20 HISTORIC YEARS OF FREEDOM
“Always keep in mind that you can forgive, but you cannot forget where you’ve come from,” shares South African Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso emphatically, in reference to her country’s upcoming celebration of its 20th Freedom Day.
“Our Freedom Day is different this year as we are celebrating 20 years of democracy in South Africa. It’s a really great achievement in terms of what the government intended to do from the very beginning — a new democratic government whose mandate is to improve the lives of the previously marginalized majority through infrastructure, housing, access to education and health, and ensuring that jobs are accessible and not based on colour.”
“While admittedly, we may not have achieved everything that we wanted to achieve originally,” Ambassador Nyamande- Pitso shares that they’re still happy to have achieved the majority of the goals set at the onset of their democracy in 1994.
Given that it is their 20th Freedom Day, the Ambassador foresees a more vibrant take on their celebrations this year, “South Africans are going all out because it’s another year, not just of commemorating freedom, but also remembering where we came from — because if we do not remember where we came from, we may not be able to shape a better future.”
While they’re still busy finalizing their plans for the embassy’s celebration here in the Philippines, they’re hoping to tap on various South African cultural groups, especially dance groups, who will showcase the diverse culture of their country. “We are hoping that the Northern Cape Province Department of Economic Development and Tourism will sponsor some of their dancers so that people can get a feel of what makes South Africa the vibrant nation that it is. The various dances show that South Africa is a melting pot of cultures,” shares Ambassador NyamandePitso.
Beefing up their promotional efforts for South Africa, Ambassador Nyamande-Pitso and her staff have been involved in various tourism efforts, which included participation in several travel tour expos in recent months, like the ones held in Rockwell Tent and SMX Convention Centre in SM MOA.
“Again we are promoting the various provinces in South Africa, but the focus now is on the Northern Cape Province. The latter is one of the nine provinces of South Africa with its own distinctly different and diverse beauty and culture to offer tourists a unique and unforgettable experience. Typically, tourists frequent Cape Town and Johannesburg, but for those who want to discover more in terms of what South Africa has to offer, the Northern Cape Province is also highly recommended.
In terms of activities to enjoy, Ambassador Nyamande-Pitso shares that it really just depends on each tourist’s point of interest given that South Africa offers a myriad of places as well as activities that are very much unique to the country.
From skateboarding, star gazing, desert adventure, jewelry shopping at the diamond province, even more shopping, dinner in the wilderness, wine tasting, hot air balloon, safari and experiencing how the San People live, Ambassador Nyamande-Pitso says that tourists are free to pick whatever they fancy for their unique South African experience. The list of things to see and do is endless.
She admits that it’s quite hard for her to choose which places and activities to recommend to first-time visitors. However, it is through their many tourism efforts that they hope will pique the interest of Filipino travelers to experience the one-of-a-kind wonders of South Africa. A country that is so rich with natural wonders and a very diverse culture that has become richer through time.
Aside from tourism, Ambassador Nyamande- Pitso is also optimistic of her country’s trade relations with the Philippines, which she hopes will continue to strengthen in the coming years. As both countries continue to enjoy much support from each other, the ever vivacious Ambassador has also graciously attended various outreach programs, which have been the embassy’s initiative in terms of extending a helping hand to its Filipino brothers and sisters.
As the country continues to move forward, embracing the many changes brought about by modern times, Ambassador Nyamande-Pitso continues to put emphasis on the importance of always remembering the past, which paved the way for the democracy that their country continues to enjoy now. She’s looking forward to celebrating this special anniversary with local South Africans, the diplomatic community and the Philippine community wherein everyone will be treated to a lovely round of festivities.