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SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY IN ROME: NEWSLETTER

It is interesting to learn that people from all sectors of the Italian society were opposed to and contributed

towards the eradication of apartheid and colonialism in Africa. Firstly, individuals and organizations belong-

ing to the left unwaveringly supported the liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique and South Africa.

Secondly, the Roman Catholic Church, together with many religious organizations and leaders from around

the world, were part of our demonstrations in the Mass Democratic Movement and provided invaluable and

institutional support to our people. Thirdly, the Government of Italy at various levels supported the negotiat-

ed settlement which ended apartheid and resulted in the peaceful transaction of Government. Lastly, the

business community and the parties to the right also played a role to end apartheid.

This is why I said earlier that everything remains the same despite the changes in the political landscape.

The majority of South Africans and Italians are in the camp of good and will strive to build peace and de-

mocracy; and stand up against injustice and inequality. We are the same.

During the first six months of 2018, the bilateral and multilateral relations between South Africa and Italy

were strengthened. The Italian business community has shown much more interest in opportunities on the

African continent, generally, and in South Africa, specifically.

Many companies from Italy will participate in the South Africa - Italy Business Summit scheduled for 23 and

24 October 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year, the Business Summit is expanded to provide a

platform for an Africa - Europe business dialogue and we will be inviting speakers from governments in Afri-

ca and Europe. The South African Embassy in Rome will coordinate with Italy, Malta, San Marino and Alba-

nia in particular.

The Business Summit is coordinated by the European House of Ambrosetti. More details about the Busi-

ness Summit are provided in this newsletter.

Interestingly, during the Business Summit we will host a side event to foster partnerships between leading

university and training institutions from South Africa, Italy, Malta and Albania. Should your university or train-

ing institution be interested in participating please contact Mrs. Marina Mira d’Ercole at email mari-

na.mira@ambrosetti.eu.

During the period of the Business Summit the special relationship between the Gauteng Province in South

Africa and the Emilia Romagna Region in Italy is celebrated.

Our ambition is to build similar partnerships between other regions in South Africa and regions in Italy. The

Business Summit will certainly provide the platform to explore possibilities of region to region and city to city

partnerships.

South Africa hosted a successful BRICS Summit during 25 and 27 July 2018. In partnership with SIOI and

Eurispes, the Embassies of Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa based in Rome we will host a

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