As an Australian in South Africa, I’m often struck by just how similar we actually are, writes Adam McCarthy.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Aussies had invaded South Africa this weekend. Well, Gauteng anyway. Our cricketers are in action on Friday at Centurion and on Sunday at the Wanderers in the opening two games of their ODI series against the Proteas, and the Wallabies meet the Springboks at Loftus on Saturday.
Sport lovers are in for a real treat from the “green and gold” - both ours and yours.
There’s no denying that sport continues to tie our two countries together year after year. Our much-talked- about-over-a-braai, or should I say “barbie”, sporting rivalry is, I believe, testament to the quality of our respective national teams, despite the ups and downs, highs and lows we each inevitably face on the playing field. I hope that between us we manage to claw back some ground from the All Blacks in the months and years ahead though - not least because I’m married to a Kiwi.
But as we bask in the glow of the veritable festival of Australian sport in South Africa this weekend (or, as I do anyway), it’s worth reflecting on the fact that sport is but one aspect of a mature and wide-ranging relationship between Australia and South Africa; a relationship which today spans strong and growing business, investment, education, tourism, arts and cultural links. Not to mention our co-hosting of the ground-breaking Square Kilometre Array telescope, and our long-standing engagement in international forums such as the G20, Indian Ocean Rim Association and of course in the UN.
I am also constantly surprised and delighted to learn about new Australia-South Africa collaborations in a whole host of interesting fields.
As an Australian in South Africa, I’m often struck by just how similar we actually are.
And I’m not just talking about a shared passion for sport, be that cricket, rugby, soccer, swimming, netball, hockey, tennis - you name it and there are Aussies and South Africans competing in it.
But there is a certain familiarity about South Africa which without wanting to be too clichéd really helps make you feel at home - that, along with the generous welcome offered by South Africans across the country.
We are lands of broad vistas, mountains, plains, deserts and vast coastlines with unique flora and fauna and diverse populations.
I have to admit that it also helps that I now see so many Australian brands in South African shopping malls, reflecting the increasingly diverse Australian commercial interest in South Africa, which had formerly been focused predominantly on mining.
Aussie retail brands like Cotton On are doing very well and several of our major service providers have ambitious plans for this market. So keep it up, South Africa!
Of course, economic linkages go both ways and it is also good to see South African regulars moving into the Australian market - not least of which being Woolworths SA’s purchase of David Jones.
We’re also both great southern lands, with Indian Ocean outlooks. We share the same seasons and a similar climate which can be both a real blessing at times, as well as a formidable challenge when we are presented with severe drought and water shortages.
Just as we are each endowed with valuable mineral resources, and challenged by commodity price fluctuations. There are lessons and experiences we can exchange here.
We also share common beliefs and values which are at the core of our respective national identities - democracy, freedom, equality and respect - and which underpin our actions, both at home and overseas.
Which is not to say that we are faultless. Certainly not. Nevertheless, as we strive for a better Australia, you strive for a better South Africa, and together we have shown our willingness to play a part in bringing about a better international community.
Australia was proud to be among the strongest voices internationally against the gross injustice of apartheid, across successive Australian governments of both political persuasions, be it through sporting bans, sanctions and by championing the anti-apartheid cause in the Commonwealth.
As a student in Sydney in the 1980s, I personally loved seeing Eddie Funde, the then ANC chief representative in Australasia, on the TV news night after night capturing the attention and support of the Australian public for his cause. A true trailblazer, a great friend of Australia and an ambassador for a free and democratic South Africa before he actually became the ambassador (to Germany) for the free and democratic South Africa.
The enduring ties between Australia and the South Africa of today were forged in the Struggle for South Africa’s liberation, and we have been proud to make a contribution to South Africa’s development since, in particular through our long-standing Australia Awards scholarship programme.
Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable parts of my job here is catching up with the great many “honorary Aussies”, our esteemed South African Australia Awards scholarships alumni.
These alumni are harnessing the skills and qualifications gained in Australia to drive progress in their respective fields back home in South Africa.
Now, back to sport. I’m sure we’ll bear witness to fierce contests on the cricket pitch and the rugby field this coming weekend - I certainly look forward to it.
There will be some sledging as ever, no doubt. But from Perth to Pretoria, Canberra to Cape Town, know that Australia and South Africa share a strong bond of friendship. And long may that continue.
In the meantime, go Aussies!
* McCarthy is Australian High Commissioner to South Africa.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
Pretoria News