South African expats celebrate Freedom Day

Times News Service

MUSCAT: More than 100 diplomats, businessmen, and South African expatriates united to celebrate the Rainbow Nation’s 24th Freedom Day at the Crowne Plaza, Muscat.

Hosted by the South African embassy in Oman, the event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General of Innovation Development of The Research Council, alongside an entourage of dignitaries from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Council, and Shura Council.

Opening the event, South Africa’s ambassador to Oman, Manabile Shogole, said, “This year’s celebration coincides with the centenary celebrations of our Nelson Mandela and Miss Albertina Sisulu, both of whom would have been 100 years old today. Their legacy inspired our freedom and also epitomised our struggle for liberation. South Africa is the country it is today because of their countless sacrifices and that of many other South Africans, such as Miss Winnie Mandela, who fought tirelessly to overcome the immoral system of apartheid. “On behalf of the South African people, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all of you who stood with us during this period of the passing of Miss Winnie Mandela, when you took time to visit our embassy to convey messages of condolence.

“The South African embassy has identified programmes and activities that we will engage in this year to celebrate and pay tribute to these stalwarts that are Mandela and Mama Sisulu.”

Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1994, South Africa and Oman have continued to enjoy rising trade figures. From 2016-2017, bilateral trade has grown by 30%, he said in his speech, which was followed by the cutting of a celebratory cake. South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on April 27, marking the anniversary of the day in 1994 when the country held its first-ever all-race, democratic election, ending decades of sanctioned racial oppression.