Press Release | July 20, 2020 On July 16 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recognized South African Advocate Anne Heeramun for her efforts in the prosecution and planned extradition of Byungsu Kim, a South Korean national wanted in the United States for international plant trafficking from protected areas. The successful collaboration between the United States …
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Press Release | July 6, 2020 The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has delivered a second shipment of 100 ventilators to South Africa to assist with its national response to COVID-19. “Patients deserve the best possible care we can provide. Ventilators are an important part of supporting that care, which …
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After three days of collaboration and solution-finding, the first-ever U.S. Africa Command (AFRIC OM) Accountability Colloquium in South Africa co-hosted with SA National Defence Force has drawn to a close. Events such as the Accountability Colloquium bring together operational commanders and their military legal advisors to share best practices with professional forces to respect the rule of law and human …
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To celebrate International Women’s Day, the United States Embassy invites you to join a free film screening of Qualified at Loftus Park. Qualified is a documentary on the life of Janet Guthrie, the first woman to earn a place at the Indianapolis 500! So, claim your free ticket and make a pitstop at Loftus at …
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To commemorate World Wetlands Day, the United States Embassy in Pretoria recently partnered with Friends of Colbyn Valley to not only clean up the Colbyn Valley Nature Area but also learn more about the wetlands system in Pretoria. U.S. Embassy officials and their families worked side-by-side with volunteers from the community and Friends of Colbyn …
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Media Release | January 31, 2020 The U.S. Mission to South Africa is pleased to announce its support, through a grant of $100,000 (R1.4 mil), for the production of Paradise Blue at the Market Theatre, January 31 – March 1, 2020. To commemorate Black History Month, recognized each year in February, the U.S. Mission has …
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Pretoria January 28, 2020 A Message to South Africans Molweni Mzansi! Today, I write to you no longer as Ambassador-designate, but as the fully accredited U.S. Ambassador to South Africa! Meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa this afternoon to present my credentials at the South African Government was a tremendous moment. Masisebenzisane! We are stronger together and …
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CONGRATULATIONS to our two recipients of awards for this year’s Desert Start-Up Bootcamp (DSBC) entrepreneurship program! After 11 intensive weeks, participants came together for a final Pitch Night where they presented their businesses to panelists and investors. Seed capital awards of R25,000 were made to Xolela Jara of KAPP Delivery and Barabara Ayissi of Puzzle …
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Press Release September 27, 2019 The United States Embassy in Pretoria hosted representatives from various South African Government Departments, on 27 September 2019, for the tenth Annual Bilateral Forum (ABF), which was co-chaired by Ambassador NM Lallie, acting Deputy Director-General: Americas and Europe at the Dept. of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Mr. David …
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Press Release |Embassy of the United States August 13, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria hosted a training workshop aimed at preventing outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) “bird flu” in Southern Africa. The workshop, held from August 12 – 16 focused on laboratory diagnostics as an essential tool for combatting …
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Media Advisory Embassy of the United States of America 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria July 1, 2019 U.S. Jazz Artists Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet featuring South Africa’s Feya Faku In partnership with the U.S. Embassy, The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet featuring Feya Faku, conducted a series of workshop/master classes in the Pretoria and Johannesburg areas …
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Peace Corps Swearing-In Ceremony, April 1, 2019 The United States Peace Corps and the United States Mission to South Africa swore in 34 new Peace Corps Volunteers on Monday, April 1, 2019, in Pretoria. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ian McCary delivered remarks and swear in the volunteers. Pretoria News was there to cover the …
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Press Release | April 9, 2019 For more information: USEmbassyPress@state.gov Pretoria – On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, the United States Embassy in Pretoria partnered with local first responders from the South African Police Service Diplomatic Unit, Tshwane Metro Police, Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD), Netcare 911 Ambulance Service, and other local authorities to conduct an emergency …
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Press Release | February 6, 2019 Calling all investment-ready South African entrepreneurs! The 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES2019) is gathering the world’s top entrepreneurs, around five innovation sectors: Agriculture, Connectivity, Energy, Health and Water. If you’re ready to lead in offering solutions to global challenges, then apply now! GES2019 is a great exposure opportunity for …
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Month-long Run of “Nina Simone: Four Women” Media Release | January 29, 2019 The U.S. Mission to South Africa is pleased to announce its support, through a grant of $75,000 (R1 023 534), for the production of “Nina Simone: Four Women” at the Market Theatre, February 1-24, 2019. To commemorate Black History Month, recognized in …
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How often do you get to meet a man who has been in space four times? The United States Mission to South Africa welcomed Major General Charles Bolden to South Africa from November 12-17 and his recent mission to South Africa had students, pupils, space enthusiasts, aerospace professionals on the edge of their seats as he described …
