Reception hosted to mark 23rd Freedom Day of South Africa

Islamabad

To celebrate the 23rd Freedom Day of his country, the High Commissioner of South Africa, Mpendulo Jele hosted a reception at the Serena Hotel. The function was attended by diplomats of different cadres, especially African countries and the guest of honour was Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Riaz Hussain Pirzada and the cake was cut after the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa had been played. 

Adding a special touch to the air of festivity in the hall were the many ladies who had who had donned their colourful national outfits and were the centre of attention for guests addicted to selfies and photographers who wanted to catch the images of happy smiling faces. Some ladies who had lived in South Africa for a while also put on costumes they had acquired while living there, which was a good gesture of solidarity with their South African friends. 

Apart from the usual flowers and flags, a video screening of the sights and sounds of the country and lively music played in the background. Dinner was served and those who did not have to go elsewhere stayed on to enjoy the host’s hospitality. It was a good ‘getting to know you’ occasion for those who do not interact daily with diplomats. Besides April 27th commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa. Today, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of the country and its people from a long period of colonialism and white minority domination (apartheid). Pakistanis have the greatest admiration for Nelson Mandela who fought for the independence of his country and later advocated that all the people of South Africa live in peace and harmony. 

For those who like to travel to different lands, this is how South Africa is described. ‘Black-maned lions framed against Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains – South Africa truly is a country of astounding diversity.’ And to add to that a writer says, “My itchy feet had kept me country-hopping for years – then I visited South Africa. There's something about the rainbow nation that just grabs hold and won’t let go. Travelling the nine provinces never gets tired, and it’s all about diversity – cultures from Africa, Asia and Europe sharing their traditions, languages and cuisines; encounters with creatures from dung beetles to white rhinos; accommodation options from rustic cabins to deluxe hotels and above all, a constantly changing landscape in which to enjoy it all. Land on South African shores and it might just grab hold of you, too.”