JEDDAH, 1 May 2008 — “It was on April 27, 14 years ago, when all South Africans joined to echo in one voice we are free... we are one nation — a rainbow nation.’ Since then South Africa has entrenched itself on the international stage by supporting efforts in contributing to the betterment of a new world, a better life for all,” Consul General Mahdi Basadien said at his country’s National Day celebration on Sunday.

South Africa has built strategic partnerships across the globe, Saudi Arabia being one of those strategic partners, he told the gathering of officials, diplomats, businessmen and members of the community at the celebration of his country’s freedom day.

Initiatives like high-profile visits such as that of South African President Thabo Mbeki and a high-profile frequent exchange of business delegations between the two strategic countries enhances relations even further, he added.

The most recent visit to the Kingdom was of Premier of the Western Cape Ebrahim Rasool with a strong business contingency. “We have seen an increase in trade and believe that there are undiscovered opportunities in both countries for further investment and economic activity, “opportunities that we are pioneering side by side,” he said.

“We are also grateful to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah not only for the support he has given to South African pilgrims over the years in performing a problem-free Haj but also for supporting political and economic developments between the two countries — a true indication that a platform has been set to forge a stronger relationship,” the consul general added.

“We however fully realize that our strength also lies in people-to-people relations.”

In view of this, a food festival reflecting South Africa’s diversity and culture in respect of its people, often referred to as the rainbow nation, at the Al-Waha Restaurant of Sheraton Hotel, which began on Monday night. It ends today. On offer is South African cuisine prepared by the students of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Prince Sultan College for the Hospitality Industry. Interlink Airlines is commencing its flight on May 16,