South Africa | Freedom Day
Sinehhlanhla Sithole wore a striking bead outfit
High Commissioner Mlaba delivers his Freedom Day address
Sinehhlanhla Sithole wore a striking bead outfit
Music group the Lion King Quartet gets the party going
Former Trade Commissioner to South Africa Andy Henderson reminisces about his time in the Republic
Embassy editor Elizabeth Stewart and the High Commissioner for the Seychelles Marie-Pierre Lloyd
Brig-Gen Sithabiso Mahlobo, Cameroon Ambassador Nkwelle Ekaney and High Commissioner Mlaba
High Commissioner Mlaba with Libyan Ambassador Mahmud Mohammed Nacua
The Ambassador of South Sudan Sabit Abbe Alley and the Ambassador of Eritrea Estifanos Habtermariam Ghebreyesus
Heads of mission for Mozambique, Singapore, Ghana, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zambia
Time to cut a rug on the dance floor
High Commissioner Mlaba welcomes former High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Boateng
Singer Joyce Moholoagae belts out a track
Tasty South African grub
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Freedom Day
As befits a country known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa celebrated its Freedom Day with a vibrant, colourful party in the heart of London. Guests at SA House were treated to an afternoon of song and dance (some scheduled, some spontaneous) before tucking into typical moreish South African cuisine like pap and vleis.
In his speech High Commissioner Obed Mlaba paid tribute to the heroic efforts of those who fought for democracy in South Africa in a year that marks the 40th anniversary of the 1976 uprising in Soweto, 60 years since the women’s march on the Union buildings and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Fort Hare. “Today we face challenges like an economic slowdown, the recent drought and energy supply but we shall overcome. South Africa is a resilient nation,” he said.