South Africa celebrates 24th National Day

May 10, 1994, was the day that Mandela was officially inaugurated as president of South Africa. Now, 24 years later, we are still celebrating and will be in years to come.

South Africa hosted its national day at the Terra Nova All-Suite hotel, where many other diplomats came to celebrate the monumental occasion. It was a night where guests literally had the taste of South Africa on the tip of their tongue, with some exquisite wine. First Secretary of the South African High Commission Tyrone Gunnie kept the formalities flowing smoothly and quickly. Charge D'affaires Phillip Riley also wanted to celebrate two women who he believed also left great legacies for South Africa.

Remembering icons

"Mama Albertina Sisulu - whose birth centenary we also celebrate this year, and Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, dedicated their lives to the fight for freedom, equality, social justice, and democracy in South Africa.

"Their legacies continue to also serve as a lodestar as South Africa grapples with the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Our efforts strive to lay the basis for a better South Africa that is prosperous because it is peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and united. This endeavour informs South Africa's role in supporting the creation of a world that is just and equitable," Gunnie said.

He also thanked Jamaica for their relationship.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith shared some warm words on the celebratory occasion.

"Today, I am particularly pleased that relations between Jamaica and South Africa, built on the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity, continue to grow and evolve," said Johnson-Smith.

After speaking about the relationship between the two countries, and with formalities out of the way, they toasted with fine South African wine.