Sports, youth and gender cooperation progressing between Seychelles and South Africa |25 March 2023

Minister Zialor, Dr Manzini and their delegations in a souvenir photograph

The Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Marie-Celine Zialor, met with the high commissioner of South Africa to Seychelles, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, on Thursday afternoon at Family House, Bel Eau.

Minister Zialor launched the discussions by highlighting the progress made in sports citing that two weeks ago, two Seychellois athletes, Denzel Adam and Caleb Vadivello, left the country to pursue their training in South Africa.

She added that a Seychelles delegation led by the principal secretary for youth and sports department, Ralph Jean-Louis, is flying to South Africa soon to hold talks for collaboration in high-level programmes for sports.

A significant advantage between Seychelles and South Africa is connectivity, with a four-hour direct flight.

Minister Zialor proposed more focused exchanges in other areas, specifically gender and youth entrepreneurship/performing arts.

Zooming in on gender, given South Africa's civil society is very active, Minister Zialor sought the support of the high commissioner towards Seychelles' efforts to host the Seychelles chapter of the Women of the World (WOW) Festival.

To recall, WOW festivals celebrate women and girls and take a frank look at the obstacles they face. WOW challenges the belief that gender equality has already been achieved – and hopes to join the dots between people, movements and ideas to change the world.

Minister Zialor said WOW Festival – Seychelles would be a first for the country and also the South-East African region.

“We've already hosted a think tank here in Seychelles where the WOW Founder Dame Jude Kelly attended, and we also had two participants from South Africa, which we would like to bring on board. A few weeks ago, I also attended the festival in London. It is an innovative and fun way to address gender issues that are either uncomfortable or controversial,” Minister Zialor said.

The other area for consideration is capacity building in youth and entrepreneurship. Before her tenure in cabinet, Minister Zialor advocated for women's entrepreneurship/empowerment. “For the development of our young people, we are focusing on both genders, aligning with our ministry's vision to improve the quality of life,” Minister Zialor said.

She added that the ministry is currently identifying potential leaders at the community level to have them address national and global issues and shape young African leaders.

Dr Manzini noted that an action plan is being drafted and will be sent to the foreign affairs office soon to consolidate and grow the relationship between South Africa and Seychelles, encompassing youth, sports and gender.

Also present at the meeting were Sylvia Mothoagae, Third Secretary Administration and Matlhaba Mogadingwane, First Secretary Political from the South African high commission and the ministry's executive director, Sharon Thelemaque-Ernesta, responsible for international cooperation.

Contributed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family