République a présenté officiellement le nouvel administrateur de la commune Tangara M. Jean Pierre NDIKURYAYO devant une foule immense venue de toutes les zones de cette commune comprenant les anciennes communes de Ruhororo et Tangara.

Le Numéro Un Burundais a de prime abord animé une séance de moralisation à l’endroit de la population de Tangara l’appelant à la consolidation de la paix chèrement acquise, à la discipline, au travail et à la production pour l’exportation, avant de rappeler aux leaders leur devoir d’intégrité, d’équité, d’encadrement et de service à la communauté.

“Des installations électriques visant à alimenter tout le pays sont en cours et d’ici mars 2026, 85 % des centres du Burundi seront électrifiés, et parallèlement, un forage permettra la distribution d’eau potable à la population”, a rassuré le Président Ndayishimiye.

Les cérémonies de présentation officielle de Monsieur NDIKURYAYO ont été précédées par les travaux communautaires où le Président Ndayishimiye s’est joint, dans le cadre du Flambeau de la Paix, XIXᵉ Édition qui a été placé sous le thème : « Leaders, soyez l’étoile sur le chemin du développement du pays », à l’équipe Intwararumuri dans les travaux de pavage du Centre de Santé de Mugirampeke, en cette même commune de Tangara, de la province Butanyerera.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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South Africa G20 Presidency: Advancing the Global South

Source: Government of South Africa

By Themba Thobela

As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change, economic instability, and widening inequality, South Africa’s G20 Presidency stands as a beacon of hope. 

 

South Africa is leading a bold agenda that places Africa and the wider Global South at the heart of global decision-making, guided by the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

 

In the lead-up to the G20 Summit on 22–23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, we have used every preparatory meeting and platform to ensure that the voices and priorities of emerging and developing economies shape a fairer, more resilient global future.

 

South Africa’s message is clear, wealthy economies must confront the hard truth of global inequality. As a nation that has lived through the pain of division and injustice of apartheid, we cannot remain silent while millions across Africa and the Global South continue to carry the weight of an unfair world order.

 

Today’s global system still favours the wealthy, leaving developing countries trapped in cycles of debt and struggle. With fewer resources to invest in critical areas like poverty reduction, healthcare, and education, they are denied the chance to unlock their full potential. Climate change deepens these injustices, stripping people of dignity and opportunity.

 

Inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa is called to act and speak for those who cannot, to challenge exclusion, and to build a fair and inclusive future for all. Our G20 Presidency turns this moral imperative into action, advancing bold reforms, dismantling barriers of past injustice, and driving policies that deliver lasting change.

 

We want Africa and the Global South, home to over half the world’s population and immense natural resources, to have a stronger voice. Doing so not only strengthens the fight against global challenges like climate change but also unlocks the promise of fast-growing markets and a youthful population for sustainable progress worldwide.

 

Since December 2024, South Africa has hosted more than 130 meetings from ministerial gatherings in Durban to youth summits in Johannesburg amplifying voices from small businesses, young leaders, and think tanks across the Global South.

 

These efforts have driven real change, pressing for fairer voting rights in institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation. Experts from the Global South have helped shape G20 task forces on jobs, food security, and Artificial Intelligence to make sure policies meet real-world needs of all nations. Through platforms like Business 20 and Youth 20, South Africa has also made sure women, young people, and entrepreneurs have a direct say in global decisions.

 

A central focus of our Presidency is reforming the global financial system. We are working to reshape multilateral development banks so that they better serve sustainable development, making financing more accessible and trade fairer, so that developing nations have the tools they need to grow and thrive.

 

We also know that climate change strikes the Global South hardest. That is why our G20 agenda prioritises mobilising finance for a just energy transition. We are pushing for larger, better-quality climate funding, ensuring the transition is both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. We are also highlighting the urgent need to strengthen disaster resilience and support vulnerable nations as they recover and rebuild.

 

Through our Presidency, South Africa has brought together diverse voices to advance fairer global system. Our leadership is already rewriting the rules of global cooperation, and we remain confident that as the Global South takes its rightful seat at the table, it will pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and resilient world.

 

*Thobela is Acting Director: International Media Engagement, GCIS

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Malaysia

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a Working Visit from 24-27 October 2025, where the President will be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit.

The President’s participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa’s recognition as a Sectoral  Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South  cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development throughout enhanced political, economic and multilateral collaboration.

South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships.

The relations with Malaysia and, by extension, Southeast Asia and ASEAN are of strategic importance to South Africa’s Foreign Policy. They offer a gateway to dynamic regional markets, emerging technologies and help reinforce South Africa’s position as a proactive and globally engaged partner in the Global South.

