Cape Town - Ties between South Africa and India have been strengthened with the launch of an initiative which will further boost economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The South Africa India Business and Friendship Association (Saibfa) was established on Sunday to promote economic relations and cultural exchanges between the countries.
The association will develop a broad platform for networking and bilateral non-governmental co-operation aimed at fostering economic prosperity in various sectors from South Africa and India, director Chelsea Lotz said on Sunday during the Saibfa launch at the V&A Waterfront.
“India played a significant role in South Africa and it was critical that a networking and business association be present for Indians to have a voice – economically and in business,” she added.
Saibfa’s objectives included organising social welfare activities which would benefit citizens from India and South Africa, said Lotz.
“India had a vital role in apartheid by severing all economic, political and diplomatic links in a stand against racism.
“Their effort highlighted across the world the injustice of racial segregation. We have launched Saibfa on Mandela weekend to honour the legacy of Mandela, who had close ties with the Indian constituency.”
Mandela was a recipient of the International Gandhi Award for social, economic and political transformation, which was handed to him by the president of India.
“This gives Indian business professionals and leaders the opportunity to build business partnerships with their South African counterparts,” Lotz said.
“As Mandela stated: ‘We are certain that the bonds of friendship and solidarity forged over the years will continue to grow.
“And may the golden thread woven in the common struggles against injustice and oppression never be broken.”
India’s consulate-general in Cape Town, Puneet Kundal, said the business relationship between two countries should not be hamstrung by bureaucracy.
“I think this is a brilliant idea. I’m aware of ventures that have floundered along the way and therefore we will need constant mentoring,” Kundal told about 50 guests invited to the launch.
“We will need constant support and we will need constant guidance.
“I hope we can drive this initiative in a way that can benefit both countries and their people.
“You have the support of the consulate of India in Cape Town and the higher commissioner who wanted to be here. I will brief him about this initiative.”
ANC Western Cape chairperson Marius Fransman, a former deputy minister of international relations, said South Africa wanted to have good relations with Brics countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
“We have this consistent relationship with other countries and Brics is an important player.
“There is also engagement for what we call business chambers between South Africa- India, South Africa-China.
“Part of the agenda with our Brics responsibility then was to ensure that non-governmental organisations, and SMMEs and emerging entrepreneurs are able to be closer to things,” Fransman said.
Cape Times