"South Africa Week" in the Philippines 1999

By Skhy Xinwa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Meintjeskop Ditaba No III/1998

.

From 31 March to 4 April this year, the High Commission hosted the "South Africa Week in the Philippines" at the Manila Mandarin Hotel in Makati City, Manila. A number of events aimed at promoting awareness of South Africa as a trade and investment partner and as a unique and alternative tourist destination were staged by the High Commission. 

It is important to point out from the outset, that the event's success was due to the valuable assistance of  DENEL, SATOUR, FEDHASA, South African Airways, Malaysian Airlines, the Out of Africa Restaurant, Malaysia-South Africa Business Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Tourism of the Republic of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology of South Africa, the Umtata Cultural Ensemble and the office of the South African Honorary Consul in Manila

Apart from the two members of Cabinet, the launch was also attended by more than a dozen captains of industry, heads of diplomatic missions, senior academics,students and senior public service representatives. Since the event was aimed at displaying what South• Africa has to offer in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture and academic co-operation, the following events were successfully staged to meet this important objective.:

Food and Wine Festival

With the able and creative assistance of the Out of Africa team, led by Brandon Whitehead, the High Commission hosted a week-long sampling of some of the famous South African dishes like bobotie,,boerewors, potjiekos, putu, etc. These dishes were complemented, as expected, by good South African wine.

Cultural Performance Arts

The Umtata Cultural Ensemble, coming all the way from President Mandela's home province, staged a number of impressive performances during "the Week" that had the house packed during their lunch time.  

And evening performances at the hotel. The group, led by Sonwabile Maqokolo,also did a wonderful song and dance routine during the official opening of the South African Garden at the "Garden of the World Exhibition" in Pampanga, 60 kilometres north of Manila.

Business Seminar

The High Commission in tandem with the Malaysian - South African Business Council successfully highlighted the many opportunities and potential of the South African market. Murray and Roberts focused in their presentation on the well-established track record and advantages offered by the South African construction and engineering industry.

For the duration of the week, participants, visitors and friends of South Africa in the Philippines, were treated to the unique experience that is South Africa. Based on the success of the first ''South Africa Week in the Philippines', the High Commission is planning to host another "SA Week" in 1999.