MEDIA PROGRAMME

Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025

SAST: 06h00 – ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (Fireside Chat) 

SAST: 10h00 – Official Welcome Ceremony for the Working Visit by President Ramaphosa to Malaysia 

SAST: 11h00 – Official Talks 

– Opening remarks by Prime Minister Anwar 
– Opening remarks by President Ramaphosa 

SATS: 11h30 – Joint Press Conference By Prime Minister Anwar and President Ramaphosa 

Date: Sunday, 26 October 2025

SAST: 04h45 – Official Opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit at Kuala Lampur Convention Centre 

Date: Monday, 27 October 2025

SAST: 04h00 – Conferment of Honorary Doctorate to President Ramaphosa at the University of Malaya

SAST: 04h30 – Public Lecture by President Ramaphosa 

SATS: 09h00 – Opening Session: 20th East Asia Summit

– President Ramaphosa to deliver remarks: Boosting Sustainable Growth through  EAS and G20 Collaboration

SATS: 10h30 – Media Wrap-up interview

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Remarks by the Hon Andries Nel, MP, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, on the Occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Austria (26 October) held on 24 October 2025

Source: APO


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Your Excellency, Ambassador Romana Königsbrun
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,

It is a great honour to represent the Government of the Republic of South Africa on this special occasion as we celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Austria. On October 26, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, which has been celebrated as the Austrian National Day since 1965.

This historic moment marked the end of foreign occupation and affirmed Austria’s place among the community of free, independent, and peaceful nations.

In the words of the Preamble to South Africa’s Constitution, a united and democratic Austria was “able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”

Since then, Austria’s steadfast commitment to peace, neutrality, and diplomacy has remained a defining feature of its national identity.

Austria’s National Day is not only a commemoration of history but also a celebration of enduring values — peace, dialogue, and cooperation.

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, these principles have never been more relevant.

Austria’s pivotal role in fostering international diplomacy, as host to key multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stands as a testament to its dedication to global peace, stability, and security.

Beyond diplomacy, Austria’s contributions to the arts, sciences, culture, cuisine and, for me especially, coffee – are celebrated across the world.

From the immortal music of Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Schoenberg to the literature of Rainer Maria Rilke, Bertha von Suttner, and Elfriede Jelinek to the architecture and artistic splendour of Vienna and beyond, Austria continues to inspire humanity.

It is also the cradle of some of the world’s most profound thinkers — among them Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose reflections on language, logic, and the limits of human understanding remind us of the enduring power of thought to shape our moral and intellectual worlds and Erwin Schrödinger, who reminded us through both physics and philosophy that reality is at once interconnected and mysterious.

Their legacies speak to a nation that has never been afraid to ask the deepest questions about existence, knowledge, and human responsibility.

It is, therefore, no surprise that its leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation reminds us that true progress must always be grounded in respect for people and the planet alike.

As the Nobel Laureate Bertha von Suttner put it:
“One of the eternal truths is that happiness is created and developed in peace, and one of the eternal rights is the individual’s right to live.”
And also that: “After the verb ‘to Love’, ‘to Help’ is the most beautiful verb in the world.”

In this regard, today, we also celebrate the warm and enduring partnership between Austria and South Africa.

Our countries share strong diplomatic and economic ties, as well as a rich record of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

A highlight of our relationship this year was the State Visit of President Alexander Van der Bellen to South Africa in July, which deepened our bonds of friendship and cooperation.

We look forward to continuing this momentum through our ongoing Bilateral Consultations, the next round of which will be held in Pretoria in the first half of 2026.

Excellencies, distinguished guests –
Before I request you to raise your glasses, I must share with you the fruit of some of the research that I did on the relative merits of the sparkling wine produced by our two great nations.

A highly informative website, austria.info, describes in tantalising detail Austrian sparkling wines from the Schlumberger, Szigeti, Bründlmayer, Gobelsburg Castle, Jurtschitsch, Christian Madl, and Hannes Harkamp estates.

However, in the interests of avoiding the risk of souring South Africa and Austria’s excellent relations, I have decided, for today at least, to adopt a Law of Permanent Neutrality on this vexed question.

Nonetheless, I think we can all agree on the following statement that:
“The grape is a great little fruit: it refreshes and is sweet and sour at the same time.

It is blue-purple or greenish-white and likes to grow in Austria.

Here it has fresh air, lush soil, plenty of sun and silence, interrupted only by the people who take great care of the precious vines.

The small berry is the essence of the best wines and sparkling wines.

What would weddings, New Year’s Eve and the ball season in Vienna be without the sparkle in the slender glass?”
And indeed, what would Austria’s National Day be without the sparkle in the slender glass?

So may I now invite you to raise your glasses in a toast to Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Alexander Van der Bellen, to the people of South Africa and Austria, and to the continued friendship and partnership between our two nations.

I thank you.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.