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South Africa is not an island. Our relationships around the world — cultural, social, economic, political — have been and will always be central to our success. This embassy and our missions in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, are here to build and nurture those relationships in every way we can.
Ebrahim Rasool
South African Ambassador to United States
June 16 is Youth Day in South Africa. Thirty-seven years ago this weekend the schoolchildren of Soweto rebelled against an educational system deliberately designed to crush their hopes and and limit their horizons. Many died as the state turned its guns on them. Their defiance mobilised the world against apartheid at a time when the struggle for freedom was at a low ebb.
As we remember Hector Pietersen and all the other young heroes who lost their lives that day, let us also keep Nelson Mandela in our thoughts and prayers. They helped win his freedom. He made certain their sacrifice was not in vain.
South Africa’s National Development Plan candidly acknowledges we have far to go before can say our young people can be certain of having the schools and the life chances for which the children of 1976 rose up. We will get there. Nelson Mandela cleared the path and showed the way.
The South African embassy and Brand South Africa present an Industry Symposium “Innovation for Competitive Economies” with featured guest Minister Derek Hanekom South Africa’s Minister of Science and Technology. Thursday, 20 June 2013. 
South Africa’s Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Derek Hanekom, will visit Washington D.C. from 17 to 21 June 2013 to engage members of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Administration and other relevant role players on increased collaborations between South Africa and the U.S. in the area of science and technology. As part of Minister Hanekom’s programme, the South African Embassy in Washington D.C. is hosting an Industry Symposium.
- DATE: Thursday, 20 June 2013
- TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
- VENUE: Hogan Lovells US LLP
Columbia Square
555 Thirteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004 - REGISTRATION: RSVP@dirco.gov.za (Attendance at the Symposium is free of charge with registration)
Nelson Mandela Day 2013
The month of July is Nelson Mandela’s birth month and the month that brings us Mandela Day, each one of us will begin to reflect on how we are going to do our little bit in service of others.
As we prepare for our chance to give back in honour of the decades Mr Mandela spent in sacrifice so that we could live in a better world, we think of his words that it is in our hands to make a difference.
Our hands can change the world for the better. We have the power to make a difference. This is one of the most poignant messages from this great South African who looks not to celebrity and glamour but to ordinary people and their role in the world.
These are some of the activities lined up:
1) National Federation of the Blind: Learn about how to socialize with blind people through one on one conversation and information sharing
- Where: Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 Ninth Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001
- Time: 9:00am to 10:30am
2) Help preserve native wildlife habitat in honour of Nelson Mandela while serving DC’s environment through removal of invasive plant species, learning about and meeting native aquatic animals from around the District and going fishing in the Anacostia River at Kingman Island.
- Where: 3100 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC
- Time: 10:00am to 14:00pm
3) Capital Area Food Bank Lend a hand by assisting in making food parcels for distribution.
- Where: 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue, NE Washington, D.C. 20017
- Time: 13:00pm to 16:00pm
Should you be interested kindly RSVP to: RSVP@dirco.gov.za and state Mandela Day on the subject line.
Lesole’s Dance Project (LDP) in partnership with the South African Embassy presents South African Youth Day and Juneteenth “ Freedom of Expression”. 22 June, 2013
Lesole’s Dance Project (LDP) and the South African Embassy are honoring South Africa’s Youth Day through celebrations at the Juneteenth “Freedom of Expression” event. LDP will immerse the audience into South African culture and take them on a journey through the American South with song, dance, and poetry. The audience will learn world history through artistry.
The audience will learn about Hector Peterson, a child killed during a peaceful protest against apartheid in South Africa. Lesole’s Dance Project will feature the premier of Hector Pieterson, a LDP commissioned project and choreo-poem written and performed by guest Multidisciplinary Artist, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Professor and Arts & Cultural Journalist Alexis Caputo of AFRO Diaries with choreography by Lesole Z. Maine.
