Pretoria - South Africa's participation at the Shanghai Expo, coupled with its hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has rebranded the country to the rest of the world.
Speaking ahead of the official closing of the South African Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said these two events showcased South Africa to millions of people across the globe and gave them a better understanding of the country and the continent.
South Africa was one of the 242 participants at the expo, which began in May this year, under the theme "Better City, Better Life".
Dlamini Zuma noted that the theme was especially significant for South Africa, as the country was trying to address the many inequalities among its people.
The government's five priority areas of delivery - education, healthcare, eliminating crime, provision of decent work and sustainable livelihoods and rural development - were closely aligned to the theme of the Expo, she added.
"South Africa, in line with its commitment to achieve these five priorities, branded its Pavilion: 'South Africa: The rise of the modern economy. Ke Nako'," the minister explained.
The expo provided South Africa with the opportunity to show the world that it was ready for a metamorphosis into a modern economy, she said.
"We believe the fact that the South African and joint African pavilions have received over three million and 10 million visitors respectively indicated the interest that the world has taken in Africa and South Africa."
The minister described South Africa as one of the great industrial and scientific powerhouses in Africa.
She added that the private sector had to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the exposure the country had received in order to contribute to the growth of the economy.
A growing economy would help government improve the lives of all people, Dlamini Zuma said.
A total of 72 South African business groups participated in the expo during the past six months.
"It is too early to calculate the impact ... on our economy but I am confident we will begin to see very positive effects. We reiterate however, South Africa is open for business and ready to serve as a gateway to the rest of Africa," she added.
The minister thanked China for inviting South Africa to participate in the expo.
She highlighted the strong bilateral, economic and trade relations between the two countries, adding that China was South Africa's biggest trading partner since last year.
"We also share strong bonds of friendship between our peoples," Dlamini Zuma added.
The South African Pavilion will remain open until 31 October.
