Finland appoints Dr Survé as Honorary Consul

THE ambassador of Finland, Petri Salo, yesterday announced the appointment of businessman, media owner and philanthropist, Dr Iqbal Survé, as the Honorary Consul of Finland.

At the announcement of Dr Survé’s appointment, Ambassador Salo conveyed the Finnish government’s appreciation for the work done by honorary consuls on behalf of Finland and all Finns. Together with the diplomatic missions, honorary consulates make up a comprehensive network of representation tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of Finland and Finns abroad.

“With his social standing and extensive connections, personal characteristics, motivation and commitment to social entrepreneurship, as well as knowledge of Finland, I find Dr Iqbal Survé an excellent Honorary Consul for a country like Finland, with a long history of support to South African democracy, equality and the rule of law,” said Mr Salo.

Accepting his nomination, Dr Survé expressed his appreciation for the confidence that the Finnish government had placed in him to serve as Honorary Consul. “Finland played an important role in supporting the anti-apartheid movement and our subsequent liberation.

“In my capacity as Honorary Consul I will endeavour to build on this relationship. I am humbled by this honour”, said Dr Survé.

Dr Survé is the executive chairman of the Sekunjalo Group of companies, which include Independent Media and African News Agency, Africa’s first multimedia news syndication wire service. Sekunjalo has a long-standing shareholding and partnership with one of Finland’s most successful companies on the African continent, Nokia. Through his association with Nokia, Dr Survé contributed towards the strengthening of business relations between South African companies and companies from Finland, especially those working with Sekunjalo Group companies.

Dr Survé’s appointment as Honorary Consul for Finland follows numerous national and international honours including:

Freedom of the City of New Orleans, conferred upon him in 2009.

Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative.

Fellow of the HRH the Prince of Wales Business & Environment Programme.

Appointed by US President Bill Clinton to the Board of Governance on the Clinton Global Initiative.

Council Member of the South Africa-US Business Council/Forum.

Vice-Chairman of the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum.

Appointed by President Zuma to the BRICS council.

Appointed by President Zuma as Chairman of the Saudi-South Africa Business Council Africa Business Magazine, recently identified Dr Survé as one of the most influential businessmen and philanthropists on the African continent. Dr Survé’s philanthropic activities include a significant endowment from the Survé Family Foundation to vis-a-vis children’s rights, human rights and education initiatives.

Dlamini is Sekunjalo Group Holdings brand and communications officer