Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Pretoria, South Africa
August 7, 2012

Thank you very much, Deputy Director General, and thanks to the two ministers who together, I think, have laid out a very ambitious and promising framework for this growing relationship on the business, trade, and investment side to continue to do so. I want to thank the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and my friend and colleague, Minister Mashabane, and the Department of Trade and Industry and Minister Davies for hosting today’s meeting. I’m delighted to see so many high-ranking American officials and American representatives of business here today.

I appreciate Minister Davies reminding us what I do believe is the keystone to our relationship, and that is that the United States, in our strategy towards Sub-Saharan Africa, is working to build partnerships that add value rather than extract it. And that means that we want to spur efforts for greater economic growth through increased trade and investment in the region. Now we don’t come at this from some kind of altruistic prospectus. We actually think that this is good for American business. We think a strong, thriving economy in South Africa and in the region is good for the people in those countries, and that helps to build a more prosperous, peaceful region and world. That’s in everyone’s interests. MORE. 

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is greeted by Mrs. Liz Berry Gips, wife of U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Donald Gips, upon her arrival to Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 6, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Delivers Remarks at the U.S.-South Africa Business Partnership Summit at Hilton Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 6, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]

More: Trip Page | Interactive Travel Map

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Africa, July 31 through August 10, 2012. On her trip, she will make stops in Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Throughout the trip, Secretary Clinton will emphasize U.S. policy commitments outlined in the Presidential Policy Directive — to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, advance peace and security, as well as promote opportunity and development for all citizens.

In Senegal, Secretary Clinton will meet President Sall and other national leaders, as well as deliver a speech applauding the resilience of Senegal’s democratic institutions and…more »

About the Author: Robert D. Hormats serves as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

On the Fourth of July, I wrote an entry celebrating the “American Brand.” I feel even more strongly about the importance and value of the “American Brand” after a recent trip to South East Asia and the Middle East.

I traveled throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma with businessmen and women from over 50 of America’s best companies seeking opportunities to increase trade and investment in the region. The delegations — which were organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council — met with Secretary Clinton and senior foreign business leaders and government officials, including several heads of state.

Our delegations were enthusiastically greeted in every country we visited. Business and government leaders there recognized… more »

About the Author: Karen Johnson is the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Rome, Italy, where she works with FAO and other UN agencies in Rome to support innovative and effective development projects.

It’s normal to think that food assistance is simply about keeping stomachs full. But, in fact, it’s far more complex than that. It’s also about empowering and enabling people to support themselves and their communities on a sustainable basis. A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Zimbabwe and Mozambique to visit development projects supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with local authorities. It was there that I saw what a difference agricultural development efforts can make in people’s lives.

Women Take the Lead

It was clear to me that women play the key role in providing food and income to their families in both these countries. In the areas I visited, small-scale farmers are almost exclusively female. Many of the local men have moved to South Africa to work in mines, therefore women are the community leaders… more »

About the Author: Laura Santini serves as Assistant Information Officer at the U.S. Mission in Pretoria, South Africa.

For the U.S. Mission to South Africa, Mandela Day began at 8:00 a.m. on the chancery lawn with a resounding chorus of Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela, who turned 94 on Wednesday. 

Like no other world leader alive today, the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon is revered and adored by his fellow citizens, and the anniversary of his birth date inspires countless tributes at home and from abroad.

“By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world,” said President and Michelle Obama in a statement of congratulations.

Hoping to set a record for the most people singing Happy Birthday in unison, several South African… more »

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy Frank Rose speaks with students about the benefits of studying science and embracing the dream of space exploration. in  in Khayelitsha, South Africa, on July 19, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

About the Author: Laura Santini serves as Assistant Information Officer at the U.S. Mission in Pretoria, South Africa.

For the U.S. Mission to South Africa, Mandela Day began at 8:00 a.m. on the chancery lawn with a resounding chorus of Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela, who turned 94 on Wednesday. 

Like no other world leader alive today, the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon is revered and adored by his fellow citizens, and the anniversary of his birth date inspires countless tributes at home and from abroad.

“By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world,” said President and Michelle Obama in a statement of congratulations.

Hoping to set a record for the most people singing Happy Birthday in unison, several South African… more »

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

July 17, 2012

On behalf of the people of the United States, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day.  Mandela’s extraordinary life and steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy and reconciliation continues to be a beacon for people of all backgrounds who strive for dignity, justice, and freedom. 

Nelson Mandela’s personal story is one of unbreakable will, unwavering integrity, and abiding humility.  On a personal note, our family has been inspired by Madiba’s example, and has deeply appreciated the time we have spent with him, and his wisdom, grace and generosity of spirit.  By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent, and the world.

In 2009, the United States joined 192 United Nations member states in the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day.  On this important occasion, we honor Madiba’s commitment to service and the betterment of our communities.  There is no more fitting tribute to a man who has demonstrated to the world the extraordinary power of non-violence, of tolerance, and of unwavering service to our fellow men and women.

You can also find the statement here.