Pretoria, SA, March 13, 2010 (SL Times) – South African ministers, Ambassadors, Academics including Professor Louise Molamu, Registrar of the University of South Africa, Professor Rosemary Moeketsi, Executive Dean of Human Sciences, Professor Iqbal Jhazbhay, Author of the Book , and his wife Naseema Docrat , Distinguished ambassadors and high commissioners in South Africa, Professor Chris Landsberg of the University of Johannesburg, Dr Nomfundo Ngwenya of the South African Institute of International Relations, members from the South African civil society, journalists, members from the Somaliland community in S. Africa, Somalilanders from UK & Canada, and lots of students and other invited guests, have gathered to witness Prof Iqbal's book launch which was held in a well organized event at UNISA, Pretoria on the 11th March 2010.

Co-published with the Institute for Global Dialogue, the book titled as 'Somaliland: An African Struggle for Nationhood and International Recognition' purports an inspiring story of resilience and reconstruction and a truly African Renaissance, that has many lessons to teach the rest of Africa and the international community. This study seeks to identify some of those lessons, particularly those pertaining to Somaliland's sustained efforts to create internal unity and gain regional and international recognition.

South African minister in the presidency Mr. Collin Chabane, couldn't attend the launch. Ambassador Welile Nhlapo, Presidential National Security Advisor have read the inspiring speech on behalf of the minister. The full speech can be viewed at http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2010/10031210551001.htm 

The book is based on extensive research in Somaliland's reconciliation, reconstruction, religion and recognition, as well as a wealth of experience in the wider region.

More analysis, feedbacks and follow ups on this book, stay with Saeed furaa's insights from this corner of Africa.

Saeed Furaa

Freelance Journalist

Pretoria

South Africa

E-mail: somalilandjournalist@gmail.com

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