Guests will travel the Mason-Dixon with the uniquely talented young voices of the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS) Children of the Gospel Choir to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States through song. The WPAS Gospel Choir program promotes an environment of self-confidence, performance quality, teamwork, discipline and respect, and provides students with life learning tools to aid in personal and artistic growth. This event will also include works such as Khoba (a traditional dance from Botswana made possible by Maryland State Arts Council), Ethekweni (a Fusion of Bharatanatyam Indian dance and Ndlamu Zulu dance) with The Natananjali Dancers.
The South African Ambassador will give a keynote address at the event about the significance of the day and why South Africa commemorates it as a National holiday.
- Date: Saturday, June 22, 2013
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00PM
- Venue: THEARC Theater at 1901 Mississipi Avenue, SE Washington DC 20020
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The Hotchkiss School Center for Global Understanding &
Independent Thinking and The Ambassador Series
proudly present:
His Excellency Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
to the United States of America
21 May, 2013
6:30-7:30 pm
The Hotchkiss School is excited to welcome His Excellency Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to the school as part of the Ambassador Series. Begun in 2008, Hotchkiss has been honoured to welcome the Ambassadors of Mali, France, Colombia, Russia, Chile, and Japan. These visits, which include an evening talk with the community, smaller visits with students and faculty over meals, and visits to classes, have enriched the life of the school and challenged and educated our students. The visit of Ambassador Rasool has special significance as the current head of school and his family are South African.
Ambassador Rasool has a long history of involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, and his social and political involvement has consistently been faith-driven. He has been involved in both the Islamic Movement as well as the Interfaith Movement, and has been active in mobilizing Muslims and the broader faith communities for a deeper understanding of Islam under conditions of globalisation.
Ambassador Rasool has built up extensive experience of Government, having led various Departments like Health, Welfare, Finance and Economic Development, and as Premier of the Western Cape was instrumental in attracting USD $1 Billion in foreign investment into the Province, having the highest provincial economic growth rate, and making significant strides towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Ambassador Rasool is also the Founder of the World for All Foundation – a foundation that rethinks the intellectual tools available to Muslims and faith communities, that creates cooperative relations between faiths, cultures and communities at a global level.
Where: Faculty Room
When: Tuesday, 21 May, 2013
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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The Ubuntu Art Exhibition
The life Legacy and Values of Nelson Mandela
To celebrate the Life and Legacy of the man who inspired his country, the Embassy of South Africa plans to unveil a statue of his former president, Nelson Mandela, in September 2013. In an effort to support the building of the statue, the Embassy coordinated “the Ubuntu Art Exhibition”, bringing together works from South Africa’s most talented emerging and established artists to create pieces that reflect the spirit of their country.
To own one of these magnificent pieces bid online at: www.SouthAfrica2012.us/art/. All auction proceeds, above the starting bids, benefit the Mandela statue.
Selected pieces from the Exhibition are displayed at the Ronalds Reagan Building and International Trade Center through 12 June, 2013. Join us for live auction and reception on 13th June, 2013. For more information email: henriquezj@dirco.gov.za
South Africa’s Freedom Day
The National Press Club
May 9, 2013
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ms Wendy Sherman
Ambassador Rasool and other distinguished guests;
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in this year’s Freedom Day celebration. On behalf of President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and the American people, I congratulate all South Africans on the 19th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections.
Nineteen years ago today, the final death knell of racial authoritarianism sounded in South Africa as power passed to a new, diverse generation of Parliamentarians, who began their work by inaugurating Nelson Mandela as the first black president of South Africa. A few hours later, Mandela stood on a balcony at Cape Town City Hall and gazed out at Table Bay, with Robben Island on the horizon, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Addressing the vast crowd below, Madiba declared a message of inclusion, saying: Continue reading
National Press Club, Washington DC, USA.
Ms Wendy Ruth Sherman, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Rasool
Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues and friends, you do South Africa a great honour by attending our Freedom Day celebrations in the great number that you display this evening. We are always privileged to have so many amongst the American leadership from all sectors of society present as we celebrate the 27th April 1994.
