Mayor hosts India’s consul-general
The consul-general of India, Abhishek Shukla, recently paid a courtesy visit to the executive mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Harry Levendal, as part of his visit to the Eden Region.
Director Dick Naidoo was acting as municipal manager at the time of the visit.
The year 2018 is significant in India-South Africa relations: the 25th year of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the 125th anniversary of the Pietermaritzburg “train incident” and importantly the centenary celebration of Nelson Mandela’s birth.
The consul-general said it was South Africa that transformed the young lawyer, Mohandas Gandhi, into Mahatma Gandhi. The talks mainly centred on outreach programmes for the poorer communities and improving the rendering of infrastructure and services locally.
The consul-general also indicated that India has a growing and innovative economy and can partner with South Africa to not only train skilled manpower, but also to bring innovation to South Africa. There are over 150 Indian companies in South Africa who have had an immeasurably positive impact on the country.
An invitation was also extended to Mossel Bay Municipality to attend an India-South Africa Business Summit to be held in Sandton, Johannesburg, at the end of April.
The consul-general expressed his apology for not attending the Diaz & Port Festival earlier this year, due to other commitments, but assured that he will not miss the next opportunity. He had praise for the various watersport activities in Mossel Bay.