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What is a conservation social scientist and why is she visiting South Africa? Dr. Meredith Gore is one of the world’s leading conservation experts and she recently traveled to South Africa to learn from and share best practices with South African students, community members, and government officials on tackling issues of wildlife poaching, wildlife trafficking, …
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The United States Mission to South Africa is pleased to welcome the Minnesota Orchestra to South Africa, as it embarks on its Music for Mandela tour across the country. As part of its Mandela Centenary commemorations, the Embassy is delighted to have provided support for the orchestra’s tour, the first ever tour of a full …
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To honor the legacy and lifetime of service embodied by Nelson Mandela, a team from the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria joined Sun International and the Minister of Social Development, Susan Shabangu, to give 67 minutes of service on Mandela Day, July 18, where they packed food parcels for South African children in need. The U.S. …
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Twenty-nine South African students and scholars have received fully-funded Fulbright scholarships to conduct research and complete postgraduate studies at U.S. academic institutions. The world-renowned Department of State-funded Fulbright Program provides scholarships to university graduates seeking a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nearly any field of study at a university in the U.S. Thirteen South Africans …
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News Release June 20, 2018 (Cape Town) The sixth annual Source Africa Textile and Apparel Show opened at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, showcasing the continent’s creativity, fashion sense, and business opportunities. The June 20 – 21 event features 140 exhibitions by textile, shoe and clothing producers, suppliers and service providers from across Africa. …
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Forty-six young South Africans will travel to the United States to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which aims to enhance leadership skills, bolster entrepreneurship, and connect young leaders from across Africa with the American people, and with each another. During their six-week visit, 28 U.S. universities will host 700 Fellows from sub-Saharan Africa for …
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U.S. Embassy-Sponsored Training Focuses on Surveillance and Early Detection to Prevent Outbreaks and Spread of Avian Influenza The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is hosting a workshop on surveillance and early detection to prevent outbreaks and the rapid spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAI (“bird flu”) in Pretoria April 24-26. Bringing together epidemiologists and veterinarians …
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Media Advisory April 20, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town was honored to participate in this year’s Kennedy Center Gold Medal in the Arts gala on Saturday, April 14, 2018. This year’s gala, held at the recently inaugurated Zeitz MOCAA, honored six extraordinary South African artists: Basil J.R. Jones and …
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Excitement was the order of the day as 33 new American Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn-in during a special ceremony at the U.S. Community Center in Pretoria on Monday, April 16. This 37th cohort of volunteers arrived in South Africa in January before embarking on an immersive 10-week training schedule that included training in language, …
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Congratulations, South Africa! We were thrilled to be at today’s signing of renewable energy independent power producer project (REIPPP) agreements, which will result in R55.92 billion in new investments in the energy sector (including foreign direct investment from U.S. companies!), create nearly 60,000 new jobs, and generate 2300 megawatts of energy. Chargé d’Affaires Jessye Lapenn …
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The United States Mission to South Africa and its Regional English Language Office hosted world-renowned American Arts Integration and English Language Specialist Karen Konnerth for a series of puppet performances for primary and high school students in Pretoria and Durban. She also held workshops for teachers in Polokwane, Lyndhurst, and Benoni. Konnerth is a visual …
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As part of a response to the #BlackPantherChallenge, an ongoing campaign to take young people to watch the inspirational Black Panther superhero film in cinema, the U.S. Mission to South Africa hosted 120 young leaders to watch a special screening of Black Panther at Brooklyn Mall on Human Rights Day, March 21. Young leaders from …
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The second annual meeting of the U.S. Mobilizing Institutional Investors to Develop Africa’s Infrastructure (MiDA) delegation met with South African asset managers, financial institutions, and African pension fund representatives to build further partnerships and find co-investment opportunities in Johannesburg and Cape Town March 5-9, 2018. Formed in 2016, MiDA is a partnership between the U.S. …
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Press Release | March 19, 2018 To explore ways to bring fresh perspectives into HIV reporting in South Africa, the U.S. Embassy sponsored a three-day workshop for South African journalists in Johannesburg from March 13-15, 2018. Participants included reporters and editors from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. The course provided an …
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ARE YOU A JOURNALIST REPORTING ON OR INTERESTED IN HEALTH ISSUES, SUCH AS HIV/AIDS? Do you want to sharpen your skills, learn about the latest advances, see examples of cutting edge reporting, and develop new networks? Apply today for a free, practical, hands-on, and interactive training which will focus on: The role of media in …
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The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the donation of three forensic trailers to support provincial law enforcement officials to investigate wildlife crime scenes. The trailers were handed over to representatives of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal authorities at a ceremony co-hosted with the non-governmental organization TRAFFIC on February 20, 2018, at the …
