Faith, solidarity and investment: Hendricks calls for deeper Saudi-South Africa partnership
Hendricks said the relationship was rooted in pilgrimage and political solidarity.
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, called for a deeper partnership between his nation and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the strong ties that have existed between the two countries for centuries. In an address to ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials in Pretoria on September 21st, Hendricks highlighted the religious and political solidarity that underpins the relationship, noting that President Nelson Mandela's visit to Saudi Arabia in 1994 was pivotal in establishing this bond.
He traced the history of the two nations back to the 18th century, when South Africans of Malay descent hosted Saudi pilgrims, and pointed to the solidarity shared during the apartheid era as further evidence of the deep connection between the two nations.
When discussing current cooperation, Hendricks pointed to Saudi investment in renewable energy projects like the Bokpoort and Redstone solar plants in the Northern Cape, emphasizing the need for further investment in these areas. He urged for more projects, more investment, and more economic activity to grow the economies of both countries.
Collaboration in frontier sectors such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and space technology was also advocated, with a particular focus on empowering women. Saudi Arabia was encouraged to help ensure women in South Africa have free access to independent data to tackle gender-based violence.
South African official praised Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 as aligning with South Africa's priorities, while also being candid about the issue of Palestine. Hendricks emphasized that the international community has a responsibility to protect the Palestinian people from genocide, particularly in light of the situation in Gaza. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, recalling South Africa's own hosting of the 2010 tournament.
Hendricks highlighted the importance of the partnership, stressing that the two countries have much in common in terms of faith, history, and solidarity, and now must work together to build prosperity.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
