Consul General's Message
The Year 2008 has been turbulent for many countries because of
the global economic meltdown. In contrast, the South African
economy has fared well and withstood any negative consequences of
the meltdown mainly because of sustained sound fiscal, monetary and
institutional lending policies. These factors, combined with the
low political risk, have made South Africa an ideal country for
investors seeking an alternative investment destination. By the end
of 2008, the disclosed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to South
Africa was estimated at R20 billion.
The Mission has witnessed an increase in investor and tourism
confidence as confirmed by the increase in investors and tourists
going to South Africa during 2008. For example, there was a 123%
increase in the number of U.A.E. nationals who applied to visit
South Africa for June-July 2008 compared to the same period in
2007. The majority of nationals who visited South Africa fell in
love with the country and the credit for that goes to the marketing
and branding strategies of the Mission; SABCO; South African
Airways; and Emirates Airline. As a result of the strategic
positioning of Africa, and South Africa in particular, investors
are now broadening their investments to include agriculture,
transportation, mining, energy and banking sectors.
Consequently, the first quarter of 2009 is
commencing with the highest number of business delegations to and
from South Africa compared to 2008. Gauteng Province Delegation led
by Premier Mashatile will be in Dubai and Sharja from 13-15 January
2009 to explore possible business opportunities with the UAE; the
Gulf Research Council (GRC) is hosting an investor conference in
Cape Town from 24-25 February 2009; the Department and
Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) will host a tourism
seminar in Dubai on 24-25 February 2009; and the African Landscape
Architecture (AFLA) Environment Conference and Exhibition will be
hosted in Cape Town from 24-26 March 2009.
The year 2009 must therefore be characterised by implementing a
more cooperative marketing and branding strategy between all
stakeholders; targeting potential traders, investors and tourists
to South Africa; and also disseminating of positive information
about our country. Furthermore, our strategy must address the
negative perceptions that continue to undermine the business
potential that our country has for investment and also the
tremendous gains that have been made post 1994.
Thanks goes to those patriotic South Africans who have
relentlessly worked hard to put South Africa on the world map.
Their efforts are greatly appreciated. Let us all keep up the good
work to ensure that trade, investment and tourism increase in 2009
against all odds. By so doing, we will ensure that South Africa
achieves the objective of attracting in excess of 10 million
visitors for the FIFA Soccer World Cup by 2010. The World Cup is
set to be the most commercially successful event since the first
tournament was held 77 years ago. This achievement will give us
more reason to be 'proudly South African'.
Let us look forward to a prosperous 2009.
Agnes Nyamande-Pitso
Consul General - Dubai & Northern
Emirates