DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS MARKS SPAIN’S NATIONAL DAY, REAFFIRMING STRONG SOUTH AFRICA–SPAIN PARTNERSHIP

By Staff Reporter.

• ⁠Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks conveyed greetings on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of South Africa at the Day of Spain celebration on 10 October 2025, hosted by Ambassador José Manuel Pascual García.
• ⁠He emphasised the advancement of bilateral cooperation, citing the visit of Spain’s President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, on 27 October 2022, as well as the 15th South Africa–Spain Bilateral Consultations held in Pretoria on 23 April 2024.
• The Deputy Minister emphasised strong trade relations, investment flows, and shared values, highlighting the presence of 43 Spanish companies, 60 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, 2.46 billion USD in capital investment, and 4007 jobs created over 22 years, in addition to a mutual commitment to multilateralism and adherence to international law.

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, joined members of the diplomatic corps, the Spanish community and invited guests to celebrate the Fiesta Nacional de España. Extending warm congratulations to the President, Government and people of Spain, he affirmed South Africa’s appreciation for the enduring friendship between the two nations and the meaningful contributions of the Spanish diaspora to South Africa’s development.
Welcoming Ambassador José Manuel Pascual García back to South Africa, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the Ambassador’s previous service as the Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in South Africa and expressed confidence that his return would further strengthen already excellent relations between South Africa and Spain, while supporting the needs of the Spanish community residing in the country. He noted that the partnership between the two nations is rooted in people, communities and culture, as well as in political and economic ties.
The Deputy Minister referenced recent high-level engagements, including the Official Visit of the President of the Government of Spain, Mr Pedro Sánchez, on 27 October 2022, which resulted in the consolidation of initiatives for mutual advantage. Additionally, he highlighted the 15th South Africa–Spain Bilateral Consultations, held in Pretoria on 23 April 2024 and co-chaired by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes and Spain’s State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs, Mr Diego Martínez Belío. These discussions furthered collaboration across various sectors, including trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, sports, culture, education and language training, as well as science and innovation.
On the economic front, the Deputy Minister affirmed that Spain remains a key partner in South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery. Over the last 22 years, 43 Spanish companies have undertaken 60 foreign direct investment projects in South Africa, representing 2.46 billion US dollars in capital investment and creating 4 007 jobs. Spanish investors are active across renewable energy, textiles, financial services, software and IT services, and consumer products, among other sectors. Both countries are working to deepen growth and diversify opportunities.
Turning to the multilateral arena, the Deputy Minister emphasised that South Africa and Spain share common values on human rights and a rules-based multilateral system grounded in international law. He reiterated South Africa’s appreciation for Spain’s support of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice and for Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine. As partners and friends, he said, the two countries share a vision of a more just, peaceful and equitable world order, especially amid ongoing conflicts and unacceptable civilian loss of life.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship will continue to grow in a manner that benefits both peoples and contributes to a fairer global system. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening the partnership and advancing shared interests within the international community.
Closing the celebration, the Deputy Minister invited guests to raise a toast to His Majesty King Felipe VI, the Government and the people of Spain, wishing them prosperity and good health. He concluded by expressing the hope that the friendship between South Africa and Spain will endure and deepen in the years to come.