President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Congolese businesses to invest in South Africa and for local companies to enact the same.
The President labelled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the beating heart of Africa, with huge importance to the continent’s history.
“The DRC has an equally indispensable role to play in the future of our continent, with its minerals propelling the novel green industrial revolution.
“It is for this acumen that we want to see more South African companies investing in the DRC, and likewise to see more Congolese companies investing in the South African economy,” the President said on Thursday.
The country’s First Citizen was speaking in Kinshasa where he kicked off his working visit at the invitation of President Félix Tshisekedi.
He co-chaired the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th Session of the DRC–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).
President Ramaphosa said the BNC between the two countries underscores the importance of their relationship.
He told the delegates that the visit was taking space amid challenges.
These, according to him, include the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising food and fuel prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change that is negatively impacting economies and communities.
“And yet even though we face some challenges, we are a continent brimming with potential and opportunity.
“From North Africa to South Africa, from East to West, and here in Central Africa, we are favoured with vast endowments.”
He reminded the officials that the countries acquire abundant mineral resources and fossil fuel reserves, large arable land, and abundant water supply.
“We maintain a diverse terrain that supports all manner of infrastructure development, including renewable energy.
“And yet these vast endowments are not producing favourable economic and developmental outcomes evenly across the continent.”
However, he said they were meeting businesses because both nations see the opportunities.
“Beyond our natural endowments, we acquire many other strengths as a continent.” – SAnews.gov.za
Empowering Women in Design: Celebrating South Africa’s Creative Mavens
Romance Princess
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”
Mad Irishman
Fun South African Fact: South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” thanks to its mix of cultures across the country. The status of being a cultural “melting pot” is evident in the fact that South Africa has a whopping 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, IsiNdebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga. Most South Africans speak more than one national language. IsiZulu is the most common first language and isiXhosa is second. Fun fact – did you know the people of Wakanda speak isiXhosa in Marvel’s Black Panther movie?