NEW DELHI – From 2 to 5 December 2024, the South African High Commission (SAHC), New Delhi, and the South African Consulate General (SACG), Mumbai, organised several events in celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa, 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and India as well as South Africa’s assumption of the G20 Presidency in 2025. The weeklong celebration coincided with the tourism outreach visit of the South African Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Ms Patricia De Lille (MP), and included trade and investment business conclaves, engagements with Indian tour operators and associations, media engagements, wine-tastings and diplomatic receptions in both cities. As part of the economic diplomacy efforts, the SAHC facilitated the visit of thirty-eight (38) multi-sectoral companies, industry associations, special economic zones (SEZ) and municipalities. This mission was aimed at building relationships through interactions and engagements with Indian business, captains of industry as well as other relevant stakeholders in both the business and tourism value chains. On 2 December, the first business conclave was organised in partnership between the recently launched India – South Africa Chamber of Commerce (ISACC) and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi and it was replicated on 5 December 2024 in Mumbai in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The business conclaves targeted priority sectors in high growth markets as well as sectors holding significant potential with the objective to create export opportunities and increase market penetration of South African exports as well as promote South Africa as an investment destination. As part of her programme, Minister De Lille addressed the 150 participants at both conclaves sharing key outcomes of her bilateral meeting with her counterpart, Hon. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism of India.
Of specific importance for the business fraternity were South Africa’s solutions to ease visa issues and air access between the two countries. India, as a key partner and one of South Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets, holds immense potential for fostering deeper economic, cultural, and people-to-people connections. The Minister’s delegation included senior representatives from the South African Department of Home Affairs and South African Airways. Mr Yunus Hoosen, CEO: Invest South Africa, was also at hand to share firsthand information on South Africa as investment destination and gateway to Africa. At the conclusion of the business conclaves, attendees had the unique opportunity to sample Veenwouden Boutique Wines. In both New Delhi and Mumbai, the evenings culminated in diplomatic receptions hosted by High Commissioner Professor Anil Sooklal, attended by representatives from the Indian govemment, business sector, diplomatic corps, media, civil society, and the South African community in India. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from two South African chefs and a vibrant performance by a South African dance troupe. The weeklong celebration was made possible by the partnership of South African Tourism, Veenwouden Wineries, FruitSA, Mankind Pharma & Dogsee, Naspers, Tata, UFlex, Varun Beverages, Zee Africa/Zee TV, HCL Tech, Mahindra (Mahindra South Africa), Max Ventures Holding, PR Agrifresh, Railtel, Sun International Limited Intl, and Vedanta Zinc International.
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