Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, led his country’s celebrations of its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday, 28th March, with a focus on the country’s diversity, plus poetry, music and song.
Ramaphosa was welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Ramaphosa said, “[Expo 2020 Dubai] is a seminal and not-to-be missed event Its importance is now greater than ever, as we strive to recover and rebuild in the wake of the pandemic. Our country’s founding father, Nelson Mandela, once said: ‘When people are determined to do anything, they will be able to achieve anything.’ As South Africa we are determined to recover from COVID-19 to grow our economy and to build our country.”
“And in you we have a long-term partner. We thank you for the relationship that exists between our sisterly countries, as we say once again: visit our pavilion to see for yourself a country that is on the move, an economy that is diverse and growing, and people ready to welcome you.”
Sheikh Nahyan said, “South Africa’s participation showcases the country’s ample opportunities, rich culture and unique blend of history and modernity, while also promoting its economic sectors and abundant natural resources.
“We are pleased to share strong bilateral relations with South Africa, which have been based on notions of friendship and mutual respect since their establishment in 1994, and look forward to expanding on our partnerships within various fields of mutual priority, with the aim of supporting one another in achieving our visions for development and prosperity.”
The ceremony concluded with a performance showcasing South Africa’s diverse cultures through poetry, music and song, with performers clad in colourful traditional outfits. Praise poet Jessica Mbangeni – a custodian of African heritage – fused storytelling with isiXhosa singing, accompanied by musician Vusi Nova and the Mzansi Youth Choir, which gives talented, underprivileged young adults the opportunity to perform locally and abroad.
Afterwards, visitors were treated to a colourful parade, with dancers led by a performer dressed as a king protea, the country’s national flower. Many South Africans joined in the celebrations, lining Ghaf Avenue and singing along as the popular anthem My African Dream played through loud speakers.
During a media briefing later, President Ramaphosa spoke about the importance of the bilateral relationship between the UAE and South Africa.
“The invitation [to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai] was rather pointed and special to get us here and it was largely based on the strength of the relationship that exists between South Africa and the UAE,” President Ramaphosa said.
“The relationship goes beyond just political; it goes beyond being a cultural type of relationship; it also is an economic relationship, where our trade links, our investment links have strengthened over time since 1994 and the exchanges that we continue to have at a diplomatic level have become emboldened We now have a very healthy trade surplus with the UAE and we see a number of UAE companies initiating forays into South Africa to invest.”
The South Africa Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, is a showcase for the country’s rich heritage, creativity and innovative thinking. Visitors can learn more about tourism options and business opportunities, as well as browse South African products for sale.
Source: Emirates News Agency