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The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce its support for the production of One Night in Miami… at the Market Theatre, February 2-25, 2018. To commemorate Black History Month, recognized each year in February, the U.S. Embassy has partnered with the Market Theatre in Johannesburg to deliver high-impact and thought-provoking drama to South African audiences. …
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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jessye Lapenn co-hosted a signing ceremony with Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) Foundation Managing Director André le Roux to celebrate the launch of an Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant totaling $88,179 to the SAMRO Foundation. The ceremony took place at the legendary Orbit Jazz Club in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on …
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Daily Maverick | Orateng Lepodise | September 26, 2017 Giving back is a reward. Nobody knows this better than the United States Peace Corps, which hosted a swearing-in ceremony for 40 new South African volunteers on Friday. The Peace Corps is working at improving education and health conditions and capacity in South Africa. On Friday, the Peace Corps hosted a swearing in ceremony in …
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Media Advisory | September 12, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria will open the four-week application period for the 2018 YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship on September 13, 2017 and invites all interested candidates in South Africa to apply for this professional development program. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African …
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Last Thursday, US manufacturer of construction and mining equipment Caterpillar opened their new international parts distribution centre in in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. The centre is the only one located in Africa.
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Media Advisory | August 29, 2017 As part of its month-long programming throughout August to commemorate Women’s Month, the U.S. Mission to South Africa is hosting the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of WEConnect International, Ms. Elizabeth Vazquez, to present a series of workshops and lead discussions with women entrepreneurs and business leaders in Johannesburg, Pretoria …
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Media Advisory | August 22, 2017 With the support of a grant from the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, media practitioners from community radio stations in Gauteng had the opportunity to attend the Menell Media Exchange 2017 conference (MMX17) in Bryanston August 11-12, 2017. Reporters and presenters from Mamelodi’s community radio station Mams FM and …
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Lots of laughter, stories of U.S. adventures, and memories from being a Fulbrighter were exchanged at a recent reception where the Embassy hosted The Fulbright Program alumni affiliated to the University of Pretoria . Our Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Elizabeth McKay, enjoyed the opportunity to meet alumni who are making their mark on academia in South Africa. “Even after two …
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Media Advisory July 14, 2017 LOHATLA, South Africa – The U.S. military, in partnership with the South Africa National Defense Force, will conduct Exercise Shared Accord 2017, a command post and company-level field training exercise, July 17 – August 3. Shared Accord 17 is a U.S. Africa Command directed and U.S. Army Africa led exercise …
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Media Advisory June 23, 2013 Microbiology, mathematics, biochemistry, international affairs, astronomy, ethnomusicology…. These are just some of the many disciplines pursued by South Africans in the 2017 Fulbright Students and Scholars cohort. The U.S. Embassy’s Fulbright office hosted the 2017 class of students and scholars for a pre-departure orientation on June 23 in Sandton, as …
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Media Advisory June 23, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in South Africa’s office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilitated the donation of border enforcement equipment and tools to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at their K-9 facility in Kempton Park. The equipment will be utilized in support SARS’ efforts to safeguard the borders …
Read More» Media Advisory June 13, 2017 Joint Statement: 8th South African – United States Annual Bilateral Forum, 8 June 2017 The Embassy of the United States of America hosted the South African Government for the 8th Annual Bilateral Forum (ABF), on 8 June 2017, in Pretoria. The ABF takes place under the auspices of the South …
Read More» Media Advisory | June 1, 2017 The U.S. Mission to South Africa is pleased to announce the visit of Emmy-nominated film producer Carolyn Hepburn and social innovation strategist Lina Srivastava May 31 – June 10, 2017. The filmmakers are participants in the U.S. Department of State’s American Film Showcase, which facilitates “film diplomacy” by funding …
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Mayors Kasim Reed from Atlanta and Patricia de Lille from Cape Town met last week to build closer ties, explore opportunities to grow the two cities’ economies, and discuss best practices. U.S. Consul General to Cape Town, Teddy Taylor, hosted the two mayors at his residence and welcomed government, civil society, and business leaders to …
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Let’s Make a Deal! South African Private Sector Leaders to American Investors: “We’re Open for Business” It is not every day that you get international dealmakers of this size together under one roof, but earlier today in Sandton, some of South Africa’s top business leaders, including Chief Executive of Standard Bank – South Africa Sim Tshabalala and Chief Executive Officer …
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What does it take to make a video that goes viral? Can you do it yourself? These questions and more are answered by Ron Diamond, founder of Acme Filmworks Inc.
