Hungarians, found across all the corners of the World; are known to work hard and make a meaningful contribution towards their adopted society and community. Those Hungarians that found their home in SA were no different. Many married Afrikaners and sub-sequent generations became part and parcel of the ‘Boere Gemeenskap’ so to speak.

THE HUNGARIAN – SOUTHERN AFRICAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

The purpose and activity of the association

Introductory Foundation Statement

Both Hungarian and Southern African role-players and interested parties, discovered that both communities in essence, shared some cultural heritage, family values and principles.
Further-more, both communities shared similar challenges such as sustainable Economic growth and Social Development, etc.
These Hungarian and Southern African role-players thus embarked on the establishment of a dynamic bilateral international relationship involving: Cultural, Educational, Community Development, Social Welfare, Socio-Economic, Trade and Business, related initiatives and programs.
This is a long-term campaign to undertake various initiatives, in support of our respective communities, in the pursuit of developing a working relationship between these communities, and related role-players.

Mission

The mission of the foundation is to promote, general prosperity, cultural cooperation, scientific development, and economic and commercial growth in South Africa, the Southern Region of Africa, and Hungary and the Central European region.

Aim

To pursue:
◊ Mutually Beneficial Working Relationship between Hungarians and cultural communities in South Africa;
◊ Awareness of each other’s Region, history and unique Cultural Heritage;
◊ Socio-Economic Development Relations;
◊ Community Development outreach programs and cooperation;
◊ Education, skills development and Technological Innovation programs;
◊ Promotion of Trade and Business ties and Investment initiatives between Hungarians and communities in Southern Africa, including South Africa.

Activities of the association

◊ Establish excellent bilateral relations between Hungarians in Central Europe, and communities in Southern Africa, both in Hungary, Central Europe and in SA;
◊ Enhance Cooperation between the two Communities across various Socio-Economic, and Community Development related spheres of interest;
◊ Encourage Social uplifting community development initiatives;
◊ Proactively assist Cultural Heritage exchange and initiatives;
◊ Assist the bilateral economic and commercial growth opportunities between Southern Africa (Including South Africa), and Hungary – Central European region.
◊ Support for economic, productive and commercial activities, export development in both regions
◊ Sharing and providing useful Socio-Economic, Investment, Political, Cultural and Societal information in each other’s region
◊ Carry out promotional activities in the two regions for mutual bilateral benefit and relationship development
◊ Encourage interaction, engagement, dialogue and overall awareness of each-others’ communities
◊ Investments, investment assistance, assessment of investment and investment opportunities
◊ Encouraging Tourism and Travel between both regions (Hungary – Southern Africa)
◊ Assistance to business people and companies in Southern Africa and Hungary to establish themselves in either region or do business with counterparts through joint ventures, trade and investment, including assistance with respect to regulations, investment schemes, access to finance and other measures relating to commercial expansion.
◊ Facilitate knowledge sharing, launch R&D projects, connect university research teams and businesses
◊ Carrying out activities to help understand the political, economic and social situation of the other party, promoting high-level consultations and cooperation
◊ Exploring the circumstances of the disadvantaged in the interests of justice and legal certainty, assisting victims of possible segregation and discrimination
◊ Helping to promote the rule of law as necessary for a welcoming environment in which the interests of minorities and minority-owned businesses, including agricultural businesses are safe-guarded.
◊ Facilitating the cooperation of higher education institutions, organizing student exchange programs, establishing joint research and scientific cooperation
◊ Encourage and aid Skills development and Student exchange programs with supporting schemes such as scholarships and bursaries;
◊ Supporting the learning and participation of talented students from minority backgrounds in both regions;
◊ Organizing cultural and church programs with the aim of getting to know each other’s culture and cultural values ​​as widely as possible
◊ Promote the opportunity for exchange programs and cultural campaigns involving performing arts, Film, the Arts, Music and Dance, Media, etc.
◊ Supporting and encouraging sports and adventure outreach programs for the youth and adult leaders from each community