A busload of delegates from the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) in Pretoria joined peace advocates, government leaders and civil society organisations at the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Graduation Ceremony.

The event formed part of IWPG president Na Yeong Jeon’s official Africa Tour during the first week of July and celebrated the graduation of 150 participants who completed the Peace Leadership Training and Education programme.

IWPG is an NGO registered in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UN Department of Global Communications (DGC). It has 115 branches in 123 countries, and 900 partner organisations in 68 countries. Under the vision ‘achieving sustainable world peace’, the organisation is actively working to build peace networks, spread peace culture, conduct women’s peace education, and support the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War.

The graduates represented the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), Khayelitsha Stakeholders Development (KSD) and the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).

The graduates travelled from provinces across South Africa to Johannesburg to attend the official graduation ceremony, where they were joined by representatives from Pretoria, government officials, educators, civic leaders and community stakeholders.

Pretoria’s participation placed the spotlight on the city’s contribution to peacebuilding through education, dialogue, and cooperation between communities and institutions.

President Jeon’s visit reinforced IWPG’s commitment to advancing sustainable peace through women’s leadership and international partnerships.

Throughout her engagements in South Africa, she emphasised that lasting peace cannot be achieved through government policy alone, but must also be developed within communities through education and shared responsibility.

The Africa Tour forms part of IWPG’s continued expansion across the continent, where the organisation has been strengthening partnerships with governments, institutions, and community organisations to empower women and ordinary citizens as active peacebuilders.

The graduation ceremony brought together senior representatives from government and civil society, reflecting growing recognition of peace education as an important element of nation-building and social cohesion.

Among those attending were Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike (Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities); Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts (Forestry, Fisheries and Environment); and the DIRCO Chief Director for Gender and Diversity. Management.

Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in supporting peacebuilding initiatives and strengthening communities nationwide.

IWPG spokesperson, Rujeko Faith van Wyk, said the graduation represented more than the completion of a training programme. Participants are expected to apply the knowledge and leadership skills gained to promote peace in their communities.

Van Wyk said the participation of delegates from Pretoria reflected the importance of involving local communities in building lasting peace.

“Seeing a bus load of representatives from Pretoria join this celebration demonstrates that peace begins with ordinary citizens who are willing to learn, lead and work together. Through peace education, we are equipping communities to become active builders of sustainable peace across South Africa,” said Van Wyk.

President Jeon’s visit and the graduation ceremony highlighted the organisation’s belief that peace education, community leadership and co-operation between government and civil society are essential for creating safer, more united communities.

With graduates returning to communities across South Africa, including those represented by delegates from Pretoria, IWPG said the programme aims to strengthen local leadership and encourage participants to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful co-existence in their everyday lives.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from participants and partners to continue expanding peace education initiatives and fostering collaboration as part of a shared vision for a more peaceful South Africa.

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