Reporter: Could you please share about what priorities you will focus on in 2020 for your term in Vietnam?
Mr. Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro: The year 2019 was marked by a number of high level engagements between our principals such as the official visit of South Africa’s Minister of Defence to Vietnam in August, the Joint Trade Committee co-chaired by the Deputy Ministers of trade in Hanoi in October, and Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue met with Deputy President David Mabuza in Pretoria on November 5th.
Next year the South African embassy will be focusing on expanding economic ties between South Africa and Vietnam. There is great potential for cooperation in the field of agriculture and agro processing; products such as fruits, fruit juices and wines have already entered the Vietnamese market. Although these products are performing well in the market, there is room to increase the volumes. To achieve this we need to streamline and accelerate the relevant procedures while maintaining our respective norms and standards.
In addition, there is also potential for an increase of trade in value added goods such as automotive components from South Africa’s side, and the processed leather from Vietnam. We could explore the possibility of cooperation in renewable energy, food processing and mineral resources.
We have entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution and developing countries should take advantage of prospects presented by the digital revolution so that we can not only catch up, but prosper going forward.
Reporter: South Africa is currently the Chairman of SADC. In your opinion, what do investors from the SADC should do to further promote trade between Vietnam and SADC?
Mr. Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro: On November 12th 2019 the South African Embassy did the handing over of the rotating Chair of the SADC Group from South Africa to Angola; a rotation that only takes place once every two years. However, as a member of the SADC group I would suggest that investors should promote opportunities that the region has to offer by participating in trade exhibitions, workshops and seminars in Vietnam.
Reporter: In 2009, the United Nations officially declared July 18th every year as Nelson Mandela International Day, in order to recognize and honor former President Nelson Mandela’s values and his contributions to the service of humanity, as well as his life fighting for social justice and freedom for all people during 67 years. So, how is this activity organized in Vietnam in 2019?
Mr. Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro: Three years ago the South African Embassy initiated the idea of having a blood donation drive for Nelson Mandela International Day and in view of the good relations with the Melía Hanoi Hotel they were invited to join the project. The National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion of Vietnam also needed to be involved and both enthusiastically agreed to participate. The first event was so successful that the blood donation drive was repeated the next year and has now become something of a tradition.
Reporter: In 2019, in honor of the Rhino Day, the South African Embassy in Vietnam has held a writing contest themed: "Person Changes Awareness on Rhino". What is the purpose of this contest and how has it received a response in Vietnam?
Mr. Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro: Rhinoceros are one of the world’s most endangered species, largely as a result of illegal poaching to supply in the demand for rhino horn products. Although rhino poaching figures have declined slowly over recent years, rhino poaching remains an imminent threat to the world’s rhino population.
Anti-wildlife trafficking organisations in Asia advocate that behavioural change should be encouraged through education and by raising awareness about endangered species. In line with South Africa’s Strategic Management of Rhinoceros Plan, the Embassy used education as a tool in a campaign attempt to curb consumer demand for rhino horn in Vietnam.
The purpose of the competition was to stimulate awareness about rhinos and the first prize is a 10-day trip to South Africa in June 2020 to participate in a wilderness trail and rhino experience so that the winner, Ms Nguyen Huu Quynh Huong will be equipped to educate others about rhino conservation on their return to Vietnam.
Reporter: Have you ever welcomed Tet (the Lunar New Year) in Vietnam? This year, are you planning to welcome the Lunar New Year in Vietnam?
Mr. Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro: Yes I have and it has been incredible to learn about the ancient customs and traditions practiced during Tet. This year I look forward to welcoming the Lunar New Year from Phu Quoc where I will be exploring the beautiful island with my family.
Reporter: Thank you so much!