Ms Mabet Van Rensburg:

Chair, committee members, TDs and fellow diplomats, I extend our deep gratitude for this opportunity to review our strong and dynamic relationship with Ireland. As the committee will know, we established a diplomatic relationship 30 years ago and share deep roots based on the countries’ shared experiences of colonialism and respective struggles for freedom. These experiences also influence both countries' perspectives on many challenges facing the world today. Since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1993, the political and economic relations between South Africa and Ireland have been robust and now encompass a broad spectrum of co-operative initiatives in areas such as education, immigration, energy, trade and investment, tourism, arts and culture, agriculture, science and innovation and gender equality. Of course, we must also mention sport and rugby.

The two countries' historical ties, close friendship and shared values and interests have laid the foundation for a strong and enduring partnership. South Africa and Ireland’s common struggle against colonialism and oppression meant that a bond of friendship was forged that remains strong to this day. Ireland supported the international campaign against apartheid and welcomed anti-apartheid activists such as Dr. Kader Asmal, with whom it established the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement. Both our regions face tremendous political and social challenges and, more often than not, these challenges also confront South Africa and Ireland as individual countries. However, through bilateral partnerships, political will, commitment and continued engagement, such as we are having here today, we will overcome these challenges.

It is important to note that there have been various high-level engagements between our two countries, including the recent telephonic discussions between Ireland's President and my President in December 2023 and March 2024. These discussions focused on global political developments, especially regarding Gaza and South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, an indication of our shared values.

South Africa is also grateful for our shared political approach towards many of the world’s challenges, more especially now with the profoundly serious situation in Gaza. The people of Palestine need global solidarity and South Africa supports the leadership Ireland has shown in Europe in this regard. We took note of the pronouncement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs announcing that Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state before the end of this month.

As we approach the seventh national democratic elections during the 30th anniversary of our democracy, it is especially poignant for us to pause and reflect on the importance of the international support, led by countries such as Ireland. Today, through strengthened co-operation and collaboration, our countries can advance, among others, the principles of human rights, democracy, self-determination and the peaceful co-existence of nations globally. Our nations held an online review meeting of the South Africa-Ireland Joint Commission for Cooperation on 17 May 2024.

We welcomed the opportunity to prepare for the next round of the JCC later this year in Dublin. This meeting was an ideal opportunity for both countries to lay the ground for driving our bilateral relations forward, including growing our bilateral trade, investment, tourism, science, technology and innovation, to name but a few.

Ireland and South Africa currently support a research partnership between the Universities of Technology in South Africa and Ireland, the THENSA THEA partnership, which enables researchers to exchange knowledge and expertise. The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is another key initiative that identifies promising women and black-owned start-ups in South Africa and provides them with funding and mentoring in Ireland's tech ecosystem. On the education side, the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme has awarded over 100 fellowships since its establishment in 2013. Twelve South Africans received fellowships for the 2022-23 academic year, and the programme is cofunded by the South African Department of Higher Education to the value of two additional fellowships. We remain deeply grateful for this support. Education and training are an area that we believe has vast room for growth as we have much to learn from each other.

Funding is currently provided to several civil society organisations focusing on gender equality and women, peace and security, and once again, we thank Ireland for its support in this area.

South Africa is currently Ireland's main trading partner on the African continent and trade has grown by 14.6% in the past five years. As in all areas of our partnership, we believe that there is plenty of room for growth.

In a recent interview, Ireland's ambassador in South Africa acknowledged that South Africa, 30 years after its independence, is at a similar crossroads Ireland faced some time back and has similar challenges in attracting more FDI. Despite the challenges, Ambassador Gormley pointed out that Irish companies operating in South Africa have shown confidence in the country, with investments ranging from renewable energy to high-tech construction to fintech. The ambassador added that Irish companies see the potential in South Africa's skilled workforce and are keen to tap into this talent pool to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

We are aware of the various challenges impacting on our bilateral relations and trade and these are receiving our attention to ensure that unnecessary obstacles are removed. There are also concerns with regards to delays and backlogs with certain visa categories. We are engaging with our Department of Home Affairs and assure the committee that these challenges are receiving attention.

Internationally, both countries emphasise human rights, justice and accountability and will continue to advocate for fair treatment, conflict resolution, and adherence to international law in the implementation of our foreign policies and in the positions we adopt in multilateral organisations.

We take note of Ireland's international development policy, "A Better World", a comprehensive and ambitious plan that aims to address the most pressing challenges facing the world and Ireland's Africa strategy which seeks to strengthen its relationship with the African continent, with a focus on boosting trade, investment, and economic growth. An area worth noting is the prioritisation of institutional exchanges and innovative partnerships with Irish State agencies and private sector organisations to achieve greater impact and effectiveness in development co-operation.

In conclusion, South Africa looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and solidarity that we share with your country. The continuation of the excellent relations between our two countries and the Continent remains of significant importance and we stand with you in solidarity with the tasks which lie ahead. Let us build on the strong foundations of our partnership to secure a better future for South Africa, for Ireland, for Africa and for the world.