At the invitation of their teacher, Filipa Pais, a group of adult students studying at the Associação Cultural Moinho da Juventude, in Cova da Moura, viewed a presentation and listened to a talk on South Africa’s multicultural society and how this diversity has been incorporated into the country’s national identity.  The talk also centered on Nelson Mandela – his example and inspiration.  Particular interest was placed on Nelson Mandela’s focus on education and reconciliation, the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the economic challenges that South Africa still faces today to elevate the standard of living of its people.  The students showed great interest in the subject and in the philosophy of ubuntu, which is already inspiring other youths in Portugal to acquire the leadership skills that will help make them tomorrow’s leaders in their communities.

Thank you to everyone for the warm reception.  It was a very enjoyable morning!

Teacher Fernando Pinto, of the Eça de Queiroz High School in Lisbon, invited Ambassador Keitumetse Matthews and RTP journalist Antonio Mateus, to speak to a group of grade 12 students, inspired by the motto, “If Mandela were young, rebellious and exemplary today, what would he be like?”

Antonio Mateus, a former correspondent in South Africa for Portugal’s national television broadcaster, RTP, and the author of several books on Nelson Mandela, including a book directed specifically at youths, spoke about Nelson Mandela’s example of forgiveness and how it had inspired him in his own personal life.  He focused his talk on how young people could integrate Nelson Mandela’s example into their everyday lives.

Ambassador Matthews, picking up on the motto, gave a heart-felt account of Nelson Mandela’s caring nature and how his greatest wish was that people would feel inspired to make a difference in other people’s lives.  And as his own life so clearly exemplified, one must start by changing oneself, without which one cannot make an impact on the lives of others.  Ambassador Matthews also elaborated on the concept of Ubuntu, and our inter-relatedness as a basic foundation for the need for people to care about each other.  In closing, the school officials informed the audience that to celebrate the memory of Nelson Mandela, the school will organize a Mandela Run to take place on 5 December 2014, coinciding with the date of Madiba’s death.  Ambassador Matthews and Antonio Mateus were invited to give the departure signal for the run.

Thank you to the Eça de Queiroz High School for an inspiring afternoon!

At the invitation of teacher Cidália Lopes, of the Odivelas Group of Schools, the Mission participated in a tribute to Nelson Mandela on 24 February 2014, under the title “Mandela: the legate, memory and example”.  The invitation was to speak on South Africa and Nelson Mandela to an audience comprised of students of various ages as well as adults.

The Odivelas Municipal Pavilion was the venue for a wonderful exhibition of works of art and literature focusing on Nelson Mandela, executed by students from 8 different schools in the OdivelasMunicipality, ranging from pre-school to high school.  Following a visit to the exhibition, the event commenced with a performance by a group of students who sang South Africa’s national anthem and the song Asimbonanga, by Johnny Clegg & Savuka.  Another group of students danced to African rhythms, a young student read a letter to Nelson Mandela and another recited several poems also dedicated to Madiba.  Several school and municipal authorities intervened to evoke Nelson Mandela and his legacy, after which Ms Maria da Luz Marques talked about South Africa, which this year celebrates 20 years of democracy, and on Nelson Mandela and his life’s work.  The event was followed by a Port of Honour.

The Mission wishes to congratulate the students and teachers on their fantastic initiative!

The South African Embassy was invited to participate in the Export Markets series seminar organized by AIP-Portuguese Manufacturers Association/Business Confederation on 25 February 2014 in Lisbon.Ambassador Matthews, hosted by the Vice-President of AIP, made the welcome remarks to the audience. Mr. R Stroebel, First Secretary, made a presentation on the South Africa economy & market, the regional perspective, business & investment opportunities and the bilateral relations.

The representative of AICEP in Johannesburg (Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency), a South African consultant (Skype interventions) and the President of the Luso-South African Chamber of Commerce (CCILSA) were also speakers at the event. The market conditions, regulatory framework, current opportunities and the experience of some Portuguese companies in the market were some of the subjects under discussion

The Export Markets initiative is funded by EU Structural Funds and aims to promote 10 markets which are considered strategic for Portuguese companies: South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, China, India, Israel, Mozambique, Turkey, Chile and Colombia.

 The seminar was attended by approximately 35 companies, mostly SMME’s.

         Left to right: Ambassador KST Matthews, Vice-President AIP Mr Jorge Santos and First Secretary Mr R Stroebel