France K. Morule, South African High Commissioner in India
The third India-Africa Summit 2015 is quite important as it brings the continent and sub-continent together to make great strides in the currently existing strong relations. India has firm ties with the African continent and recognises the massive growth potential Africa has to offer. In this regard, the Prime Minister’s Modi’s foreign policy initiatives will expand upon a strong foundation that has included partnerships on a regional level, such as working with the African Union and other African regional organisations.
The High Commissioner France K Morule was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa in
September 1960. At seventeen years old he formed the first student organisation in Bloemfontein after participating in a student uprising at his former high school.
Mr. Morule continued in his fight for equality and freedom for all by joining the African National Congress and participated in South Africa’s transition to a peaceful democracy.
Believing that civil service was his calling, Mr. Morule continued serving his country by being selected to join the Public Service Commission from 1999 until 2004 whilst simultaneously getting involved in his home province and becoming Premier of Free State Province in1999 until 2004 and then became a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of Free State Legislature in the Portfolios of Finance and Police from 2004 until 2007. He was selected as the Executive Mayor from 2008 to 2011 in Manguang, Free State.
Mr Morule joined the Diplomatic Service after accepting his appointment by the President of the Republic of South Africa to serve as High Commissioner in New Delhi, India in 2013.
The High Commissioner will serve his country in India, by exploring all opportunities offered on a bilateral level, as well as within a multilateral context between South Africa and India. In addition to the two countries cordial diplomatic relations, trade relations are extensive and will continue to develop. The High Commissioners primary goal will be to ensure that the countries continue to mutually benefit from this successful relationship.
agenda includes discussing the Cooperation Framework that will be finalised during the Summit, amongst other areas, economic cooperation, trade linkages, and important issues to the development of the economies of each of the states involved in the Summit. Another significant area of cooperation is Peace and Security which is of particular importance considering the progress made by the African Union Peace and Security Council on the continent as well as India’s involvement in the UN Peacekeeping operations and India’s involvement in the region with regard to peace and security. The regions will be able to gain much by sharing their experiences and lessons learnt.