Lecture by Ambassador Keitumetse Matthews at Lusófona University
On the occasion of the Commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity – African Union, the South African Ambassador, Ms Keitumetse Matthews, addressed a lecture at Lisbon’s LusofonaUniversity, on 22 May 2013.
The South African Ambassador was honoured with the presence of the University’s Rector, Dr. Mário Moutinho, and Director of International Relations, Dr. Teresa Damásio, among other relevant officials and academics.
The exchange of views were insightful in exposing Portuguese academics and students, in particular, to the political, social and economic complexities in the African Union and South Africa. At the end of the lecture that captured the student’s attention, the Ambassador gladly responded to their questions.
The synopsis of the lecture, was as follows:
Five decades after the formation of the OAU, Africa is on the rise – politically, economically, culturally, socially and in terms of its demographics. There are optimism and energy in all areas of human endeavour. The continent still faces many challenges and understands the need to use the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the OAU-AU as the opportunity to rejuvenate its mission through Pan Africanism and the African renaissance. The AfricaUnion has positioned itself as a continental and global player. It plays an important role in determining and shaping Africa’s future and in pursuit of African solutions to African problems.
After years of isolation due to apartheid, South Africa was allowed back into the fold of the OAU in 1994. It played a prominent role in establishing the African Union in 2002 and continues to play an important role in the strengthening ofAfrica’s capacity and actions in conflict prevention, management and resolution, and governance.
The Ambassador of South Africa with Dr. Teresa Damásio, Director of International Relations at Lusófona University
The Dean of Lusófona University, Dr. Mário Moutinho, with Ambassador Matthews
and First Secretary Rudolph Stroebel to his right, and Dr. Teresa Damásio to his left
Ambassador Matthews with a group of university students