By Moses Magadza

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – Sweden and KwaZulu-Natal have expressed interest in deepening cooperation in climate action, gender equality, education, innovation, skills development and trade, building on the longstanding relationship between Sweden and South Africa.

The potential areas of cooperation emerged during a courtesy call by Sweden’s Ambassador to South Africa, Her Excellency Anna-Karin Eneström, on KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli in Durban.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of Sweden on the Road, an initiative through which the Embassy of Sweden leaves its Pretoria base to engage universities, young people, local authorities, businesses and communities across South Africa.

Ambassador Eneström was accompanied by SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretary General Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, Embassy officials and SADC PF staff. The engagement was part of Sweden’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal to explore opportunities for stronger cooperation in investment, sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Premier Ntuli welcomed the delegation and paid tribute to Sweden’s support for South Africa’s liberation struggle. He described it as the foundation of a relationship grounded in democracy, equality and social justice.

He said, “We are forever grateful for Sweden’s solidarity with our people during the struggle against apartheid. At a time when freedom seemed a distant dream, Sweden stood as one of the most consistent international supporters of the liberation movement.”

He stated that, more than three decades into South Africa’s democracy, the relationship had evolved from solidarity for political liberation towards cooperation in economic participation, technology, green energy, digital transformation and skills development.

Premier Ntuli cited the establishment of Sweden’s Talent Hub in Cape Town as an example of economic diplomacy capable of connecting young South Africans with mentorship, industry networks and opportunities in the digital economy.

He invited Sweden to explore similar initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal. He described the province – with a population of more than 12 million people – as a significant market with rich cultural heritage and substantial investment potential.

“We look forward to exploring how KwaZulu-Natal can contribute to and benefit from the evolving relationship between our nations,” he said.

The Premier emphasised the contribution of women to provincial governance. Pointing to senior women serving in the provincial administration, including the Director-General, Chief of Staff and Special Adviser, he declared, “We believe in women’s leadership.”

On her part, Ambassador Eneström welcomed that commitment, saying gender equality remained one of the principles underpinning the relationship between Sweden and South Africa.

“I am looking at the side of your table and agreeing very much with you on the importance of gender equality,” she said.

She explained that Sweden’s historical support for South Africa had been driven by a shared belief in freedom, human rights and human dignity, supported through political, financial and strong people-to-people solidarity.

“We are very appreciative of the strong relationship between our two countries. But relationships have to develop,” she said.

The Ambassador said the modern partnership should build upon its historical foundations while embracing trade, education, democracy, international law, multilateralism and innovation.

A central purpose of Sweden on the Road, she explained, was to ensure that younger generations understood the history of Sweden–South Africa relations and could help shape their future direction.

“We use that possibility to engage with young people,” she said, referring to Sweden’s extensive university collaboration with South Africa.

“You and I know the relationship between South Africa and Sweden, but young people do not necessarily know that,” she said.

During the programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Sweden engaged students, academics and development partners on gender-responsive climate action and the links between climate change, gender equality, gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

“We need to foster relationships that are built on trade, education, human rights and democracy, but also on innovation. How do we share innovative ideas between countries?” Ambassador Eneström said.

She highlighted the presence of Swedish companies in South Africa, including Tetra Pak, Volvo Trucks, Scania and Saab, saying these firms could contribute to skills development, employment, technological innovation and the green transition.

Climate change featured prominently in the discussions, with Premier Ntuli outlining measures being taken by the provincial government to strengthen preparedness and protect communities.

He said KwaZulu-Natal had established a Climate Change Council that brings together universities, experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to develop a whole-of-society response.

The provincial government had also established a disaster management centre and was continually revising its strategy to respond to the changing nature of climate-related emergencies.

“For climate change, we cannot have a conservative strategy,” Premier Ntuli said. “We need to have a strategy that goes with the times because the dynamics are changing.”

While no government could be completely prepared for every climate-related disaster, he said authorities had a duty to invest in measures that reduced risks and protected people.

“As a government, we need to invest in measures to prevent the effects of climate change on the people,” he said.

Ambassador Eneström said the effects of climate change were increasingly visible across the world. She cited destructive fires and rising temperatures in Europe as well as the floods and other extreme weather events experienced in KwaZulu-Natal.

“This is not something that comes by itself. This is something that comes with climate change,” she said.

Following the meeting, the Ambassador and her delegation visited local sites affected by flooding to witness the human impact of climate-related disasters and measures taken by local authorities to support displaced communities.

She said Swedish companies possessed considerable expertise in green technologies, adaptation and the transition towards more sustainable economies, presenting opportunities for practical collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal.

The Premier and Ambassador also addressed gender-based violence and femicide. Premier Ntuli said the fight against GBV had been placed in his office to give it the closest possible political attention.

“No speech when I am in the community will be concluded without talking about gender-based violence and encouraging men of goodwill to stand together against gender-based violence,” he said.

Ambassador Eneström pledged Sweden’s continued engagement on gender equality, women’s rights, gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to explore structured cooperation between Sweden and KwaZulu-Natal, including exchanges in trade, education, innovation, climate action and skills development.

Premier Ntuli presented Ambassador Eneström with a traditional African vessel as a token of appreciation, while the Ambassador expressed her intention to return to KwaZulu-Natal to experience more of its communities, heritage and natural beauty.

• Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.