Consul General, Anil K Sharan
ITEC trainees
Distinguished guests
Introduction
Aristotle said “friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” Tonight my soul is visiting my other body. Thank you very much for inviting me to this wonderful occasion, which further strengthens relationships between India and South Africa, and KwaZulu-Natal in particular.
Looking back
Our country’s first link with India started a century and a half ago, during a time in world history where colonialism and imperialism with all its evils was the order of the day. This year we are commemorating the arrival of Indians in 1860 in South Africa.
They had to work under harsh conditions and suffered discrimination and other hardships during the dark days of apartheid. Tonight, thanks to our democratic government, conditions for all our people have taken a turn for the better.
Towards democracy
We will not forget the role that South Africans of Indian origin have played in South Africa’s transition to democracy and the role that they are still playing in government, as business people and as ordinary citizens.
We pay tribute to the global role played by Mahatma Gandhi through the implementation of the principles of truth, non-violence and self-sacrifice, as enshrined in the philosophy of Satyagraha. He served as an inspiration to many of our leaders and renowned personalities like Martin Luther King, Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Today, the Satyagraha still inspires people across the world to take a non-violent stance against discriminating and unfair laws and legislation
Trade relations
We have not forgotten how India broke off all economic and political ties with the apartheid government in support of democracy. However, since the birth of our democracy in 1994 trade relations between our two countries have gone from strength to strength.
We have strong cultural bonds and we are taking our collaboration to a new level of engagement. Today India is our seventh largest export trade partner and our 10th largest import trade partner.
Fighting poverty
Like India, the South African government has made a notable difference in the lives of millions of South Africans. However, while acknowledging the advances that have been made in the first 16 years of democracy we are well aware that we still have much to do to close the gap between rich and poor.
Poverty, which Mohandas Gandhi described as “the worst form of violence,” remains our biggest threat. Therefore every single action we take should be geared towards faster economic growth, higher employment and reduced levels of poverty.
The recession may have slowed down our pace but it has not changed our direction. During President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration ceremony we said to the world that “we shall not rest, and we dare not falter, in our drive to eradicate poverty”.
Need for skills development
The connection between poverty and a lack of education or skills is self evident. Not only do employers want skilled workers, they also want employees with education geared for a modern, global economy, the knowledge economy.
In its 2009 international business report, the consultancy firm Grant Thornton’s reported that 41 percent of South Africa’s privately owned businesses cited the availability of a skilled workforce as the biggest constraint to business growth. It makes infinite sense that education and skills development is a key priority in the South African government’s war against poverty. Therefore India’s commitment in building the capacity of our people is most welcome.
ITEC
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme is a great gift to South Africa in the 21st century. The fact that you continued to sponsor this programme during the difficult times of the global recession is most appreciated. We are grateful that you also build capacity in government.
All 16 of the ITEC trainees from KwaZulu-Natal hail from various government institutions, including the Provincial Treasury. Your country has many experiences to share and technologies available and your assistance enables us to meet our development challenges. Few countries have embraced the human development approach as strongly as India since it regained its freedom in 1947.
By providing technical assistance and education opportunities to our people, you are building a better world.
Thank you for sharing your resources with us.
Issued by: Provincial Treasury, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
30 March 2010
Source: Provincial Treasury, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
(http://www.kzntreasury.gov.za/)
