President Tsai Ing-wen was sworn in as the 14th president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the 20th of May 2016.
In her inaugural speech, President Tsai pledged to revive Taiwan’s economy and fight for social injustice and to improve the lives of Taiwan’s youth.
In thanking the Taiwanese people, President Tsai said, “We must express our gratitude to this land for nurturing us and to the people for placing their trust in us. Most importantly, we deeply appreciate the democratic institutions of this country, which have allowed us to accomplish Taiwan’s third transition of political power through a peaceful electoral process. ”
President Tsai went on to emphasise that it will take a united effort to leave behind prejudices and conflicts and fulfil the mission entrusted to her administration, “It is not a leader who makes a country great: it is the collective striving of the people that makes this country great. To stand united for change – that is my earnest hope for this country.”
To celebrate this important milestone in Taiwan’s history, Representative John C. Chen from the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa hosted a reception at his residence, which saw Taiwanese nationals and high-ranking government officials and MP’s rubbing shoulders, while relishing the traditional Taiwanese food, music, dancing and karaoke.
