CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s embattled President Jacob Zuma praised Iran’s 1979 revolution today at the start of a three-day state visit which he said could “dramatically expand trade” with the Islamic republic.
The overthrow of a US-backed Shah was a source of encouragement as black South Africans fought against apartheid, Zuma said at a press conference with President Hassan Rouhani. With international sanctions against Iran now lifted under its nuclear deal with world powers business activity is likely to increase.
“Iran occupies a special place in our struggle against apartheid,” Zuma said, noting how Tehran cut ties with South Africa when it was under white rule, only resuming relations in 1994 after Nelson Mandela was elected as its first black president. Mandela, who served one term before voluntarily standing down in 1999, visited Tehran before his election and soon after leaving office.
“South Africans were inspired by the 1979 revolution, which showed that emancipation is possible, whatever the odds,” said Zuma, the first serving South African president to visit since. Having signed eight cooperation agreements ranging from energy development to business insurance, Zuma said the nuclear deal was an opportunity to deepen commercial links.