detail
*It has been translated using AI
“The Republic of South Africa is not just a country that exports key minerals, but an optimal partner to foster future industries with South Korea.”
South Africa is one of the world’s key mineral producers, and the demand for related minerals is rapidly increasing due to the expansion of electric vehicles, semiconductors, and clean energy industries, South Africa’s ambassador to South Africa said in an interview with Maeil Economy on the 30th last month.
South Africa’s production of key minerals such as platinum, manganese, and chromium is the world’s largest. In addition, South Africa is Korea’s largest trading partner among African countries. South Korea mainly exports automobiles and machinery, while South Africa exports minerals.
“Core minerals are essential resources for renewable energy technologies such as solar, electric vehicles, and hydrogen energy, and there is research that production must be increased by nearly 500% to meet the growing demand around the world,” he said. “South Africa will play a very important supply chain role in the world’s transition to carbon neutrality and high-tech industries.”
“Now, beyond the era of exporting only raw mines, we need to grow smelting, processing, and manufacturing together in South Africa,” he said. “Korea can be South Africa’s best partner as it has successfully industrialized and export-led economic development.”
He especially expected Korean companies to expand their investment. Ambassador Mkuku said, “Korean companies can pass on technology while investing in mineral processing and manufacturing in South Africa and create jobs in the country at the same time.”
It was also highly appreciated that Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and LG Electronics are already using South Africa as their bases in Africa. South Africa has an investment protection system, a competitive financial system, a special economic zone (SEZ), and an investment support institution that provides one-stop services for foreign investors, he said. “The strength is that it provides a legal and institutional basis for investors to run their business stably and is politically stable.”
He also said, “It will be an important milestone for the relationship between the two countries to take a leap forward next year to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and South Africa.”
Ambassador Mkuku said, “We are preparing a variety of events, including the Foreign Ministers’ Joint Committee, the dispatch of economic envoys, corporate exchanges, tourism promotion, and sports and cultural exchanges. We hope that cultural cooperation, such as film co-production and music exchange, will also be expanded to serve as an opportunity for the people of the two countries to better understand each other.” He also said he is actively pursuing South Africa as the first African concert venue for the worldwide popular group BTS (BTS).
Meanwhile, regarding the recent World Cup match between South Korea and South Africa, he said, “The cheering culture of Korean fans was very impressive,” adding, “It was a special experience that reminded me of the enthusiasm for Vuvuzela’s cheering for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.” Ambassador Mkuku watched the match between South Korea and South Africa at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 25th of last month. “Sport is also an important medium of diplomacy that brings the people of the two countries closer together, regardless of victory or defeat,” he added.
South Africa designated June 16 as “Youth Day” to commemorate the 1976 Soweto Uprising. At the time, the regime implementing the racist policy “apartheid” forced the use of Afrikaans in schools, and many victims occurred as students who considered it racist went on to protest. “This event, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, is a symbol of resistance against apartheid and the starting point of democracy,” he explained.
[Reporter Han Sang-heon / Photo by Reporter Han Joo-hyung]
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