SOUTH AFRICA SCOOPS GOLD AGAIN IN INDIA

SOUTH AFRICA SCOOPS GOLD AGAIN IN INDIA

The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe was on cloud nine after hearing that the South African National Pavilion has awarded the gold medal as the Best Foreign Pavilion at the 34^th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2014 which took place in New Delhi, India. She was elated because South Africa won the same prize last year.

“For the organisers to have announced our pavilion as the best in class at IITF 2014 even before the official closing ceremony, is a great achievement considering that 28 foreign countries are participating.  We are all proud of this award as it shows that our exhibition has pitched at the right level.  It also means that the quality of the products being exhibited in our stands has created a good impression among the judges and the visitors”, said Thabethe.

She added that she was highly impressed by the warm reception with which the Indian government and the organisers of the Fair welcomed the South Africans and the high status which accorded to South Africa as Partner Country at the event. As a result, South Africa’s participation has put under the spotlight with many visitors flocking to the pavilion. 

In addition, Thabethe said that it was not surprising that South Africa reigns supreme, because during her walkabout at the stall, she discovered that Ms Khosi Jayiya from Skhona Cooperative in Queenstown sold almost all her stock to one client on the second day of the exhibition.

“I will be coming back here soon. We are now discussing long term partnership with my potential investor. The client was hooked instantly when looking at the triangle wallets made of letherate and decorated with Venda prints that I sell,” said Ms Jayiya

Deputy Minister Thabethe led a business delegation consisting of thirty-four South African crafters who participated in the exhibition.