PRETORIA – WEDNESDAY, 10th December, 2014 –THE Zambia High Commission in Pretoria has been conferred with the “Most Creative Stall Award” following an exhibition at this year’s Diplomatic Fair held in October this year.
The award, bestowed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the City of Tshwane of South Africa, was given to the Zambia High Commission from among 80 other embassies, 20 United Nations agencies and several South African Government departments.
The annual Diplomatic Fair, which was this year held under the theme ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa’ saw participants showcasing and promoting cultural diplomacy through arts, dress, cuisine, music and dance.
The Fair is meant to serve as a platform through which the diplomatic corps, government departments and the business community provides the public with information and also enable the participants to learn about each other and network.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Zambia High Commission, First Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Patricia Muyamwa, said with Zambia just turning 50 years the previous day, the Fair was a good opportunity for the country to announce the Golden Jubilee and also share the developments and the achievements the country has attained in the 50 years of independence.
And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde has commended staff at the High Commission for putting its mission statement into practice through hard work in an effort to attain excellence. Mr. Chikonde pointed out that these efforts have manifested through the successful execution of the Diplomatic Fair and other related events such as the independence celebrations in October.
He also commended the Zambia Association in South Africa (ZASA) for partnering with the High Commission on a number of activities.
Mr. Chikonde said it was encouraging that Zambia won the prize after taking part just for the second time and noted that this showed that the High Commission was poised to sustain its achievements in future.
The Zambian stand had the tourism section showcasing the famous Victoria Falls, wildlife and other tourist attractions across the country while the trade and economic section was on hand to offer information on investment opportunities available in Zambia. The High Commission also went further to extend an invitation through ZASA, to the Zambian community living in South Africa to be part of the event. Three entrepreneurs; Ms. Glenda Mwansa, a fashion designer; Ms. Saki Saka, an expert in Zambian cuisine, and Ms. Chisala, an artifacts and jewelry designer, came forward to be part of the exhibition. Also part of the show was the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia Dance Troupe from Kasama which grew into being one of the main attractions for the crowds through their performances on the day.
This year’s Diplomatic Fair was held on 25th October, 2014 at the grounds of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Issued by:
Nicky Shabolyo
PRESS SECRETARY
HIGH COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA
Mobile: 00 27 810027548 Email: press@zambiapretoria.net; nshabolyo@gmail.com