South African Airways (SAA) recently partnered with the Nigeria South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) by sponsoring the July 2024 edition of its monthly Breakfast Forum which held on July 18, 2024 at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, which played host to members of the business community from South Africa and Nigeria as well as high ranking officials from the South African High Commission in Nigeria including Prof. Bobby J. Moroe, Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, had as it theme: “Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”.
Addressing guests at the meeting, the airline’s Country Manager, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa stated that SAA is a network airline catering to the needs of business, leisure and MICE travelers with its domestic, regional and international flight offerings. She also announced that the airline has opened two new international routes to São Paulo in Brazil and Perth in Australia. “We decided to sponsor today’s event as part of our commitment to the Nigerian market and to also help solidify relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” she said.
Building on her comments in his Keynote Address, Prof. Bobby Moroe said, “This year, the South African Airways marks 90 years since its establishment in 1934, undergoing transformation and adherence to the country’s diversity. Since then, our national carrier has been connecting South Africa to the world, promoting more connections to African destinations and facilitating growth and prosperity in the continent.
“This year we are also celebrating two significant milestones in our history as a country; the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Freedom and Democracy – to which Nigeria has graciously contributed; and 30 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria in February 1994. Today, 18th July 2024, also marks the celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in November 2009.
“We, therefore, call upon the people and government of Nigeria to join us in these celebrations that also define a turning point in our diplomatic relations as we mark 30 years of unbroken friendship. For all that we have achieved today as a country, we remain truly grateful to the government and people of Nigeria for standing on the right, yet rare, side of history during our struggle for freedom and liberation,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Osayaba Giwa-Osagie SAN, said; “It is important to note that both Nigeria and South Africa share a rich history of collaboration, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations. As the two largest economies in Africa, Nigeria and South Africa hold a unique position on the continent, and our partnership is vital for the advancement of not only our respective countries but also for the broader African agenda.”
He added that, “The present state of Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa is marked by a blend of cooperation, ongoing dialogue, and efforts to address challenges. While there are occasional tensions, both countries recognize the importance of their partnership and are committed to working together to enhance economic growth, political stability, and social development in Africa. By continuing to engage constructively and addressing issues proactively, Nigeria and South Africa can strengthen their relationship and contribute to a more prosperous and united continent.”
Speaking further on the relations between the two continental giants, which in his words, are often projected as competitors rather than collaborators, Prof. Moroe noted that, “Nigeria accounts for approximately 64% of South Africa’s total trade within the West African Region, with approximately 120 South African companies in the country. In 2022, South African exports to Nigeria were estimated at the value of $447 million, while the Nigerian exports to South Africa were around $1.72 billion.”
He also revealed that the South African Commission has put in place measures that would make it easier for people to receive their visas by cutting the turnaround time to as low as seven to eight days. He added that travelers also now have an option of sending in a certified copy of the data page of their passports with their application if they have to travel to somewhere else at the time and once the visa is ready a notification can be sent and upon return they can get their visas.
“We also now give long term multiple entry visas for business people of up to five years. We are also now able to invite you for a briefing if you will be travelling to South Africa as groups whereby we set up an appointment on your behalf with VFS, you give us a day and submit the list and we make a request for VFS to allow you to submit with your group. These are some of the interventions we have done and it is an ongoing mandate that we have given ourselves in order for us to respond to the challenges that have been raised with us,” Prof. Moroe assured.
Concluding his address, he stressed that, “Breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding, cooperation, and dialogue can help improve relations and foster a more positive and collaborative environment between South Africans and Nigerians. By implementing these steps, we can work towards ending negative perceptions and fostering a more positive and inclusive relationship between South Africans and Nigerians.”
