On the occasion of the 2014 South Africa Freedom Day, H.E. Hilton Anthony Dennis, Amb. of South Africa to the Republic of Korea contributed this article for publication to the NDN News & Seoul City Magazine (www.seoulcity.co.kr). Ed.

"South Africa has world class infrastructure, sophisticated financial, legal and telecommunication sectors, something which makes the country an ideal launchpad for foreign capital into the fast-growing African market", Amb. Dennis

• What is the significance of the South African 20 years of democracy?

▲ H.E. Hilton Anthony Dennis, Amb. of South Africa

This year, 2014, marks 20 years of democracy in South Africa, coinciding with the fifth national elections as a democratic country. The road to democracy in South Africa was marked by centuries of racial and economic discrimination and oppression as well as an unyielding sacrifice and resistance of the oppressed peoples

Today South Africa is a new society built on a foundation of freedom and democracy.20 years of democracy has brought freedom of movement and association, freedom of expression and freedom of the press, the equality of women, religious freedom, all in an attempt to restore the human dignity that was stripped away by the colonial and apartheid past. It should be noted, that "freedom" should mean emancipation from poverty, unemployment, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. One of the most active arenas of change has been to shift the programmes of the state towards reconstruction and development of our country, with particular focus on the poor and marginalized – to eliminate poverty and provide access to housing, water, electricity, sanitation, education, health, social protection support to the millions deprived of these basic rights under apartheid.

At the centre of our democracy and freedom is our Constitution that enshrines the rights of every South African and describes our obligations as citizens to each other and the country within those rights. We have, among others, representative legislatures, an independent judiciary, an independent Reserve Bank, and independent constitutional bodies to provide checks and balances and protect the rights of citizens.

• What is the edge or merit of South Africa as a gateway to the African continent so that Korean companies can take advantage of it to enter the African market?

South Africa is one of the most sophisticated, diverse and promising emerging markets globally. Strategically located at the tip of the African continent, South Africa is a key investment location both for the market opportunities that lie within its borders and for the opportunity that exists to use the country as a gateway to the rest of the continent, a market of nearly 1 billion people.

▲ Truth and reconciliation (former President Nelson Mandela abolished apartheid policy, paving the way for the new era South Africa democracy)

The special International Headquarter Company (IHQ) regime makes South Africa an attractive location for multinational companies wanting to invest into Africa.

• Please elaborate on South African tourism so that Korean travellers can enjoy it to the fullest?
South Africa’s advanced infrastructure combined with magnificent scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, sunny climate, cultural diversity and reputation for delivering value for money experiences have made it one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations.

South Africa’s status as a premier global leisure destination is firmly established. The country has the capability and the means, the welcoming culture, the diversity and the scenic beauty that the world’s travellers are looking for when they choose a destination.

South Africa has seven world heritage sites, namely: Robben Island, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe, Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind, the Cape Floral Kingdom and the Richtersveld cultural and botanical landscape.

• How is people to people ties between the ties between the two countries, in particular as a destination for English study of student?

Over the past years there have been a growing number of Korean families who stay in South Africa with their children who are enrolled at South African schools to study English. According to the Korean Embassy in South Africa, the number of Korean people who stay in South Africa is estimated at 5000 and similarly the numbers of South Africans in Korea are estimated at 2500.

• Please touch upon Korean companies investment or business activities into South Africa.
The level of Korean FDI in SA is relatively low. Taihan Cable manufactures electrical and communication cables in Vereeniging (M-Tek) and LG Electronics has recently established a TV assembly operation in Germiston. POSCO acquired the majority shares in a producer of manganese and chrome in South Africa. The Korean Government Resources Corporation (KORES) is investing in the development of a coal mine in Mpumalanga and has acquired a share in a rare earth development project. Daewoo International (trading company owned by POSCO) also has an operating unit in South Africa. The advertising company Cheil has been active in South Africa for a few years. The large Korean automotive, electronics and appliance companies operate distribution and service centers in South Africa.

A number of Korean companies recently opened offices in South Africa. Companies like Hanna Bank, Korea Exim Bank, POSCO, Hanwha Corporation, Parts Mall, Hankook Tire, Hyundai E&C, Daewoo E&C and LG International have established a presence.

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