Consul- General, South Africa consulate in Nigeria, Dr. Bobby Moroe has said the maiden South Africa Week being held in Lagos to celebrate the country’s 29 years independence and uninterrupted democracy in the rainbow nation is a sign of good things to come between both countries.
The Consul General said the event which is the first of its kind being hosted by South Africa, is also to recognize the role Nigeria played towards the liberation of the country from apartheid and also to deepen the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said South Africa will never forget the critical role Nigeria played in it’s liberation adding that hosting the maiden event in Lagos was a way of showing his country’s gratitude.
Moroe added that the event marked the beginning of a new journey in the renewal of the friendship between South Africa and Nigeria, stating that South Africa is open for business for Nigerians who wants to visit the country for tourism, conferences, education and for those who want to find love.
He said: “We want to express our gratitude for making time out from your very busy schedule to come and celebrate with us. This is just the beginning of good things to come. Today we are kick starting what we call South Africa Week, the first ever celebration in Nigeria.
“We are celebrating the success of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. We are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa and we have chosen Nigeria because of the role that Nigeria has played in the struggle for liberation in South Africa. South Africa will never forget the critical role that Nigeria played in it’s liberation. So this is how we show our gratefulness for that contribution over the years.
“Today, we want to share a story. Today is the beginning of a new journey, it is the beginning of the new journey in the renewal of our friendship between South Africans and Nigerians. It is the beginning of the recruitment process to move down south to South Africa. It is the day when we want to urge all Nigerians and friends of South Africa who want to visit South Africa for tourism, conferences, education, and who wants to visit South Africa to go and find love, we say South Africa is open for tourism. South Africa is open for business.”
To celebrate the maiden South Africa Week, several exciting programs and activities have been lined up, including social and entertainment events, sports tournaments, business meetings, and investment roundtable.
The inaugural event will promote and position South Africa as the preferred tourist destination as well as engage and network with stakeholders in various sectors, public and private sector, and friends of the Consulate.
Sunday, 23 April 2023 will be for South African and Nigerian Movie and Comedy Night. The event is designed to promote social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians through arts and culture in the visual arts by showcasing film productions such as documentaries and shorts films by South African and Nigerian producers and film makers, as well as to display the creative arts through humour with comedy.
South Africa-Nigeria Trade and Investment Roundtable will hold on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.
This will promote and position South Africa as a preferred trade and investment country that is open to business by creating and providing a platform between South African and Nigerian Business Community to exchange views, experiences and sharing of information on matters of common interest and mutual benefit between both countries.
The South Africa-Nigeria Trade and Investment Roundtable will also be an opportunity for both countries to explore and expand on opportunities for trade and investment. It will also help to build a good and mutually beneficial relationship between the South African and Nigerian Business Community.
Other programs lined up for the week include Freedom Day Celebration which will come up on Friday, 28 April 2023 to commemorate the 29th Anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and 29 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.
The event will come to an end on Saturday, 29 April 2023 with SACG Golf Tournament aimed at promoting social cohesion and common interests between South Africans and Nigerians through sports. Sports has been one of the key factors that have brought both countries together and has been able to further strengthen relations.
Invited guests and tourism and travel stakeholders in the industry were entertained by South Africa’s Zulu dancers.
