Flemish Minister-President Jambon embarks on working visit to South Africa

Flemish Prime Minister Jan Jambon leaves Belgium on Sunday for a week-long working visit to South Africa. The main goal of the visit will be strengthening political, economic and cultural ties with the nation.

Since the end of apartheid, almost every Flemish government leader has visited the country. Ties between Flanders and South Africa are good, for example because of the historical and cultural link with the Low Countries. South Africa is also the most important emigration destination for Belgians outside Europe, after the US and Canada, with 8,000 Belgians living there. Many Flemish companies do business there too.

The Flemish coalition agreement states that South Africa is no longer considered a country with which development cooperation is undertaken. Instead, cooperation now focuses on economic, cultural and political relations. This policy shift was apparently the cause of some friction between the two countries, and will undoubtedly be addressed during Jambon's political meetings next week. 

Jambon will be visiting Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, and will have meetings with several South African ministers to discuss the new cooperation policy between Flanders and South Africa. The Minister-President will also attend the reopening of the main office of the Diplomatic Representation of Flanders in Pretoria.

Besides political contacts, there are also academic and cultural meetings on the agenda. For example, a meeting with the rector of Stellenbosch University, and a dialogue on the role of Dutch and Afrikaans in South African society.

There is an important economic component to the mission too. Many Flemish companies are active in the country, including East Flanders biscuit manufacturer Lotus, water technology company Waterleau, and glass mould manufacturer OMCO. Flemish and South African ports are closely tied as well.

© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE - Flemish Minister President Jan Jambon pictured during a press conference of the Flemish government, in Brussels, Friday 04 February 2022.