Your Excellency, Ambassador Austin Gormley

Mr Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Ambassadors and High Commissioners

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Members of the Irish Community and

Distinguished Guests

I am honoured to represent President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government of South Africa at this St. Patrick’s Day reception, which symbolises the rich culture and heritage of Ireland. Today, we are not just celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but also the strong relations between Ireland. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr Darragh O'Brien, who is here as part of Ireland's St. Patrick’s Day Programme “Ireland’s Future in the World”. The programme highlights the achievements of young Irish people, the diaspora and leaders in the fields of innovation, creativity, community development, business, and academia.

I know that you are eager to get on with the festivities so I will mention just a few highlights of South Africa’s relations with Ireland. Our two nations share a history of struggle for freedom and justice. Many South Africans, including former Minister Kader Asmal, found refuge in Ireland during apartheid. Our relations have grown from strength to strength, and today, South Africa is the leading import and export partner for Ireland on the African continent.

Your Excellency

Ireland has been a significant supporter of South Africa’s development. Here I would like to mention the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa: This is a flagship tech start-up competition in conjunction with the SA Department of Science and Innovation that seeks to unearth high-impact South African start-ups that have developed innovative solutions aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The five SA winners of the 2023 challenge, from the fields of biotech, HR-tech, Health-tech and Agri-tech just returned from an immersion programme in Ireland where they also had a chance to showcase their innovative solutions.

South Africa and Ireland share similar values and commitment to multilateralism, especially on the promotion of democracy, human rights, women’s empowerment, the rule of law and building cohesive and just societies. Our similar views on enhancing the multilateral system are linked to the assertion that the prosperity and security of Europe and Africa are closely intertwined.

Our countries shared commitment to global governance and multilateral cooperation contributes to global peace and stability. This is apparent in our commitment to supporting the people of Palestine through our diplomatic engagements, humanitarian assistance and advocacy for the enforcement of human rights in the crisis. South Africa welcomes the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional measures in the case brought under the Genocide Convention by South Africa against Israel, concerning allegations of genocide related to the ongoing armed conflict in Gaza.

Your Excellency

Distinguished Guests

Just as South Africa supported the Good Friday Agreement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which replaced 30 years of violence with peaceful resolution and cooperation, South Africa will continue to support the people of Palestine in our commitment to engage the international community, emphasising the importance of justice, accountability, and adherence to international law. South Africa wishes to thank the Government of the Republic of Ireland for its support at the public hearings at the ICJ in February. South Africa is hopeful that the outcome of these hearings will be crucial in shaping the advisory opinion sought by the UN General Assembly. It represents an important step in addressing the complex legal issues related to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Let me end on a lighter note by wishing the Irish rugby team all the best for tomorrow’s Six Nations match against Scotland in Dublin and that we eagerly look forward to the upcoming Irish rugby tour to South Africa to take on our Springboks!

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me in raising our glasses as I propose a toast to President Michael D. Higgins, the prosperity of the Government and the People of Ireland as well as the friendship between our two nations.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sláinte! (Pronounced: Slaan-cha) 🍀🥂