Ambassador Arthur Lenk is a man with a vision. Serving as Israel’s Ambassador to South Africa, he seeks to build bridges between the two countries by focusing on solutions for the common challenges they both communities face. In the few months that Ambassador Lenk has been posted in South Africa, he has been able to affect real growth and positive results.
Over the last few years, relations between the two countries have become more and more complicated but it is through grassroots projects with previously disadvantaged communities using groundbreaking Israeli technology where progress is being made.
“Israel has a lot to offer South Africa,” says Ambassador Lenk. “Both countries have complicated histories in that they are both modern countries born out of tragedy. South Africa and Israel both face major issues but the two countries are inspiring.”
The similar challenges facing the two countries are water shortages and how to manage the output and production from small farms. According to a recent report from the organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Africa has less water than any other member state, including Israel. Israel has managed through technology, water desalination and recycling to overcome these shortages.
The other major issue facing South African farming is how to manage production and output from small farms. Food security or the ability to feed a country is becoming a growing international trend and concern. For South Africa, this is a key aspect that forms part of the National Development Plan. There is a whole chapter devoted to this and how it can help create much needed jobs and help rural farmers and communities sustain themselves.
“Israel has had successful projects of this kind all over Africa for a number of years, including in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa. MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Development and Cooperation) has worked extensively in rural areas, helping communities. In South Africa we have seen remarkable success in country communities like Bethenny where thanks to Israeli know-how, they are self sufficient.”
But Israeli know-how and technological aid does not stop with drip-irrigation and other solutions. Help is given in terms of business-to-business marketing and selling skills training. Top Green, an Israeli-owned company is very active in South Africa helping not only with job creation but also imparting necessary skills training. Top Green’s project in South Africa was recently featured on national television.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown is the drip-irrigation system that was installed in a rural community in Hazyview in the Mpumalanga province, very close to the Kruger National Park. Israel’s drip-irrigation system not only improved the quality of life of the community, but has led to much needed job creation. Farmers have been able to share the drip-irrigation technology and pest removal systems and as a result the community as a whole have become more self-sustainable and modern, allowing them to bring in more income.
“The success of Israeli agricultural companies in South Africa is more evident every day. In fact, for the first time ever, Israel will have a presence at NAMPO (Harvest Day Agriculture Machinery and Products Exhibition), the biggest agricultural expo in South Africa,” says Lenk.*
There will be opportunity for Israeli companies who wish to exhibit to participate in the expo which is the largest of its kind in South Africa and will be held in Bloemfontein in May.
One thing is certain, Israel and South Africa are doing more than just planting seeds. Valuable bridges are being built that will only benefit both countries. And there is tremendous hope for what the future bring. The concept of tikun olam has been brought to life in South Africa. L’Chaim!