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SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY IN ROME: NEWSLETTER

Note from the Ambassador

This quarter, the Embassy further strengthened relations with

the Government of San Marino by attending the inauguration of

Captains Regent Mimma Zavoli I and Vanessa D’Ambrosio I.

We also had the honour of enhancing relations with the Ministry

of Culture and University, Education, Research, Information,
Ambassador
Ms. Nomatemba Tambo Technological Innovation and Sports.

Other highlights for this quarter were Africa Month celebrations in

May, as well and Youth Day commemorations on 16 June. To mark the latter occasion, the Em-

bassy hosted a successful Children’s Conference, in Genoa, entitled “Children in Protracted Cri-

ses: A New Perspective”. South Africa’s Minister of Social Development, the honourable Ms

Bathabile Dlamini, delivered the keynote address. The aim of the Conference was to highlight

the plight of millions of children across the globe who are trapped in protracted crises and to

st
share South Africa’s experiences in this regard. The Conference coincided with the 41 anniver-

sary of the June 16 uprising in Soweto, where, in 1976, students initiated a peaceful protest

against a directive enforcing Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.

We are most grateful that the President of the Republic of Italy graciously conferred upon the

Conference the Medal of Representation of the Head of State. Equally, the Conference received

the Patronage of Italy’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.

South Africa’s Honorary Consul in Genoa, Mr Enrico De Barbieri, worked tirelessly to ensure

that the conference was a resounding success. I wish to thank all our stakeholders and Embas-

sy officials for their continuous support and dedication.

As Africans we take pride in our cultural heritage. In May 2017, the Embassy in collaboration

with other African Embassies in Rome, hosted a week of festivities to commemorate Africa Day,

which is celebrated every year on 25 May on the continent. With the support of the Department

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