Minister of Arts and Culture Dr Z Pallo Jordan
14 November 2006
Today South Africa becomes the newest, the youngest and 46th member of the
Commonwealth Foundation, a global organisation whose major aim is to strengthen
civil society organisations.
A special executive committee meeting was held in London today where the
South African High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ms Lindiwe Mabuza, was
specially hosted to welcome the country.
The development has been greeted with great joy by the Minister of Arts and
Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan, who said it marks a significant milestone in making
the country a key player in African and global affairs.
"It is a small step. We are the last nation to join the Commonwealth
Foundation becoming its 46th member, thus far. But this marks a giant leap
towards consolidating our position as an important and influential player in
global affairs."
"Our cultural achievements played a pivotal role not only in highlighting
African artistic capability, but in nurturing a spirit of internationalism in
the world."
"It is our conviction that this development will contribute a great deal
towards strengthening civil society organisations while opening up
opportunities for our own creative artists and intellectuals to make a
meaningful contribution to developments and trends within the Commonwealth,"
Minister Jordan said.
South Africa is the second Commonwealth country to join the Foundation in
less than six months. The reputation of the Commonwealth hinges on creating
spaces for civil society organisation to influence global trends. Recently,
South Africa and the United Kingdom signed a bilateral agreement that will see
the two countries engaging in cultural exchanges and increased collaboration in
arts and culture, including film.
"The Commonwealth provides an ideal platform to not only to bring the two
countries closer, but opens an avenue for working artists to hone the
relationship."
"I am delighted that this development will make it possible for civil
society to make its voice heard and provide a better opportunity for working
together."
"Indeed, this greatly enhances the building of broader connections between
culture, democracy and development across the Commonwealth," Minister Jordan
remarked.
"As it is, South Africa will host the Commonwealth Foundation's 4th
Diversity Matters Forum a pan Commonwealth conference on "media and diversity
in the Commonwealth" that is due to take place in Johannesburg during February
2007."
Notes for editors
The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation resourced
by and reporting to Commonwealth governments. It works to enhance the role of
civil society organisations in governance, democracy, sustainable development
and culture and diversity by strengthening their institutional and human
capacity and creating opportunities and space for partnership, participation,
advice and leadership. The Foundation was established by Commonwealth
governments in 1965 and is guided by the principles, values and priorities of
the Commonwealth.
Membership of the Commonwealth Foundation is open to all Commonwealth member
countries on agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding. Member countries pay
an annual subscription on a sliding scale.
Becoming a member of the Commonwealth Foundation brings increased
opportunities for interchanges between civil society and governments. The
Foundation helps civil society to participate at Commonwealth ministerial
meetings and other Commonwealth conferences. It also gives grants to help
non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and members of professional associations
to take part in advisory, exchange, training and study visits with the overall
aim of building networks and capacity for dialogue. Cultural awards and prizes,
such as the Arts and Crafts Awards, are an important part of the Foundation's
work. South African citizens will now be eligible to take part in these and
many other schemes and projects.
The Commonwealth is rich in professional networks, with more than 80 such
organisations covering professions as varied as parliamentarians, veterinarians
and human rights activists. For a full list visit http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/151814/commonwealth_directory
Enquiries:
Valerie Matlou
Chief Director: International Relations
Cell: 082 941 5463
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for the Department of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
14 November 2006
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