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On April 20, U.S. Consul General Christopher Rowan, of the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, hosted a reception to officially re-open the Consulate’s Rosa Parks Library & Innovation Studio in Soweto following a nearly four-month refurbishment project. At the reception, the Consul General reflected on the library’s more than 40 years of impact on Soweto’s …
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Peace Corps Celebrates 20 Years in South Africa and Swears-in 33 New Volunteers In 1994, Presidents Mandela and Clinton agreed the United States and South Africa should work together for the transformation of South Africa. For the past 20 years, Americans have been coming to South Africa as Peace Corps Volunteers. Last week, 33 new …
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The U.S. Consulate General Cape Town brought American musician Nat Adderley Jr. to kick off this year’s Jazz Appreciation Month by participating in a panel discussion “on “The Music Business ” at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), conducting workshops with young musicians around the city, and performing in and around in Cape Town …
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Developing a Creative Narrative How do you develop a public narrative that attracts attention? And how do you get your target audience to act? Ellyn Fisher is the senior vice president of public relations and social media for the Advertising Council, one of the most successful promoters of nonprofit organizations working for the social good. …
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Media Advisory March 29, 2017 U.S. Embassy Pretoria Supports Global Light it Up Blue Campaign The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is delighted to announce its participation in the signature campaign of “Autism Speaks” by joining the Light It Up Blue campaign, which is dedicated to raising international awareness of autism during World Autism Awareness Day …
Read More» Learn how to drive people to action through effective storytelling and branding during a live webchat featuring speaker Michael Bellavia, CEO HelpsGood.
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University of Georgia poultry expert Professor Michael Lacy arrived last week at Pietermaritzburg’s KZN Poultry Institute ( www.kznpi.co.za ) to assist with the training of 30 emerging poultry farmers. As a U.S. Fulbright Specialist, Lacy’s work at KZNPI kicks off a month-long visit to South Africa that will include visits to local farms, universities, and agricultural …
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Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn into Service of SA’s Rural Communities Pretoria, Monday, September 12, 2016 – Peace Corps South Africa hosted the swearing in ceremony of ‘SA 34’, the 34th contingent of trainees to serve in South Africa as Peace Corps Volunteers since 1997. The group of 36 arrived in the country on July 8 …
Read More» KZN youth discuss radio industry challenges DURBAN, JULY 28, 2016 – The National Community Radio Forum-KwaZulu Natal, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Durban, hosted the Youth in Media Annual Dialogue at Durban City Hall. About 120 youth from across the province of KwaZulu-Natal attended the event, including students from University of Zululand, Durban …
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IOL | SPECIAL FEATURE | 15 Jul ’16, 2:16pm Aaron Motsoaledi and Patrick Gaspard #AIDS2016: 16 years on, many gains have been made When the International Aids Conference opened in Durban 16 years ago, the challenge seemed insurmountable. Scientists were projecting that half of South Africa’s young people would die of Aids. At …
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Press Release July 1, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, hosted a reception at his residence in Pretoria on June 30 to commemorate the 240th anniversary of America’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The national holiday is celebrated each year on July 4 in the United States with …
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Press Release Embassy of the United States 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria Monday, June 6, 2016 For More Information: Katleho Mogase | USEmbassySAPress@state.gov Ambassador Gaspard Celebrates Carnegie Hall Music Project in South Africa An affair of music, talent, and cultural exchange have brought together the interests of Carnegie Hall, the U.S. State Department and Strive Masiwa …
Read More» Press Release May 30, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information: Cynthia Harvey at USEmbassySAPress@state.gov Kerry Kennedy: “Ripples of Hope” Continue to Inspire U.S. – South Africa Relationship 50 Years Later Johannesburg, May 30, 2016 – Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) and President of RFK Human Rights, is visiting South Africa May 30-June …
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Media Advisory Monday, April 25, 2016 Ambassador Gaspard celebrated the growing trade relationship between South Africa and the United States and the successful renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) at a braai at his residence on April 25. As U.S. poultry, beef, and pork make their way to South African retailers’ shelves, the …
