18 September 2007
Barely two weeks after showering women in local government with accolades
during the annual Women in Local Government Awards, Gauteng Local Government
MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu received an honour from the Italian government.
At a glittering ceremony at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in
Waterkloof, Pretoria near Tshwane on Monday, 17 September 2007, Italian Deputy
Foreign Affairs Minister Honourable Patrizia Sentinelli bestowed Mahlangu with
the decoration of 'Cavilier' (Knight) in Order 'Stella della SolidarietÃ
Italiana' for her role in strengthening ties with the Italian community.
Reading the citation from the award, Pier Attinio Forlano, Counsellor of the
Embassy of Italy in South Africa, said: "Mahlangu has been charged by the
African National Congress (ANC) to follow closely the social issues with
particular reference to gender, youth and people with disabilities. She is also
responsible for the relations with minorities and within that task she keeps
regular contact with the Italian institutions, the economic operators and the
representatives of the Italian community, particularly with the directors of
the Hellenic-Italian-Portuguese association."
"Mahlangu has always represented the Italian institutions and community a
precious and attentive interlocutor, who has been able to create a relationship
of friendship and tangible collaboration," he added.
In her acceptance speech, Mahlangu, who was accompanied by family members,
paid homage to the Italian government for bestowing the Order of 'Cavilier' on
her for her role in strengthening ties with the Italian community.
She said she was humbled to be bestowed with such an honour and expressed
gratitude to the President of Italy Honourable Georgio Napolitana for bestowal
of the Order of 'Cavilier,' adding that the Italian community embraced her as
one of their own and that made her work much easier in making them understand
the role of the African National Congress (ANC) in the South African political
arena as well as system of governance in the country.
"My visit to Italy in September 2006 was illuminating. We met with Deputy
Minister Franco Danieli in Rome and we talked about Hip Alliance and challenges
facing many nations in the 21st century, including crime, poverty and
underdevelopment. I have met most of the Italian delegation at Regional and
National levels who came to South Africa for different reasons, including the
Deputy Minister of Transport Andrea Anunziata.
"I have met the regional delegation that came here to look at the federalism
as a system of government. I have enjoyed interacting with them all in all
aspects of life. This has been made possible by Maurizio Mariano, who has
become a brother, a friend and comrade. Maurizio is passionate about everything
but most importantly, that he is a South African of Italian origin.
"I have been a judge for three successive years in the Miss Italia
competition and I found that these girls are very patriotic about our beautiful
country and given the opportunity they can be good ambassadors with positive
messages without glossing over our challenges," said Mahlangu.
The MEC said her deployment by the ANC's National Executive Committee and
National Working Committee was proof enough that South Africa belongs to all
who live in it, irrespective of colour, gender and creed.
"I call you to join us in continuing the building process until we have
realised the construction of a house which accommodates all of us, across race,
gender, class and creed. I have enjoyed interacting with the Italians and I
have learnt a lot from them. They are very passionate about everything they do
and that makes me even want to work with them time and again," said
Mahlangu.
The event was among others graced by the presence of the Reserve Bank
Governor Tito Mboweni, second Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sue van der Merwe
and ambassadors from Africa, Asia and Europe.
For more information contact:
Themba Sepotokele
Tel: 011 355 5111
Cell: 082 490 9869
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial
Government
18 September 2007
