By Rohail Khan
South Africa’s great leader and visionary Nelson Mandela advised: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
These golden words were read out with utmost reverence and admiration in front of over 550 dignitaries by Consul General H.E Ebrahim Edries while inaugurating the Republic of South Africa’s 20th National Day festivities at the Sheraton Banquet Hall, Jeddah, on the eve of 27th April 2014.
The posh banquet hall was packed with Consul Generals, Government Officials, Businessmen, Socialites and Celebrities from various Arab, Asian, African and European countries.
Master of Ceremony and host of the event H.E Ebrahim Edries and his better-half Madam Najwa Edries, dressed in colourful attires, took extra ordinary care of each and every of the 550 guests. They were ably supported by the South African Vice Consul, Commercial and Trade Secretaries, and the Consulate staff.
The event proved truly multinational and multicultural. Guests, mostly couples, mingled and enjoyed the evening. The well-decorated South African tourism stall and the Arts and Crafts exhibition inspired every one.
National anthems of South Africa and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked the evening with a graceful start.
H.E. Ebrahim Edries in his opening address warmly thanked the Chief Guest, H.E. Farid Azhar, Senior Official, Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Mukarramah Region, and reiterated the ever-growing relations between the two friendly countries.
H.E Ebrahim Edries, on behalf of the South African nation, offered special congratulations to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on completing nine glorious years of ascension to the royal throne and for his remarkable role towards KSA’s growth and prosperity.
Thanks to the untiring and successful struggle of Nelson Mandela and his comrades, the South African nation won the right for free and fair elections on 27th April 1994. This auspicious day celebrates freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held in South African history.
H.E Ebrahim Edries elucidated: “”For the majority of us, it was the first time we had voted. Having been denied the basic civil right to vote because of race and colour, millions of South Africans voted themselves out of slavery and emerged as a democratic state this exact day twenty years ago”.
He continued eloquently: “Like a young adult entering his maturity, South Africa has come a long way. We have a good story to tell”.
During last two decades,, over 3.3 million free houses have been built for the poor; access to electricity has increased significantly from 34% to 88%, and public access to clean water has charged up from 62% to 95%.
South African Government, in 2012, was ranked the 2nd most transparent globally. Indeed, an amazing indication of how quickly the governance raised from the shadow of an apartheid state to an open and transparent democracy.
The “2013 Global Competitiveness Report” shows South Africa as the 2nd best banking system in the world, ranked 1st for regulation of securities exchange, 1st for legal rights, 1st for auditing and reporting standards and 1st for efficiency of corporate boards.
H.E Ebrahim Edries elaborated: “Twenty years on, we are proud very few countries could achieve what South Africa has in a short span of time. We have moved decisively from an inactive state to a democratic republic that plays a leadership role on the African continent and continues to yield influence in global politics”. 
“Recent success stories”, he expounded, “include hosting the Soccer World Cup in 2010, a 2.5 billion dollar project for developing the world’s largest radio telescope, and Cape Town’s selection as 2014 Design Capital of the World”
The Saudi Minister of Trade and Commerce, H.E. Dr Toufiq Al- Rabea led a high level business delegation to South Africa recently and mega projects are on the table.
Saudi Arabia remains an important partner both as the biggest economy in the GCC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) comprising 14 countries keen to conclude a free trade agreement in the near future.
A well-rounded statesman, H.E Ebrahim Edries opined: “As Africans, we have realized that our competitive advantage lies in creating strong regional free trade area that would be able to compete on a global level. This will soon become a reality when a vast free trade area stretching from South Africa in the South all along the East Coast of Africa to Egypt in the North, will be established”.
No doubt, this will create a massive economic zone comprising 600 million people with a combined GDP in excess of USD 1 trillion. This would enable Africa to compete better with leading trading partners in the developed North and with other developing countries. The economic benefits and the positive impact on capacity-building, self-sustenance and poverty alleviation will be far reaching.
The Honourable Consul concluded with an affirmation to increase bilateral trade, investment and tourism between South Africa and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Guests enjoyed the sumptuous open-air dinner which was a real treat. The best part was the spicy South African BBQ. Fresh pastries, compliments of the Sheraton Chef, were a true delight even for the well-disciplined weight watchers.
Notable event sponsors were Mobily, Emirates Airlines, and other leading Saudi corporates.
H.E Salah Attia, Consul General of Algeria, was the lucky guest to win the Emirates Airlines return ticket to South Africa.
Heavens meet the earth in South Africa. The country’s natural beauty and world class hospitality ranks with the best in the world. Coupled with the friendly and dynamic locals, a trip to South Africa will stretch your imagination beyond dreams!
[Rohail Khan, a senior banker and social worker, is Chairman of Urdu Academy International. He is actively developing communities through literature, culture, and philanthropy. He can be reached at: rohailkhan00@gmail.com]