Just over two decades ago our country defied expectations and did what most people considered impossible; it transformed itself into an inclusive democracy. We can celebrate twenty-two years of democracy thanks to the vision and wisdom of our leadership, and through the resilience and determination of our people. Many decades earlier, in June 1955, a new vision for South Africa was adopted in Kliptown, Johannesburg, by the Congress of the People. It was the most representative gathering in the history of South Africa; workers, peasants, intellectuals, women, youth and students of all races and colors gathered to adopt a vision of a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa through the Freedom Charter. This visionary Charter set the foundation for the struggle for freedom and for new a constitution. We adopted a new democratic Constitution on 8 May 1996, and it has become an exemplar for democracy today. It ensures that state power, so abused during years of apartheid, would be prevented. It is built on core values of accountability, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the constitution. To date it has played a key role in creating a platform for a vibrant democracy, for peaceful discourse, for ensuring that the rule of law prevails and in creating a climate for growth and development. Undoubtedly, there will be many challenges along the way as we learn to grow into our Constitution. Our Constitution also clearly emphasizes the socioeconomic advancement of all South Africans. This is a critical factor in sustaining our democracy, in building a prosperous country for our future generations and in realizing the vision set out in the Freedom Charter. Indeed, much has been accomplished in South Africa since the end of apartheid in building a more inclusive economy where services are accessible to a much wider population. For example, our government, working in concert with the private sector, civil society and our many friends around the globe has built more than 3.5 million houses for the poor; access to electricity increased from 34 percent to 89 percent; access to clean water increased from 62 percent to 95 percent; access to social grants increased from 2.5 million to 17 million; and access to primary school education is now universal for all children living in South Africa. Impressive as these figures are, there is so much more to be done: Unemployment remains high; poverty is an unwelcome but persistent companion; and development in many of our poorer areas is a challenge we are working hard to achieve. The past inspires us on this long road. Our government recently adopted a new development plan "Vision 2030: Our Future Our Plan". It is a bold plan that sets a target for growth of 5.4 percent per year over the next 15 years to create more than 11 million new jobs. I have no doubt that the vision set out by South Africans is achievable but will require hard work and persistent effort. It will also need strong partnerships from our friends in the international community. Political, economic and people-to-people ties between South Africa and Saudi Arabia have been growing steadily for several years. This year, President Zuma was very warmly welcomed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz on a State Visit. The visit was very significant in demonstrating the strategic relationship between our two countries and in cementing these ties for future relations. Bilateral political and economic relations were strengthened and expanded in targeted sectors including the agricultural and agro-processed goods and services, energy, infrastructure development, defense procurement, manufacturing and mineral beneficiation. Speaking at the State Visit, President Zuma said that: "We are very pleased that this State Visit will ensure, among other things, continued Saudi private sector investment in our country's renewable energy sector in support of the National Development Plan; the South African petrochemical sector; banking and finance; tourism infrastructure as well as Saudi participation as a maritime state in our Operation Phakisa". South Africa and Saudi Arabia have a natural partnership in many ways, evolving from sharing similar developmental challenges of employment, public services, housing and skills development. The Consulate notes the growing South African expatriate community throughout the Kingdom. South Africans contribute to the economy of Saudi Arabia and the wellbeing of its citizens in healthcare, engineering, teaching, managerial positions and many other fields. South African restaurants in the Kingdom continue to produce a delightful variety of culinary sensations; these include the Butcher Shop and Grill, Mugg ‘n Bean, Ocean Basket, Marcels and soon to be, the reopening of Nando's! Since 2010 the numbers of Saudis and Saudi residents that travel to South Africa have more than doubled, and this growth of over 10 percent each year seems set to continue for the coming years. In turn, the Kingdom welcomes 2000 hujjaj and almost 40,000 for Umrah. We convey our thanks and appreciation to King Salman and his government, and all the Saudi citizens for their unstinting support for the hujjaj. During 2015 the Consulate had the opportunity of visiting four regions including Tabuk, Al-Bahah, Madinah and Makkah– discovering the boundless beauty of Saudi Arabia while showcasing South Africa to the Governors of these regions, as well as the Chambers of Commerce and the offices of the Council for Tourism and Antiquities. In these regions the vibrancy and warmth of the people is evident, and we were able to witness the remarkable transformation of the Kingdom that is unfolding. We take this opportunity to thank the Governors and their staffs for the warm welcome and the very fruitful discussions. In the current year we hope to visit Abha, Taif, Jawf and Jazan. The Consulate wishes to establish and grow relations with all of these regions in order to better develop the relationship between South Africa and Saudi Arabia. We are very optimistic that this relationship will continue to bear fruits for both our nations. Our country continues to transform its society, build inclusiveness, and improve the lives of all our people. The successful transition from apartheid to an inclusive democracy shows the capacity to move forward pragmatically and to seize opportunities for the peaceful advancement of our country. Our country has no shortage of challenges, but our people have already proved their determination, creativity, and ability to envision a better future. Our country has surmounted tremendous obstacles, and I have no doubt that our leaders and citizenry will yet again rise to the challenges we face in our quest to realize Vision 2030. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve this relationship through the Consulate General in Jeddah. — Shoayb Casoo is the Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Jeddah.
