Minister Mapisa-Nqakula congratulates Major Block
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula would like to congratulate Major Seitebatso Pearl Block on receiving the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. The award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles within the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
The award will be bestowed to Major Block on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, at the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial (UNPKDM) Conference held at Vancouver, Canada. The conference is the largest gathering of Defence ministers dedicated to UN Peacekeeping.
Major Block has been an officer since 2007 and has been deployed twice to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the auspices of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or MONUSCO. Her first deployment was in 2010 as an Information Operations Officer. When she was deployed again in 2016, she also served as a Force Intervention Brigade Planner.
Major Block is hailed for developing a number of strategic projects adopted and launched by MONUSCO. During her tenure as an Information Operations Officer, she worked closely with different MONUSCO sections such as Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Reintegration, Resettlement (DDRRR), UN Mine Action Services (UNMAS), Protection of Civilians (PoC) and Gender & Child Protection. She was also instrumental in the implementation of a project aimed at reaching out and disseminating information to women's organisations in far-flung areas of the DRC.
"One cannot but salute Major Block for her hard work and dedication while serving in the DRC. Her commitment to the protection of civilians, especially women and children has been inspiring. As a peace and goodwill ambassador in her own right, she is an epitome of what every member of the SANDF should be. The country is proud of her for flying the South African flag high," said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.
The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lindile Yam will lead the South African delegation attending the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference on behalf of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
Enquiries: Joy Nonzukiso Peter on 082 990 0407
