Johannesburg, November 23. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in a light-hearted exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday during their bilateral talks, suggesting that the Indian leader should have warned them about the arduous nature of hosting the G20 summit.

South Africa is currently hosting the first-ever G20 summit to be held on the African continent. During his opening remarks at the delegation-level talks between India and South Africa, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for India's support in organizing the event. As per agency report, he jokingly remarked that had they known how difficult the task was, they might have considered fleeing from the responsibility.

The comment drew laughter from Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries present at the meeting. The South African President acknowledged that his country had learned a significant amount from India regarding the organization of the G20. He described India's hosting of the summit as spectacular while noting that their own event was quite small in comparison. Responding to this observation, Prime Minister Modi instantly remarked that small is always beautiful.

India had hosted the 18th G20 summit in September 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, which was unveiled prior to the event. It was during India's presidency in 2023 that the African Union was inducted as a member of the G20 grouping.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 14:  Determined to build over the strong travel momentum witnessed in the previous year, South African Tourism wrapped up the third chapter of its 20th Annual India Roadshow at Hyatt Regency, Ahmedabad. Kickstarted on 12th February in Jaipur along with a panel discussion on 11th February, the trade schedule entered the streets of Delhi on 13th February and will now move forward to, Bengaluru on 15th February and conclude in Mumbai on 16th February.

India is currently one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets, outpacing Asia and may countries around the world. The country is amongst the top-3 focus markets for South African Tourism and holds immense potential in the years to come. The 20thmulti-city schedule achieves a vital milestone for South African Tourism, marking more than two decades of its growing investments in India. Led by Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the event welcomed more than 300 travel trade partners in Delhi and shared critical local market insights enabling them to capitalise on growing demand.In addition, the tourism board partnered with the hotel to offer authentic South African cuisine and a glimpse of its culture to the guests.

Strengthening the relationship between Rainbow Nation’s indigenous businesses and Indian buyers, the roadshow hosted 42 prominent trade exhibitors from South Africa. The congregation allowed Indian trade partners to evaluate their inventory and identify potential future collaborations. It is worth noting, amongst the local businesses were 14 SMMEs who along with their counterparts presented a portfolio comprising of 40% new products showcasing diversified and affordable offerings. Such events present businesses from both nations with a platform to engage and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism said “The 20th Annual India Roadshow marks more than two decades of South African Tourism’s commitment to the Indian market. 2023 emerged as another successful year for us and we witnessed 43% increase in travelers from India compared to its previous year. This achievement would not have been possible without relentless efforts from our Indian trade partners and the affection showered upon the Rainbow Nation by India travelers; we are truly grateful.”

She continues “Post resumption of travel activities we have seen India’s outbound tourism market bounce back much stronger compared to rest of the world. Given the immense potential that lies in the Indian market, it continues to remain amongst our top three focus market for 2024 and holds a position of strategic importance. We hope to keep this momentum going and welcome “more & more” Indian travelers to the Rainbow Nation.”

Ahmedabad is currently one of the fastest growing prominent markets for South African Tourism in India and witnessed a two-fold increase in travelers from the city in 2023.Overall, South Africa registered a healthy growth of 43% in inbound travelers from India on a year-on-year basis. Both India and South Africa cherish strong bilateral relation sowing to their shared history. It is worth noting that 56% travelers from Ahmedabad visiting the Rainbow Nation were motivated by its rich past, culture and heritage. The tourism board will continue with its efforts to improve accessibility and encourage dialogues aimed at establishing direct routes to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.

Promoting the destination through the eyes of Indian influencers and entice consumers to explore new provinces, South African Tourism is currently running its flagship “More & More” brand campaign across target cities. The tourism board is also set to host its renown Corporate Think Tank in the coming months to engage with Indian corporates and address their business and MICE travel needs. At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.

About South African Tourism: South African Tourism is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government. Simply put, their job is to promote the country domestically and internationally, whether for leisure, business or events tourism.

As a government body, they are committed to meaningfully contributing to the South African government’s objectives of inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation, and redistribution and transformation of the industry.

Website www.southafrica.net

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New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, while arriving on the dais prior to the commencement of the BRICS plenary session in Johannesburg, avoided stepping on the national flag as flags of the BRICS nations were kept on the floor of the dais, to denote standing positions of all leaders for a photo opportunity prior to the commencement of the plenary session.

However, PM Modi avoided stepping on the national flag and picked it up and kept it in his pocket. Seeing him do so, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, who was accompanying him to the dias, picked up the South African flag and gave it to an aide.

When the aide asked PM Modi to hand over the flag, the Prime Minister chose to keep it in his pocket.

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral discussions with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, where they discussed matters related to trade, defence and investment.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

"Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations," Modi posted on X , formerly called Twitter, after meeting Ramaphosa.

"Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the
Global South as well," he said further. 

The prime minister is in South Africa to participate in the BRICS summit, which commenced today.

Johannesburg, April 7 (IANS) A 47-year-old Indian-origin in South Africa has been charged with perjury for faking her own kidnapping and demanding 2 million rand ransom from her husband.

Firoza Bee Bee Joseph from Phoenix, north of Durban, was tracked down in a hotel room in Pietermaritzburg, by investigators.

She was charged with "defeating the ends of justice" and has been placed on bail until her next court appearance on June 7, said Natasha Kara, a representative for the National Prosecuting Authority.

Joseph was arrested earlier this week after police investigations proved her version of events was not entirely accurate.

Her husband received a call on Monday saying she was kidnapped and pleaded with him to deposit an undisclosed amount of money for her release, said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

There was a ransom demand for 2 million rand, according to the charge sheet.

Her husband received another call from a man who threatened to hurt the woman if the money was not paid, Netshiunda said.

As investigations proceeded, police found footage of Joseph at a casino in Pietermaritzburg, some 80 km from Phoenix, after the ransom calls were made.

Further probe led police to locate Joseph from a bed and breakfast facility in the city, where she had checked in under a different name.

She was also found in possession of all her jewellery, which she claimed was taken by the kidnappers.

Joseph was granted bail of 3,000 rand and the matter was postponed to June 7 for further investigation.