The Speech of the Ethiopian Ambassador in South Africa to the Rastafari at the RUF-Ethiopian Embassy organized Ethiopia New Year Celebration at Sandton on the 15th September 2018.
Dear Leaders and Members of Rastafari United Front,Respected Organizers of the Event,Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good Afternoon.
It is an honor and previlege to get this opportunity of conveying a message on this important,Ethiopian New Year 2011.
First of all let me take this opportunity to wish all Ethiopians and Ethiopian Origins at home and abroad as well as Friends of Ethiopia a Happy and Joyful Ethiopian New Year 2011.
Ethiopia follows Julian Calendar where one year comprises 13 months of which 12 months have 30 days each and while the 13th one is made of 5 or days depending on whether it is leap year.So all of us here would feel 7 years younger if we were in Ethiopia today. These all add to Ethiopia to get its brand name of a country of 13 months of sunshine which latter modified to be The Land of Origins.
Indeed, we feel its also an African New Year because it emanates from true Civilization,Wisdom And Knowledge of African Sons And Daughters in the Ancient Days.The Ethiopian Calendar is unique in Africa and the World.Ethiopia is the Cradle of all Human Kinds in the face of the Earth. In this case,that is why some also argue the Ethiopian Calendar is also a Calendar of All.
There are various reasons to say this New Year is a Special One. It came following vast social, economic and political reforms at home to bring about a United And Strong Ethiopia which have already started bearing fruits for the Nation various aspects.
Thanks To the practical philosophy of inclusiveness widely and deeply advocated by the reformist New Prime Minister of Ethiopia, which is an epicentre and driving force to bring all together, we are now in a year where Ethiopians are highly inspired to stand in unison, regardless of their ideologies, and take the country steps forward. It is a year as well countries in our region are working together in an integrated manner to harness their pivotal role in making a stronger Africa in general and Horn Of Africa in particular.
We have also embarked on this New Year after lifting lifting bans on Political Parties, Website and various media outlets that were deemed terrorists and affiliates and inviting them to operate locally.These ground breaking changes helped in convincing the opposition and the large Ethiopian Diaspora that change was not cosmetic but genuine one and is bringing many onboard to participate in the country's affairs.
The New Year has also highlights an accomplishments of breaking a deadlock between Ethiopia And neighbouring Eritrea which lasted for two decades and restoring peace.
Ladies And Gentlemen,
In።;this context,it is also important to mention that the relationship between the Ethiopian People And the People of Jamaica has its own historical background which goes back to times where African Countries were struggling to get independence whereby the People of Jamaica showed serious concern and sympathy provided the the necessary support to resist and fight against their Colonizing Powers. Ethiopia And the People thereof were also kind of the same situation that it got invaluable support and encouragement from the People Of Jamaica to victoriously overcome its struggle.
As a result, the Ethiopian Government, under the Leadership of Emperor Haile Sellassie I,granted land to some Jamaicans for defending the Country in its war with Italy.The land was originally given in Shashemane area of Oromia Regional State where we see a Ras Tafarians today to get a a nick name of "Little Jamaica" for the place.Gradually, Ras Tafarians have become socially and culturally intertwined with the Ethiopian Society which is resulted in further expanding People-to-People relation between Ethiopia And Jamaica. In an።;effort to encourage the full participation of the Ras Tafarians. and their children residing in Ethiopia in the socio-economic development of their home,Ethiopia, the government has taken positive measure to entitle them with certain rights and privileges like any other Ethiopian Origin of Foreign Nationals.
This shall encourage Ras Tafarians through their networks to play their pivotal role in attracting foreign direct investment to Ethiopia which is highly demanded by the Country. They can search markets for Ethiopian products while also attracting tourists and building Ethiopian Image abroad. Ras Tafarians can serve as a human capital with all their capacity by way of transferring knowledge and technology which can contribute to human power and institutional capacity building.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a New Beggining of Partnership with Rastafari United Front in the Republic of South Africa. Taking Nelson Mandela's quote which says "Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed towards the sun,one's feet moving forward, "I am optimistic that we can work more together also in the future on various issues to see your home, our home stand more prosperous and suitable for our further engagements.
Finally, allow me to cordially invite all to pay visit to our beautiful Country. The lad of Origins:Ethiopia. Allow me also ti conckude by wishing you all the best on the Ethiopian New Year 2011.
Thank you so much.
We then thanked the Ethiopian Ambassador And the Ethiopian Government, as advised prior by the RCC Special Advisor,for the Ethiopian National IDs given to the Rastafari living in Ethiopia And also on behalf of the host organization of the event:Rastafari United Front.
Thau-Thau Haramanuba.
Rastafari United Front.
President.
United we take Rastafari To the Front.
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