HC’s SPEECH FOR NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION
August 15, 2024
H.E Siviwe Gwarube, Hon’ble Minister of Basic Education of South Africa
HE Mrs BPM Msiza Lamola, spouse of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, HE Ronald Lamola
Senior Functionaries from DIRCO and other ministries of the Government The Dean of the Diplomatic Corp,
Senior leadership of South African Defense Forces
Ambassadors, High Commissioners and representatives from International Organisations and diplomatic missions
Defense Advisers and Attaches
Friends from media,
Dear Indian Community
Deputy High Commissioner Banu Prakash and Our Consul General in Johannesburg Mahesh Kumar and all members of our High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar! Good afternoon! Sanibonani!! Dumelang!
A very warm welcome to each and every one of you for joining us today on the 78th Independence Day celebrations of India. My special thanks to Her Excellency Siviwe Gwarube for gracing the occasion on behalf of the Government of South Africa.
Distinguished Guests,
Today is India’s 78th Independence Day or Swatantra Divas as we call it in India. The Indian developmental story in recent years continues to attract the attention of the international community. India’s economy is the fifth largest in the world and poised to become the third largest by 2027-28. Our theme for this year's celebration is Viksit Bharat or Developed India by 2047 and reflects the government's commitment to transform India. The year 2047 will be the 100th year of India's freedom. And what does India@2047 – after 100 years of independence would look like? According to one estimate, India will be a USD 32 trillion economy with an average annual real GDP growth of 7.6% over the next 25 yrs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
India’s ‘Vishwa Mitra’ or a friend of the world initiative is designed to foster closer global cooperation and understanding and aligns with India’s ancient belief of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or the world is one family. India believes that an inclusive dialogue and sustained diplomacy are the ways forward for World’s peace and development. Last year was a very intense year on the Indian diplomatic calendar as we held the presidency of G-20 during which we were able to give a greater voice to the Global South. The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 and India organized two editions of ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ , in which over 125 countries participated, with the aim of mainstreaming the priorities of developing countries in the international agenda, particularly the G-20. India’s championing of the International Year of Millets as declared by the UN had a major resonance across the globe.
South Africa has been a constant force of support for us in all these endeavours. Our bilateral relations are indeed historical and time-tested. Trade and people to people linkages have been the edifice of our close ties. Most importantly, the leadership of both countries highly value the importance of this multifaceted relationship. Prime Minister Modi visited Johannesburg in August 2023 for the BRICS Summit and President Ramaphosa visited India in September 2023 for the G20 Summit . Many ministerial and parliamentary exchanges also took place in the last one year as India held the Presidency of G-20 and South Africa chaired the BRICS.
Our commercial relations are excellent and growing. With bilateral trade crossing USD 19 billion last year, we are beginning to witness diversification in our trade basket. Many Indian companies are partnering with South African companies to invest in South African production lines. For example, the Serum Institute from Pune, India has partnered with Aspen Pharma and invested in a Vaccine manufacturing plant in Durban. This is the first vaccine manufacturing plant set up in all of Africa.
In November last year, around 40 Indian companies participated in AfricaTech and AfricaCom events and a 60-member delegation led by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines participated in the Mining Indaba in February this year. The High Commission and our Consulates organized several other business related meetings . CGI Johaneesburg convened an India Entrepreneurs Forum to encourage more sourcing from India.Similarly, to promote more investment between the two countries, in partnership with Johannesburg Business School, we hosted a knowledge session on India-South Africa connect with participation of Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member of PM’s Economic Advisory Council, in February and at an inaugural meeting of India - South Africa investors network last week. The network is made up of the investor community along with corporate law firms, mergers and acquisitions specialists etc.
Some of our companies have put up a display in the High Commission premises, which you may seen while coming to the function area. Similarly, companies from South Africa have also made investments in India. The Gordon Institute of Business Sciences has brought out a special edition of its in-house journal ‘Acumen' covering the India Africa economic relations. I will request you to take a copy on your way out.
In the field of Defence Cooperation, we had the Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari leading a high level delegation to South Africa in May this year and the Chief of South African Navy Admiral Monde Lobese represented Republic of South Africa in MILAN-24, in multinational Maritime Exercises which was held on the East Coast of India at Visakhapatnam in February this year. Indian Navy Mobile Training Team also jointly undertook Sea Safety and Operational Readiness checks on-board South African Navy Frigate SAS Mendi in October last year. Indian Naval Ships Trishul and Sunayna visited port of Durban in June and August respectively last year, to commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations between both the countries.
Excellencies,
People-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship. The Government of India has instituted many programmes to further strengthen this relationship. Celebrating 30 years of re-establishment of diplomatic relations, 30 journalists went to India in January this year for training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation or the ITEC Programme. Besides the ITEC programme, which is a programme of capacity building, India also offers a number of scholarships for pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The Gandhi-Mandela Centre of Specialization for Artisan Skills located in Tshwane South TVET College is another great example of cooperation in capacity building.
The high participation of South Africans in International Day of Yoga, especially in the programmes held by our High Commission and Consulates is a testimony to our friendship. Here I will like to mention that more than 8000 people participated in the Yoga Day programme held at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg. We also held an International Conference on Yoga In Durban, which had participation from many African nations and provinces of South Africa.
Our mutual fondness for cricket saw the Indian men’s team visiting South Africa last year and the South African Women’s team visiting India recently ,and South African players doing extremely well in the Indian Premier League. And South Africa and India had an excellent outing and a very close match in T-20 World Cup Final, which India won. Now, let us see who wins the upcoming series.
The strong and vibrant Indian origin community in South Africa of approx 1.7 million is a living bridge between the two countries. They played a stellar role in the liberation struggle and continue to contribute immensely in all spheres. About 10,000 people participated in the India Day function held in Johannesburg last year . This year's India Day would be celebrated on 17 August 2024 at Wanderers. We are also bringing Khelo India to South Africa which would involve games like Chess, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Badminton. Please participate in these events and cheer up for the participants. Also the youth from the Indian community is encouraged to visit India under the Know India Programme.
Friends,
Before concluding, I thank you all for your august presence today and, in particular, the Chief Guest.And we are deeply touched by the presence of Mrs Lamola.
Long live India-South Africa friendship!
Thank you
