The 62nd anniversary of Burundi’s Independence was celebrated by the Embassy of Burundi in Pretoria on 1 July 2024.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Alexis Bukuru, warmly welcomed guests to the occasion held at the Christ the King parish in Queenswood, Pretoria. The 1st of July is a day of jubilation for Burundians around the world and in Burundi as they celebrate gaining their independence in 1962. Many great freedom fighters, including His Highness Prince Louis Rwagasore, the great hero of the Independence of Burundi, sacrificed their lives to gain independence for their motherland.
All Burundians share the vision of Burundi being viewed as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. Burundi has an abundance of minerals and other resources; however, to achieve the vision of becoming a developed country, assistance is required from already developed countries. Support is needed from the international arena, bilateral support, and investor support.
Relations between the Heart of Africa (Burundi) and the Rainbow Nation (South Africa) are sound and cordial and have improved since the establishment of official diplomatic ties on 23 June 1995. Next year, Burundi and South Africa will be celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations. South Africa played a key role in the EU-led Burundi peace process known as the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which resulted in the signing of the peace accord in August 2000.
A strong foundation is now being built between Burundi and South Africa to cooperate in various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and development, energy, mining, oil and gas, packaging, and tourism. This foundation was laid during a joint commission for cooperation that took place in Burundi in November 2022 and cemented high-level visits, including a state visit to Burundi by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the Summit of Peace in East Africa and the East of DRC. Additionally, the President of Burundi visited South Africa to attend the BRICS summit, and recently, on 19 June 2024, the Prime Minister of Burundi visited to attend the inauguration of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa.
A representative from DIRCO congratulated Burundi on their Independence Day on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa. The two countries work together under the umbrella of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), which was inaugurated in November 2022 to promote political, economic, and social cooperation between the two countries. The JCC provides a platform for South African institutions to explore further cooperation in Burundi in existing and new areas. The following economic sectors are identified as priorities for South Africa: agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and mining, among others.
Burundi has more than 6,000 men and women deployed on various peacekeeping missions alongside the UN, which South Africa commends. Raising a toast to Burundi’s peace and prosperity, the event concluded with guests enjoying a drum performance by Burundian performers over lunch.
by Marion Kate
