Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake his first State visit to South Africa next month and is expected to address a reception hosted by a volunteer-based organisation comprising cultural groups and expatriate Indians – SAWelcomesModi – bringing together one of the oldest Indian communities outside of India, said to number about 1.2-million.
A cultural programme incorporating Indian and African dance and music was being planned for the event by the SAWelcomesModi committee.
Speaking at a pre-event hosted by SAWelcomesModi on Friday, chairperson Raman Dhawan said South Africa’s deep bond with India spanned over five generations and included the birth of freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela's new ideals of freedom and democracy.
“The two countries have both endured shackles of colonial rule, suppression and oppression, with the key to India’s freedom having been forged in South Africa,” he said.
He stated that the coming together of the SAWelcomesModi diaspora saw an unprecedented enthusiasm for a new vision of unity and friendship and he encouraged those who wanted to be part of the reception to register on the SAWelcomesModi website.
“SAWelcomesModi pays tribute to the strong ties between India and South Africa that go back centuries. This event will also glorify the significant contribution made by members of the Indian diaspora to the growth of South Africa in many facets including politics, economics, culture, education, medicine and academics,” he said.