Sala kahle, Mzansi!
It is with a heavy heart that I am about to take leave from South Africa.
When I arrived five years ago, to serve as Ambassador of Germany, I knew there would be a busy time ahead. Because the relationship between our countries is wide and deep, as with no other partner on the African continent. Over six hundred German companies are active in South Africa, creating around 100.000 jobs directly, and at least double that figure indirectly. The German International Schools in Johannesburg, Cape Town und Tshwane have more than 3000 learners.
If you are interested in the language of German philosophers, or want to plunge into the fascinating depths of German-South African cultural exchange, you go to the Goethe Institute in Joburg. Our countries work together to move towards cleaner energies, while ensuring that this transition is just and nobody will be left behind. Every year, over 300.000 German tourists visit South Africa. Whether in Cape Town or in Kruger, you are bound to hear our unmistakable German accent almost everywhere. Ngempela abaJalimane bathanda Mzansi.
Thus, it has been a wonderful professional ride.
Last year, we followed South Africa’s leadership as the Presidency of the G20. Over a dozen German Ministers, including our Federal Chancellor, came over to participate actively in the work of the G20, and to support the South African Chair. We work closely together on top international issues such as fighting climate change, reforming the United Nations and international institutions, and to end wars and conflicts around the world.
My time has also been a very enriching experience for me personally. My wife and I have come to love South Africa. The endless veld, the mighty mountain ranges, the beautiful sea side, die lekker kos. South Africa is blessed with so much natural beauty. I also loved South African sports. The power of rugby and the Springboks. As they say: Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie. Or simply: No DNA just RSA. And then, there is football. I won’t forget the iconic Soweto Derby between the Pirates and the Amakhosi. The Sundowns just won their second star in the African Champions League. And for the first time, the Bafana Bafana went beyond group stage at the World Cup.
But really, what we loved most of all, are the people of South Africa. Their diversity, their humour, their languages and their big and open hearts. Actually, we have learnt quite a few things from them. Some of which, we are going to take home with us. Of course, there is Ubuntu. This principle of joint humanity, of existing for others, of supporting each other. This is an important inspiration, and I think it is highly relevant to diplomacy as well. Maybe if we had more Ubuntu diplomacy around the world, probably we would have less conflicts. So this is certainly a lesson which we are going to take away with us.
And then, there is this famous South African resilience. In other countries, when things go wrong, people might be down, or angry, or desperate. Here in South Africa, it is a different story. There are many problems in this country, like everywhere in the world. But here, people never give up. Instead, they say: Let’s make a plan. Ons mak ‘n plan. This gives a positive angle to every difficult situation. It means looking forward, trying to solve what did not work. A very positive mentality, which we will try and take home with us.
So, here I am, about to leave. It is time to say thank you, to our international colleagues, to the active Germany community, but most of all, to our many South African partners and friends. It has been a privilege to work and live with you. To all of you, thank you very much. Kini nonke sithi siyabonga. Re a leboga.
May God continue to bless this country. Morena se boloke Sechaba sa South Africa.
