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20 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Published:Thursday | September 11, 2014 | 12:00 AMJody-Anne Lawrence
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Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade AJ Nicholson in conversation with South African High Commissioner Mathu Joyini.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer Justine Henzel (left) and Major General Antony Anderson getting a warm reception from High Commissioner Joyini.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer Honorary Consul to Norway Grantley Stephenson and wife Judith (left) being greeted by South African High Commissioner Mathu Joyini upon arrival.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer From left: Helene Hagen-Larsen-wife of Argentinian Ambassador,Alvine Valor from the Panamanian Embassy, and Attorney at Law Andrea Bickhoff-Benjamin catch up over a glass of wine.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer From left: Wife of Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Sayoko Takase poses for the camera with the Indian Ambassadors' wife Prem Lata Singh.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer The legendary Bunny Wailer out to celebrate with South Africa.
Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer Roseanna Wollaston (left) and Candace Bailey-James poses for our camera.
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Just in April, we celebrated South Africa's 20th year of freedom in fine style. Five months later, it was time

to celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between both countries, and Jamaicans came out in full support. Entertainers such as Bunny Wailer and Queen Ifrica, as well as diplomats and

political figures, came out to share in the celebration.

High Commissioner Mathu Joyini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A.J. Nicholson both agreed that both countries have been in alliance long before the formalities on September 9, 1994.

"Long before the inception of your own democracy and independence, you raised your voices in opposition to the tyranny that our country was forced to endure. You stood firm where others crumbled. You rallied, sang, prayed and fought for our freedom," Joyini said about the relationship. She continued, "Nelson Mandela became your father, brother and icon in much the same way that Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, Michael Manley, P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga became our own. So this year, we

celebrate far more than just 20 years of

freedom with the people of Jamaica. We

celebrate generations of support, brotherhood, sisterhood and solidarity with you."

 

MORE TO BE DONE

 

She was proud to mention the growth that South Africa achieved over the past 20 years while admitting that there is still much more to do.

Taking the baton from Joyini, Nicholson complimented the growth of the country and, like her, he expects that this relationship will be one that will continue throughout the years.

The formalities came to a close with Bongo Herman taking the audience back to the roots of reggae music - and his drums were the perfect instrument, no need for auto-tune. It was real authentic Jamaican music that the guests enjoyed with fine wine under the stars.