South Africa and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation to promote the socio‑economic empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
The agreement was signed in Pretoria on Monday during an engagement between Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga and Dutch Ambassador Joanne Doornewaard.
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration, including exchanges of expertise on policy development and implementation to promote equality, participation and empowerment across the three groups.
Chikunga said the pact represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations, building on the Joint Commission of Cooperation signed in 2015 and reflecting shared commitments to constitutional democracy, human rights, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
“In signing this Memorandum of Understanding, we are transforming our historic diplomatic goodwill into tangible socio-economic opportunities for the citizens of both our nations,” the minister said.
She said the agreement transforms historic diplomatic goodwill into practical socio‑economic opportunities.
South Africa and the Netherlands enjoy close ties, with the European nation ranking among South Africa’s major investors, trading partners and tourism markets.
The Dutch government also supported South Africa during its G20 Presidency, particularly the Empowerment of Women Working Group chaired by South Africa.
Chikunga noted that the signing comes as South Africa marks major national anniversaries, including 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising and 30 years of constitutional democracy.
She said the projects arising from the MOU should honour the women and youth who shaped the country’s democratic path.
JN/APA