Türkiye, a country with a predominantly young population exceeding 85 million, a competitive workforce, a dynamic private sector, and advanced infrastructure in transportation, telecommunications, and energy sectors, celebrated the 101st anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic on 29th October 2024 at the Residence of Ambassador Kandaş in Pretoria.
“The strengthening of relations is not only about political and economic ties; it is also about people coming together,” said H.E. Ms Kandaş.
The 180 tonnes of in-kind assistance received from South Africans, sent via Turkish Airlines Cargo, provided crucial aid to the victims of the earthquake that occurred on 6th February 2023. In addition, the 50 million Rand of in-kind assistance still promised to Türkiye and the 4.5 million Rand in cash collected by South African NGOs, generous individuals, and the government will forever be cherished by the people of Türkiye.
On the African continent, South Africa was the second country from Africa to send such significant aid and financial assistance. Two mega tents from South Africa are still being used as temporary primary schools in the Hatay district. These tents bear the South African flag and a symbol of Ubuntu, signifying the deep bond between the two nations.
The bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and South Africa reached USD 3.3 billion in 2022, marking the highest volume recorded in history. The 4th Joint Economic Commission, scheduled for 2025, aims to further increase trade between the two countries. South Africa is Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with numerous large Turkish companies such as DEFY, SAMPA, Aselsan, and AKSA investing in South Africa.
Currently, there are 250 South African students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in Türkiye on scholarships and bursaries, with numbers increasing each year. Cooperation between universities in South Africa and Türkiye has also grown significantly.
The Turkish Development Corporation Agency (TİKA) operates 63 offices worldwide, 23 of which are in Africa. Its Pretoria office is the most successful in terms of completing development cooperation projects, averaging 20 projects per year across South Africa. Over the past seven years, TİKA has completed more than 80 projects and invested a total of 70 million Rand in South Africa, focusing on women, youth, and people with disabilities.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2023 on scientific cooperation has been instrumental in scientific exchanges between the two countries. Additionally, two MOUs on higher education and sport have been finalised and are awaiting signatures.
Ambassador Maud Dlomo congratulated Türkiye on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.
“You have truly represented your country very well. You have engaged with people naturally and effortlessly, as if you speak the language and understand the culture,” said Ambassador Dlomo, commenting on H.E. Ms Kandaş’s interaction with the people of South Africa.
Guests enjoyed performances by various artists and indulged in Turkish cuisine to mark the occasion.
by Marion Kate
