Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe of the South African Embassy, and Papal Nuncio Father Charles John Brown, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps
On May 8, 2024, Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe marked South Africa's 30th Freedom Day at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. The ambassador extended greetings to notable figures, including Honourable President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Papal Nuncio Father Charles John Brown, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, alongside key partners and sponsors.
Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe honored the historical significance of April 27, 1994, when South Africans united to exercise their democratic rights for the first time, ending centuries of racial oppression under apartheid.
Reflecting on the country's journey, the ambassador emphasized the values of non-racialism, non-sexism, equality, and human dignity that have shaped modern South Africa.
The ambassador highlighted the significance of the May 29 elections in the nation's democratic evolution. She reiterated the government's commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, and contributing to global diplomacy and foreign policy by prioritizing national interests and fostering international relations, with Pretoria playing an important role in global diplomacy.
Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe celebrated South Africa's embrace of Ubuntu, a philosophy of humanity and interconnectedness, and paid tribute to the late President Nelson Mandela’s leadership that guided the nation through a peaceful post-apartheid transition as well as to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1996.
The ambassador highlighted the country's leadership role in the continent by advocating for human rights, continental integration, and initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and underscoring its commitment to global human rights, citing efforts to support the Palestinian cause and promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gender equality, she stressed, remains a core focus, with South Africa championing initiatives like UNSC Resolution 1325, which recognizes the vital role of women in peace and security, affirming the commitment for a more equitable society.
Celebrating historical ties between South Africa and the Philippines, the ambassador highlighted 30 years of deepened cooperation based on shared values and mutual prosperity. As the largest African trading partner with the Philippines, South Africa significantly contributes to remittances, hosts nearly 2,000 working Filipinos and almost 1,000 Filipino migrants since the 18th century. Post-COVID-19, Filipino tourism to South Africa has risen, contributing to the nearly three million global visitors in March.