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A new U.S. funded center opened at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University exposing professionals, scholars, and students to hundreds of exchange and study opportunities. The American Corner, Port Elizabeth will create a forum for an exchange of ideas, arts, and culture between Americans and South Africans in the Eastern Cape. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Andrew Leitch officially …
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Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Today, at Ford South Africa, we celebrated another success in the U.S.-South African relationship. Ambassador Gaspard joined Ford leadership and the Minister for Department of Trade and Industry Rob Davies for the unveiling of the new Ford Everest. Not only does this …
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Press Release March 31, 2016 U.S. Ambassador Pays Tribute to American Champion of the Anti-Apartheid Movement Ambassador Andrew J. Young Johannesburg, South Africa — United States Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard hosted a tribute to Ambassador Andrew J. Young at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory on March 29, 2016. The event, attended by …
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March 1-3, 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) S.A. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and S.A. Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) hosted a training seminar for South African entrepreneurs and importers interested in learning more about the processes to import American poultry to the South African market. …
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By Ntando Makhubu | Pretoria News | January 27, 2016) THE MEDIA and its role in promoting the rights of sexual minority groups was the subject of a discussion hosted by the American Embassy yesterday. The talks were hosted by the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Catherine Hill-Hendron. She allowed members of the media to …
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The United States Marines from Detachment Cape Town, South Africa conducted their annual Toys for Tots Program with much success. On December 23rd, 2015 the Marines delivered over 60 presents to include board games, toy cars, dolls, movies, and sports equipment to a local children’s home. The Marines had a wonderful time conducting a physical …
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Consul General Christopher Rowan visited a couple of sites that demonstrate the unshakable commitment of the United States to South Africa in combating HIV/AIDS and reducing stigma, both around testing and treatment and for children in families affected by HIV. CG Rowan visited the Shout-It-Now testing site in Tsakane, Johannesburg and Nanga Vhutshilo, a children’s care …
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U.S. Ambassador Patrick H. Gaspard on Tuesday November 10, 2015, launched a program, in partnership with the South African Government, to help South Africa reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting vibrant economic development and wellbeing for its citizens. The USAID South Africa Low Emissions Development (SA-LED) Program will help to bridge the gap between public …
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To mark the UN International Day of the Girl in October, Consul General Frances Chisholm visited female students at uMkhumbane Secondary School in Chesterville. More than fifty girls are part of a peer educator program supported by U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Community Grants recipient Hope2Educate. This organization works to reduce the number of young teens engaged in sexual …
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The United States Embassy in Pretoria hosted South Africa’s first YALI TechCamp: Digital Strategies for Grassroots Organizing. TechCamp is a hands-on, interactive two-day event for selected youth from ten countries in Africa, including South Africa, to interact with world-class technology trainers. The YALI TechCamp took place from October 21-22 at the American Corner, inside the …
Read More» U.S. Consul General Frances Chisholm joined KwaZulu-Natal‘s Member of the Executive Council for Health, Dr. Sbongiseni Dhlomo and Dr. Albertina Luthuli to participate in the Rotary Family Health Day Campaign at the Luthuli Museum in Groutville on October 7. The community received free TB screening, testing and counselling for HIV, vitamin A supplements, and healthy lifestyle information. The program also provided …
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The U.S. Embassy sponsored a one-night performance memorializing American author, poet, civil rights activist, playwright, actress, director, composer, singer and dancer Maya Angelou, who died on May 28, 2014. In partnership with the historic Market Theatre and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the U.S. Embassy celebrated the life of Maya Angelou in an original production “I Almost …
Read More» By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA | ASSOCIATED PRESS | November 9, 2013 9:09 AM Originally published by Associated Press » JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The new United States ambassador to South Africa says he was a “young kid” when he first met Nelson Mandela, who traveled to the U.S. a few months after he was released from jail in 1990. Patrick Gaspard, now 46 …
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