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South African ambassador visits Manila Bulletin for cultural and diplomatic exchange
Embassies at Work
South African ambassador visits Manila Bulletin for cultural and diplomatic exchange
South African ambassador visits Manila Bulletin for cultural and diplomatic exchange
Published Sep 8, 2025 03:41 pm
Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman and president of Manila Bulletin, joins Deputy Head of Mission and Political Counsellor KC Naidoo, Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, and Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the Yap Group of Companies, in a lively and lighthearted exchange during the visit.
On Aug. 28, Her Excellency Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Philippines, paid a courtesy visit to Manila Bulletin, accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission and Political Counsellor KC Naidoo.
They were warmly welcomed by Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the Yap Group of Companies, and Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman and president of Manila Bulletin. The meeting unfolded in a lighthearted and convivial atmosphere, with conversations ranging from travel anecdotes to cultural curiosities.
Chairman Basilio C. Yap presents a copy of the coffee table book ‘Artists in Their Studio’ to Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, with Deputy Head of Mission KC Naidoo and Dr. Emilio C. Yap III witnessing the moment.
One particularly charming moment came when Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe asked Chairman Yap if he had brought back “simba” from his travels to South Africa. With a smile, he replied that while he hadn’t brought a lion, he did return with giraffes, prompting laughter and further stories.
The dialogue was rich with insights into South African geography, history, and cuisine. Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe playfully quizzed her hosts, “Are you aware that South Africa has three capital cities?” She went on to explain that South Africa uniquely designates three official capitals: Pretoria, the administrative (executive) capital; Cape Town, the legislative capital; and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital. This arrangement reflects historical compromises made during the formation of the Union of South Africa, ensuring a balanced distribution of governmental power across regions.
Senior Editor Isabel De Leon, Executive Editor Pinly Colmenares, Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Publisher Sonny Coloma Jr., Lifestyle Editor Krizette Tiffany Chu, and Deputy Head of Mission KC Naidoo.
Beyond its political structure, South Africa was celebrated during the meeting for its vibrant cultural and ethnic diversity, its legacy of resilience in the face of apartheid, and its breathtaking natural landscapes. The ambassador also highlighted South Africa’s global reputation as a premier safari destination and a top producer of red wines.
The country’s contributions to science and medicine were also noted, including the invention of the CAT scan and the world’s first human heart transplant, performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town.
Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe and Deputy Head of Mission KC Naidoo join Manila Bulletin editorial officials and senior writer Raymund Antonio in a roundtable discussion on key areas of collaboration and shared interests.
Following the social exchange, Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe and Counsellor Naidoo joined the Manila Bulletin editorial team for a more formal roundtable discussion. Topics included ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and the Philippines, particularly through a proposed memorandum of understanding focused on defense and agriculture.
The ambassador also shared plans to expand South African exports to the Philippines, including white fish pears, apples, and table grapes, underscoring the growing potential for trade and cooperation between the two nations.