Remarks by Ms Thulisile Manzini at the Closing Ceremony IPEX November 2022

REMARKS BY MS THULISILE MANZINI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF INTERNATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION, CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER, 12TH NOVEMBER 2022.

President of Federation International de Philatelie, Mr. Prakob Chirakiti

President of the Philatelic Federation of South Africa: Mr Hugh Amoore

Juries and Commissioners of the FIP International Philately Exhibition

Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mr Emil Buhrmann

SAPO CEO, Ms Nomkhita Mona

Exhibitors and Dealers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Deputy Minister, Hon. Philly Mapulane, it has been an honour to collaborate with all the stakeholders at this year’s International Philately Exhibition. As the department and indeed as government, we are glad to have responded to the call to both collaborate and work together to host a successful Exhibition.

Now that we have come to the end of the Cape Town 2022 International Philately Exhibition under the theme “Road to Democracy”, I express my warmest thanks to the FIP Organising Committee led by Mr Buhrmann, our Deputy Minister Hon. Philly Mapulane who championed this event from government side; Officials from the Department and SAPO led by our Acting Director General who worked tirelessly in contributing to ensure that this exhibition becomes as successful as it has been.

To the exhibitors and participants who came from all over the globe, thank you for coming to our country and sharing with us and the young learners we invited to this exhibition, your valuable and educational philatelic materials. This exhibition not only opened our eyes to the incredible work that can be accomplished when we work together, but also gave us a glimpse into how we can continue the work that you have started to preserve our history and culture.

The rich history and culture of our country in line with the theme of this exhibition, “Road to Democracy” as depicted through stamps and philatelic material got to be shared with the world, and for that we are forever grateful. Let’s continue to work together as designated operators, collectors, and other players within the philately business to

preserve and educate through philatelic material the social, cultural, environmental and historical aspects of our countries and let’s continue to build social cohesion of our beloved countries through this small ambassador called stamp.

This event was widely covered by the media including the Media Launch by the Deputy Minister on the 1st of November; media statements and interviews by FIP, SAPO and the Department, and social media interactions. As such many of our people got to see and hear what has been happening here at the exhibition. We are grateful to all the media houses that took an interest in the Exhibition this week and helped us spread the message of Philately even wider.

Distinguished delegates, parallel to this exhibition, we successfully hosted the Africa Philately Conference which was led with the assistance of the Department by the Universal Postal Union and the Pan African Postal Union on the 09th and 10th November under the theme “Philately Digitization and Business Model”. I would like to also extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General of PAPU, Mr Chief Moyo and UPU Secretariat led by Ms Olfa Mokaddem for facilitating the successful hosting of the conference. We are hopeful that the information shared will assist in building successful business models around philately by Designated Postal Operators working together with all relevant stakeholders.

As we have seen leaners visiting the exhibition on the 10th and 11th of November, we are hopeful that their experience will inspire them to learn more about stamps and its teachings and continue the legacy of philately and many of its facets. Let’s continue to build on the business models that will inspire the younger generations globally to continue this hobby and passion of philately that we have all experienced here in Cape Town and ensure that the philately business find resonates even in this digital era.

As the Deputy Minster said in his opening remarks, I hope you had an opportunity to explore Cape Town and its many significant attractions during your stay.

Once again, let me thank you all and wish everyone a safe journey back home and hope to see you again in South Africa in the near future.

Thank you!

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