Switzerland and South Africa have close relations in many areas. South Africa is a strategic partner of Switzerland and has consistently been one of its most important economic partners on the African continent. South Africa is one of Switzerland's priority countries for economic cooperation and development, and the two countries also cooperate closely in education, research and innovation.
Ms Herzog and her delegation first visited Pretoria and Johannesburg. A number of meetings with representatives of ministries, the private sector and civil society were held, in which the Swiss delegation learnt about the status of bilateral relations and the current challenges facing the South African economy. The country is struggling with a severe energy crisis, high unemployment and huge economic inequality. Corruption, political inequality and a shortage of skilled labour are also among the challenges it faces.
The delegation was able to discuss these topics with the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago and the deputy finance minister, Ashor Sarupen, among others. Cooperation with Switzerland in the areas of public finance and financial sector development were also addressed by the parties. Furthermore, Ms Herzog heard about a number of SECO projects, cooperation in the field of healthcare and the promotion of women in the African economy.
The Swiss delegation then moved on to Cape Town, where it was received by the deputy speaker of the National Council of Provinces (the upper house of parliament), Les Govender, for official talks. Talks were also held with the Premier of the Western Cape Province, Alan Winde. The delegation also met representatives of civil society, with whom it discussed issues of good governance and the country's current challenges. For example, it talked to Thuli Madonsela, the former South African ombudswoman (Public Protector), who played a key role in exposing the corruption of high-ranking government representatives. The delegation also visited the University of Cape Town, a major partner in research cooperation with Switzerland.
Ms Herzog was accompanied on this official visit by the second vice president of the Council of States, Stefan Engler (The Centre, GR), Council of States members Mathilde Crevoisier Crelier (SP, JU), Tiana Angelina Moser (GLP, ZH), Werner Salzmann (SVP, BE) and Benjamin Mühlemann (FDP, GL) and National Council member Sophie Michaud Gigon (The Greens, VD).