The Embassy of the Czech Republic celebrated its 106th National Day on 28th October 2024 at the Residence. H.E. Mr Tomáš Uličný hosted the event.
Founded on democratic principles and a commitment to relations and ethnic tolerance, the first Czech Republic became a symbol of hope and freedom in an increasingly authoritarian Europe. Under the visionary leadership of its first president, Václav Havel, Czechia emerged as a beacon of democracy, embracing the values of liberty and pluralism. Though the nation faced great challenges—including the devastating consequences of the Munich Agreement and the post-war Soviet dominance that followed the 1948 communist coup—the story of the Czech people is one of resilience and triumph.
Today, Czechia stands as a proud member of the European Union and NATO, upholding the democratic traditions that are deeply engrained in its national consciousness.
Relations with South Africa are equally rich and enduring. Czechia stood alongside South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, as the values of freedom and democracy united the leaders of both nations. The iconic figures of Nelson Mandela and Václav Havel, who both endured long periods of imprisonment, came to symbolise the triumph of reconciliation over division. Their personal bond, marked by Mandela’s visit to Prague in 1992, is a testament to the deep connection between both nations and their peoples.
South Africa is Czechia’s largest trading partner on the African continent, accounting for more than one-third of Czech trade in Africa. Since 2019, South Africa has enjoyed a healthy trade surplus with Czechia, having more than doubled the value of its exports compared to previous years.
“We value this partnership immensely and are eager to continue expanding into new areas of cooperation,” said H.E. Mr Tomáš Uličný.
Trade between the two countries reached almost €1.5 billion in 2023, a value Czechia is committed to strengthening further. At the heart of trade relations are industries such as automotive, aerospace, and IT, particularly in CPU processing. There is also great potential in other sectors. One exciting development is the Czech company Photon Energy Group’s investment in a 250-megawatt solar project in KwaZulu-Natal, worth over €600 million. Additionally, the group’s ambitious plans for several other solar projects across South Africa—including a 200-megawatt project in Gauteng—are all contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
The largest single investment in South Africa by a Czech company was made by PFNonwovens, a global leader in nonwoven fabric manufacturing for hygiene products. They offer an innovative array of ultra-lightweight, nonwoven spunmelt materials tailored for personal hygiene, healthcare, and industrial applications. Their R3.2 billion investment in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone near Cape Town is a shining example of Czech industry’s contribution to the South African economy.
The transport sector is a critical area where Czechia aims to deepen cooperation with South Africa. In 2023, the South African Minister of Transport led a delegation to Prague, where they met with their Czech counterpart to discuss South Africa’s efforts to achieve net zero road accidents and explore legal frameworks for cooperation. The delegation also learned from Czechia’s success in reducing traffic incidents.
Czech Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka, accompanied by a large business delegation, participated in a session of the Joint Economic Commission held in South Africa on 10th December 2024. This occasion provided an opportunity to explore new avenues for partnership and economic growth. In March 2024, regular political consultations were conducted at the Deputy Minister level, further reinforcing mutual understanding of foreign policy issues. The next round will be held in Prague in 2025.
Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa congratulated Czechia on its National Day celebration on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.
“Full diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Czech Republic were established in 1991. Our relations are cordial, and our countries maintain regular bilateral political consultations at the level of Deputy Minister, in accordance with the Declaration of Intent on Political Dialogue, which entered into force on 18th July 2000,” said Minister Hlengwa.
Guests raised a toast to an enduring relationship of friendship and cooperation.
by Marion Kate
