Canadian Governor General David Johnston speaks at SAIIA

Photo © Riona Judge McCormack/ SAIIA
Canadian Governor General David Johnston delivering his keynote address at SAIIA

On 21 May 2013 SAIIA and the University of the Witwatersrand co-hosted a visit by the Canadian Governor General, His Excellency, The Right Honourable, David Johnston for a keynote address and discussion. The event was held to discuss the importance of Canada-South Africa Relations on the occasion of His Excellency's State Visit to South Africa. Indeed, the bonds between South Africa and Canada run deep and bilateral cooperation dates as far back as the 1920's.

The Governor General in his address to SAIIA members, Wits staff, and students touched on a number of themes relating to Canada’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle, its active role in South Africa’s democratic transition, commercial relations, and to future potential for cooperation particularly in Science & Technology. This, he argued, acts as the basis for a mature relationship and a strong friendship.

SAIIA and Wits were pleased to welcome the Governor General of Canada, as part of an ongoing discussion about the bilateral relationship between the two countries that started in May 2012 with an academic colloquium hosted at SAIIA. His Excellency’s visit marked the first by a Canadian Head of State to SAIIA and the Wits Campus.

“South Africa is one of Canada’s most important partners in this vast and diverse continent,” said the Governor General in his speech.

Click here to download the Governor General’s speech [PDF]
Click here to view photos of the Governor General’s visit to South Africa [official Governor General’s website]

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

21 May 2013