This was the day, 19 years ago, to which so many of you have contributed. You marched for a free South Africa, protested so that Nelson Mandela should be released from prison, got yourself arrested so that we may be free and enjoy human rights, and boycotted South African goods so that one day a democratic government could proceed to build a better life for all South Africans. This is as much your day as it is our day. Continue reading
More that 3 000 visitors stopped by a for taste of Indaba and Riebeek Cellars wine, Ceres fruit juice, chicken made with Nando’s peri-peri sauce, biltong and boerewors from SouthAfricans.com when we put out the welcome mat for this year’s edition of Passport DC on May 4. This was the scene:
TransAfrica, and BloomScreen present:
The Creators
- Date: 30 April, 2013
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00PM
- Venue: BloomBars, 3222 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20010
THE CREATORS explores the chaotic reality of modern day South Africa through the work of artists.
Apartheid’s legacy left marks of injustice throughout South African society. While the young generation still struggles with violence and poverty, some have chosen a creative way to express their feelings. These “creators” use the strongest weapon they have in their hands: their art.
The film profiles contemporary artists Faith47 (street art), Warongx (afro-blues), Emile (hip-hop), Sweat.X (performance art), Blaq Pearl (spoken word) and Mthetho (opera).
- Our film will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Laura Gamse.
- Suggested Donation: $10.
- Free popcorn and refreshments provided.
Proceeds will benefit both TransAfrica and BloomBars. Your support of TransAfrica will help amplify the voice of millions of people in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Gifts to BloomBars helps support its programs and work in the community.
- For more information: www.transafrica.org or www.bloombars.com
- Call: 202.223.1960 ext. 137
- Email info@transafrica.org or jonathan@bloombars.com.
South African Embassy
Passport DC 2013
As part of Passport DC 2013, the South African Embassy will open its doors to be graced with you presence. We will provide you with a truly South African experience. From our peaceful transition to democracy after generations of apartheid and the building of a inclusive new order anchored in a constitution hailed as one of the world’s most progressive, to being selected as the site for the largest radiotelescope ever conceived, the Square Kilometer Array, South Africa is constantly Inspiring New Ways.
Ours is the largest and the most diversified economy on the African continent.
In 2012 we hosted what was widely judged to the most successful and well organised FIFA 2010 World Cup to date. While global tourism grew by 4 per cent in 2012, South Africa saw tourist arrivals expand by 10.5 per cent. Come and let us share with you what makes South Africa the country to visit. From the beautiful landscapes, world class cities and extraordinary wildlife, to that most important commodity of all — the warmth of our people.
Our participation in Passport DC 2013 will showcase South Africa’s unique blend of possibility, sustainability, diversity, creativity and humanity, or, as we call it, ubuntu. Come and enjoy our culture, art, crafts, music, wine and cuisine and learn more about the extraordinary opportunities we offer for trade and investment.
- When: Saturday 4 May, 2013
- Time: 10:00am- 4:00 pm
- Where: Embassy of South Africa at Intelsat Building, Lobby
3400 International Drive NW
Washington DC, 20008 - Directions to: INTELSAT BUILDING
- Fee: This event is free. All are welcome to attend.
- link to DC Culture and Heritage: http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/passportdc
Program (10h00 to 16h00)
- Wine tasting: 10h00-16h00
- A taste of South African cuisine: 11h00-15h00
- Meet and greet with Ambassador Rasool: 12h00-14h00
- Cultural dance performance by Lesole’s Dance Project: 12h00-12h15 *13h00 -13h15 * 14h00-14h15
- Traditional South African song by Nkosini Ntuli: 15h00-15h10
South African Embassy- Passport DC 2013 is brought to you in Partnership with:
Gateway to the Nation
Inspiring New Ways
Join us in celebrating the values, life and legacy of Mandela.
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