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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
Traditional attire and songs marked the 24th anniversary of South Africa's Freedom Day as well as the centenary of South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The event was a highlight of a series of events aimed at celebrating Freedom Day and 100 years of Mandela.
The event was attended Minister of Energy and Industry HE Mohammad Saleh al Sada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Ahmad al Hammadi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Protocol Yousef Fakhro, Diplomatic Corps Dean Ambassador Ali Ibrahim, among others.
Speaking at the event, South African Ambassador to Qatar HE Faizel Moosa said the celebration of a country's National Day is always an important occasion, because it provides an opportunity to take stock of a nation's achievements and also to look towards the future.
The ambassador said that South Africa and Qatar continue to cooperate closely at international fora and have great appreciation for the role of Qatar and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani in mediation between parties in conflict both in Africa, the quest for the liberation of Palestine, as well as within the growing insecurity that is taking hold of the Middle East.
"During the last year, South Africa and Qatar worked especially closely within the International Civil Aviation Authority. South Africa feels very strongly that the rights and safety of individuals should not be affected by the current maritime, air and land blockade of Qatar by the blockading quartet. South Africa recently received the endorsement of the African Union as its candidate to serve once again as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2019. We are looking forward to working closely with Qatar in this forum."
Talking about Mandela, the ambassador said that they remember him as the icon of struggle, a freedom fighter and first democratic president of South Africa.
"In celebrating the centenary of Madiba's life, we remember his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa. All South Africans have a responsibility to promote freedom and defend our democracy in honour of Madiba's life-long commitment to these ideals."
On the occasion, a raffle draw was also held and the winners were awarded return tickets to South Africa by Ethiopian Airlines.
