The fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 and the subsequent reunification of Germany on 3 October 1990 marked one of the most significant turning points in modern history. These events not only reshaped Europe, but also had a global resonance, including in Africa. When Germany was reunified and the European Union (EU) was officially created in 1993 with the Maastricht Treaty, the world witnessed a profound transformation. These watershed events were to ensure peace in Europe.
South Africa was undergoing its own historic change when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in February 1990, a key moment in the dismantling of apartheid. These parallel transformations set the stage for a deepening of relations between Germany and South Africa, which have since become vital to the future of both nations and the wider African continent, which is increasingly recognised as a key player on the world stage.
With the end of the Cold War, global geopolitics has changed dramatically. German reunification was a triumph of democracy and symbolised the end of decades of division in Europe. Although reunification focused primarily on the integration of East and West Germany, it also forced Germany to redefine its global role, especially in relation to the global South. Africa, which had long been marginalised in global discussions, began to emerge as a strategically important region. With its economic strength and role within the EU, a united Germany has become a key partner for African countries such as South Africa.
At an event on the eve of Reunification Day, the German Ambassador to South Africa Andreas Peschke He said: "I come from East Germany, so if the wall hadn't fallen, I wouldn't be here." Stressing the importance of Africa, he said that "we must strengthen the role of Africa", describing it as "the continent of the future". This recognition is based on the demographic dynamics of Africa, which has the youngest population in the world. Germany's relationship with South Africa is a model for its wider engagement on the African continent. Peschke said that Germany is supporting South Africa as it prepares to host the G20 summit, which will be held on African soil for the first time. Also notable is the African Union's membership of the bloc.
Germany and South Africa share a commitment to democracy, freedom and justice, although their paths have been affected by different historical challenges. The young South African democracy that has risen from the ashes of apartheid finds a strong ally in Germany. The two countries maintain active diplomatic exchanges and close cooperation on various fronts, from energy and environmental protection to conflict resolution and the rule of law.
On this occasion, the German Minister of State Katja Keul, which highlighted the depth of this bilateral relationship, particularly in addressing global challenges. "Europe and Africa share common interests and must face today's global challenges together," she noted, stressing the importance of peace and security. As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts in regions such as Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine, both Germany and South Africa called for peaceful solutions and international dialogue.
Germany's support for peace and conflict resolution also has deep roots in its own history of division and reconciliation. Like Germany's journey towards unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall, South Africa's transition to democracy was driven by a quest for national reconciliation, spearheaded by Nelson Mandela after his release in 1990. The parallels between the two nations' experiences of overcoming divisions through dialogue and justice fostered a deep sense of mutual respect and cooperation.
South Africa and Germany have good economic relations. South Africa is Germany's most important trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and more than 600 German companies operating in the country employ over 100 000 South Africans. German investment in South Africa covers a wide range of sectors, including automobile manufacturing, renewable energy and telecommunications. In addition, tens of thousands of German tourists come to South Africa and there are frequent exchanges of academics and researchers, Keul stressed the strong relationship between the two countries. She also pointed to regular consultations and active diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
In addition to the economy, cultural ties between the two countries have deepened over the years. As Minister Keul noted, the historical ties between South Africa and Germany run deep, dating back to the 18th century when the first German missionaries and settlers arrived in the Eastern Cape. "These bilateral relations are also strong at regional and local level, for example with my German home region of Lower Saxony. On Monday, I visited the Eastern Cape province and met with the Lower Saxony representative in the Eastern Cape, Ms Inger Steffen. Together we visited the local municipality of Amahlathi, whose mayor has just returned from Germany, where her delegation met with their twin town, Lamspringe.
There I was also welcomed into the Lutheran church, which had long been a German settler church and where my great-grandfather had been the reverend for 14 years at the beginning of the 20th century. During my visit to the East London Museum, I learned more about the history of German missionaries and settlers in South Africa and the Eastern Cape Province since the early 18th century. The historical links between South Africa and Germany are much closer than many people think.
The various German Christian missions from the Cape to the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal left tangible traces: not only churches, but also schools, libraries and even breweries. Missionaries provided access to health facilities and basic education. But many of them shared Western arrogance and espoused racist ideas, working hand in hand with the colonizers. Some of them also took land, and the issue of access to land remains an important problem today," He said.
In an effort to come to terms with this past, Germany is working closely with South African partners to create exhibitions that reflect the full story of German involvement in South Africa, including the damage caused during the colonial period. Minister Keul's visit to the East London Museum and her discussions with local communities are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that historical narratives are inclusive and reflect the true impact of colonialism.
"Cross-border cooperation between museum experts and historians is crucial. Because only if you know your past will you be able to understand the present and build a better future," said the Minister.
Kirtan Bhana - TDS
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