67 Minutes
Special thanks to Kim Yoojoong and Park Eun-young. Photo by Lorryn Smit.
South Africa’s Ambassador Hilton Dennis on International Nelson Mandela Day and Leaving Korea
On the morning of July 18, City Hall held a ceremony in honor of International Nelson Mandela Day, the UN-sanctioned day of remembrance for South Africa’s champion for democracy and its first black president. South Africa’s Ambassador Hilton Dennis and Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun attended, with the ambassador giving a special lecture. Gwangju News was privileged to speak with Ambassador Dennis after the service.
You have been in Korea for four years and will be leaving after one more. Of what accomplishments are you particularly proud?
I am mostly proud of the volume of our trade relations, [which] actually reached its record highest in 2012. Korea is South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner. And we are South Korea’s largest trading partner.
I understand you played a role in fighting apartheid yourself, back in South Africa.
A very small role, because there were millions of people who participated in the struggle for democracy. I joined the anti-apartheid struggle with many young people my age. And I was happy when we persevered and then at the critical junction in 1994 we had our first democratic election.
What makes Mandela Day an appropriate international holiday, as opposed to merely a national one?
[The establishment of] International Nelson Mandela Day was the decision of the UN generals made in 2009, and this was the first time ever that a day of recognition was created by the UN to acknowledge an individual. But the view was that he’s a remarkable individual embodying the highest of human values. I am happy that the current mayor of Gwangju has the sensitivity to recognize and host this event, so the citizens of Gwangju can have an appreciation of what his life means.
Is the “67 Minutes Challenge” still part of Mandela Day?
Yes, it is. The idea is that “67 Minutes” symbolically stands for 67 years that Nelson Mandela gave to his public service. [We ask] the people of the world to do some community service for 67 minutes.
Besides this ceremony, what else is the South African embassy doing to promote Mandela Day and the spirit of Nelson Mandela?
There are three annual events that we have for Nelson Mandela. One is the [new] essay contest. Another one is the commemorative lecture, which we had today. And the third one is the 67 minutes of volunteer work.
Many Koreans often compare Kim Daejung with Nelson Mandela.
They actually met in 2001. Nelson Mandela came to visit in Seoul when Kim Daejung was the president. And I can share with you one of the things that they discussed: an idea [for a] “peace park” in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is now emerging. They knew each other very well and they had a high regard for each other.
What will you miss when you leave Korea?
Kimchi! Coffee! But most of all… what I’ve [taken away] is Korea’s high work ethic, absolute devotion to work.
What will you not miss?
The monsoon, the humidity, and in winter, it’s too cold! I think Korea is extreme in temperatures!