Mangena, at the German National Day celebrations, in Pretoria
3 October 2006
Ambassador Harro Adt
Your Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Representatives of government and business
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I present to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst K�hler,
the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, the
congratulations from President Thabo Mbeki, the Government and people of South
Africa on the 16th anniversary of German Unification.
Your Excellency, since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany's role in the
international arena has taken on a new meaning. Perhaps the reason that South
Africa appreciates having a partner like Germany is not just due to what we
have achieved through our productive relationship, but also because we
understand that our national histories are so similar.
It is fitting that our countries have maintained excellent relations for the
last decade. Our similar experiences in:
* building a common sense of nationhood amongst our citizens after a recent
divided past
* our attempts to develop those sectors of our country that have been left
behind in the past
* the use of sport as an effective means of rebuilding the socio-economic
fabric of our countries is very significant.
South Africa understands how the lessons learnt from our domestic histories
can be used for good, particularly in the promotion of multilateralism and
democracy on the global stage 10 years after our own liberal democratic
Constitution came into effect, and 50 years after the historic Women's March to
the Union Buildings.
President Mbeki and Chancellor Merkel had a constructive meeting in Berlin
in July. South Africa is thankful for the kind assistance from Germany in
preparation for the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association
(FIFA) World Cup. Our co-operation in this area has only highlighted our strong
relations. There is much we can learn from the security and cultural
arrangements that made the 2006 World Cup the great success that it was and, as
South Africans, we are eager to put our own cultural stamp on the coming
event.
Germany has proven to be a sturdy and reliable partner for South Africa. Our
relations have encompassed the political, economic and cultural spheres. Our
co-operation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, have been successful despite
our differences on certain topics.
We look forward to the forthcoming Bi-National Commission (BNC). In fact,
the BNC was established exactly 10 years ago, in 1996. With the six committees,
our countries have managed to collaborate in matters concerning trade,
development co-operation, arts and culture, scientific co-operation, defence
and the environment. It is a sure sign that relations between our countries are
alive and healthy.
The Science and Technology Committee, in particular, has worked well. As the
Minister of Science and Technology, I am glad to report that the fruits of our
labours are on display through several initiatives. Two of the major
initiatives are Inkaba ye Africa and Biota South. Inkaba ye Africa is a
research project concentrating on Earth system processes and their interactions
at different scales and rates, closely scrutinising climate biodiversity,
natural hazards and resources of Africa for better planning of the future. The
project presents a unique opportunity to train a new generation of South
African and German post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers from
multicultural backgrounds in cutting edge Earth System Science.
Biota South is one of the largest ongoing scientific activities in Africa,
directed at the sustainable use of Africa's biodiversity. South Africa was
pleased to see Germany participate in the first International Science
Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Johannesburg in November 2004. We are
also happy to note that Germany was a prominent participant at this year's
International Science Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INSITE) which took
place last week.
South Africa is looking forward to engaging with German businesses through
the European Venture Market in Potsdam this week.
Germany has indeed supported African objectives to achieve peace and
prosperity in Africa since 1994. Germany has led the European Union Force
(Eufor) mission to secure the landmark national election in the DRC. South
Africa looks forward to working with Germany in the context of your financial
contribution to the European Union (EU) and your work as a Group of Eight (G-8)
member, with particular reference to the African Agenda. Germany has
contributed to multilateral commitments where Africa is concerned. We hope that
our constructive engagement will yield further interaction in the area of peace
and security in the future.
It is with all this in mind that I wish to propose a toast on behalf of
President Mbeki, the Government and people of South Africa, to the good health,
long life and happiness of the President of Germany, Mr K�hler, the Government
and people of Germany on this special day.
May the people and Government of Germany continue to thrive!
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
3 October 2006
