Hendricks urges deeper Saudi–South Africa partnership rooted in faith, investment and solidarity

According to The Citizen, Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks used Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day celebrations in Pretoria on Monday, 21 September to urge a deeper partnership between the two countries based on religious ties, historical solidarity and increased investment.

Faith and history as a foundation

Speaking at the national-day event, Hendricks framed the relationship in terms of shared faith and long-standing connections. According to The Citizen, he said the countries’ links go back centuries and include pilgrimage ties: Hajj links dating back to the 18th century.

“Our history is intertwined, from the first South African to perform the Hajj to the solidarity we shared during apartheid.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

Mandela’s visit and political solidarity

According to The Citizen, Hendricks recalled Nelson Mandela’s trip to Saudi Arabia in 1994 as a defining moment for bilateral relations. He said:

“We are so proud that President Mandela, at the first opportunity after our freedom, visited Saudi Arabia in 1994. That visit established the foundations of a relationship we continue to value.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

Investment, energy projects and economic aims

Hendricks urged greater economic cooperation and more projects between the two countries. According to The Citizen, he pointed to existing renewable-energy examples and called for an expansion of investment and activity.

“These are physical examples of what our countries can achieve when investment, expertise and shared vision come together. But there is not enough, we need more projects, more investment, more economic activity.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

According to The Citizen, the article links Saudi investment to renewable-energy projects including the Bokpoort and Redstone solar plants in the Northern Cape.

Ambassador’s economic figures

According to The Citizen, Saudi ambassador Faisal Al-Harbi highlighted recent economic ties between the two countries. He reportedly cited more than R2 billion in Saudi investment in South Africa’s renewable-energy sector and 13% growth in bilateral trade during the previous year.

“President Nelson Mandela acknowledged that Saudi Arabia’s support contributed to the defeat of apartheid. His words remain a powerful reminder of the friendship upon which our two nations continue to build.”

Faisal Al-Harbi, according to The Citizen

Social issues and future cooperation

According to The Citizen, Hendricks called for broader cooperation on social and technological fronts, including a role for women in future urban development and measures to address gender-based violence.

“Let us leave smart cities in the hands of women. We want Saudi Arabia to help ensure women in South Africa have free access to independent data to tackle gender-based violence.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

He also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, invoking Mandela’s legacy in his appeal to the international community. According to The Citizen, Hendricks said:

“What is happening to the children of Gaza would have been unacceptable if President Mandela were alive today. The international community has an obligation to protect the Palestinian people from genocide.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

Sport and diplomacy

According to The Citizen, Hendricks welcomed Saudi Arabia’s growing global profile ahead of its role as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, saying:

“Saudi Arabia is already a meeting place for the world. Hosting the World Cup will showcase its hospitality and global stature.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen

Closing call

Summing up his appeal for closer ties, Hendricks urged shared prosperity built on faith and history. According to The Citizen, he said:

“We want investments, we want economic activities, and we want both countries to grow. Our peoples are connected by faith, history and solidarity – now we must build prosperity together.”

Ganief Hendricks, according to The Citizen