It was 20 years ago that South Africa got rid of the anti-apartheid regime. As part of the celebration of 20 years of freedom and democracy this year, Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu, the Minister of Human Settlements, said the country could not have come so far without the support of countries, such as India.

Sisulu said South Africa also plans to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s centenary next year in a big way. “He may have been born here, but it is we who made him…So if you own him, we own the better part of him,” said the African National Congress (ANC) leader, who has been a member of Parliament since 1994.

The ANC’s ideology of “passive resistance” against apartheid was, to a large extent, a reflection of the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, she said at a media briefing here on Tuesday.

Close ties

Sisulu, who is visiting India to promote ‘Brand Africa,” termed India as one of South Africa’s ‘closest allies’ in the Asian continent, especially in economic groupings such as BRICS and IBSA. May be this is because we almost have “blood ties” as well as commonality of approach on many issues, she added. During her visit, the Minister will be meeting representatives of the construction industry, as South Africa, which has big plans for infrastructure development, such as roads, rail network and affordable housing, is keen on seeking help from Indian expertise.

Collaborative plans

“Production of satellite dishes is another area in which we are looking for support from India as we lack the required skills,” she added.

Next month, a team from the Nelson Mandela University will visit India to explore possibilities of tie-ups, especially in the field of music, said South Africa’s High Commissioner.

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