The Presidency has welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites. 

The inscription follows the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India held from the 21 – 31 of July 2024. 

The inscribed sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which is a serial property comprising of fourteen (14) components that are located in four provinces and seven municipalities across South Africa are, the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf, Sharpeville (comprising three component parts), Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Mathews House (Comprising two component parts), Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange. 

Collectively, this serial property demonstrates the events and ideas that served as the core of South Africa’s liberation struggle, which continue to inspire humanity and the embrace of reconciliation, a quarter century later. 

The 14 components exemplify strong memories and beliefs in the triumph of human rights, liberation and reconciliation.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee further inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites as recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour. 

The second South African serial site inscribed is The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa. 

The sites are located in the Western Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal. The three sites are:

– Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay, Western Cape

– Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape

– Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.

The inscription of these two serial properties, increases South Africa’s list of World Heritage Sites to 12. 

The two newly inscribed properties join the following; Robben Island, Vredefort Dome, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. 

The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Cradle of Humankind /Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, Maluti Drakensberg Park and The Khomani Cultural Landscape.

The Union Buildings joins global sites like the Kremlin, Kasubi Tombs, Mose oaThunya, Taj Mahal, The Vatican and others onto the World Heritage List.  

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, The Presidency wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 46th session Committee for the honour bestowed to the country, its history and rich legacy. 

The Presidency also acknowledges the members of the Africa Group and most importantly, the African World Heritage Fund, which is an intergovernmental organisation created in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO to address challenges faced by the African State Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, specifically the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites. 

The fund is hosted by the Government of South Africa on behalf of the African continent. 

The Presidency would like to recognise the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture team that worked tirelessly for months preparing this nomination and the contribution of the Provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. 

The Presidency calls on all South Africans, spheres of Government, management authorities and heritage stakeholders to work in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that these precious treasures of humanity are safeguarded and optimally deployed to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development in communities and further entrench the values of human rights, freedom, peace and reconciliation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

The Prime Minister met President of Rwanda Paul Kagame in Paris. 

The Prime Minister congratulated the President on his recent re-election and remarked he was looking forward to working closely with him across a range of shared priorities. 

He praised the President’s leadership on climate change, with the two leaders agreeing that further action is necessary to make sure we are all meeting our climate obligations. They agreed to keep in close contact on this. 

They discussed their shared commitment to continue working together on solutions to tackle illegal migration. They agreed that it is a pressing global challenge, and breaking the business model of criminal gangs who profit from people’s suffering must be the priority.

The President and the Prime Minister reflected on the strength of the relationship between Rwanda and the UK, and both agreed this spirit of close cooperation should continue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street.

Commendable water and soil conservation activities aimed at environmental restoration are being conducted in the Central Region. Mr. Kesete Gebregergis, head of water and soil conservation, stated that the program primarily focuses on constructing terraces on agricultural land.

He indicated that over 2,220 hectares of terraces have been constructed in the first half of 2024, representing a more than 60% increase compared to 2023. Mr. Kesete further noted that the plan to construct 250 hectares of terraces by the community and members of the Defense Forces has been fully completed.

Additionally, 1,300 hectares of terraces have been renovated, and 51,000 cubic meters of water diversion schemes have been constructed.

In the Central Region, over 1,500 hectares of irrigation farming are being developed from 133 big and small dams.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

In its 3rd commencement, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Science has conferred Post Graduate, Doctor of Medicine, First Degree, and Diploma qualifications to 275 graduates yesterday.

The graduates include 12.7% in degree programs and 87.3% in diploma programs, with 47.6% of the graduating students being female. Prof. Yemane Seium, Dean of the College, stated that Orotta College of Medicine and Health Science, as an institute of higher learning, strives to provide quality medical education, standard patient care, and medical research. He emphasized that the college ensures its education programs include content that is aligned with current global developments, focusing on primary health care and addressing community needs. According to Prof. Yemane, the graduates include 22 with a Degree of Doctor of Medicine, 9 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, 4 specializing in Pediatrics and Child Health, and 1 specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In the diploma program, the graduates include 20 in Medical Laboratory Technology, 20 in Pharmacy Technician, 120 in Comprehensive Nursing, 30 in Dental Technology, 17 in Radiology Technology, and 25 in Environmental Health Technology.

Prof. Yemane also urged the graduates to serve and improve the quality of life and health of their communities with compassion, honesty, and integrity.

In her keynote address, Ms. Amina Nurhussein, Minister of Health, noted the significant investment the Government of Eritrea is making to provide equitable education opportunities to its citizens, which is yielding encouraging results. She called on the graduates to apply their knowledge practically and serve their people with utmost dedication and diligence. The representative of the graduates, commending the educational opportunities provided, expressed their conviction to meet the expectations of the people and the government that supported their education.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.