Israeli envoy strengthens ties with Eastern Cape royals

David Saranga, the head of the Digital Diplomacy Division at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the AmaNtshangase chief, INkosi Enkulu Bhekabambo “Ngubesizw”’ Ntola together with Silosohlanga ka Dakhile of the AmaMpondo Kingdom, in Bizana in the Eastern Cape. He also met the king of AbaThembu, Kumkani Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, in uMthatha.

Saranga’s visit was to strengthen the friendship with royal families through the Kuyaqhutywa Re Ya Pele campaign, which aims to empower traditional communities with the tools to achieve a better standard of living. Saranga was accompanied by Dr Troy Meyers of the Khoisan, a promoter of the campaign.

“I came here as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the royal families of the Eastern Cape and the people of Israel, and with a commitment to find ways we can work together for the well-being of our communities,” Saranga said during the visit.

“As it is written in the Book of Isaiah, ‘Learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow.’ One of the values that defines us as Israelis is what we call in kabbalah tikkun olam – the drive to help others and make the world a better place. While we are gathered here, Israeli scientists, doctors, technologists, and researchers are working every day toward that very goal. We would be honoured to pursue this mission together with you.”

He also visited areas recently struck by devastating floods that claimed the lives of 100 people of the AbaThembu and AmaMpondo nations. Together with representatives of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa, he met King Buyelekhaya and Queen Nokwanda Dalindyebo to pledge funds that will assist the queen’s soup kitchen and feeding stations for families in need. The humanitarian aid was provided by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Co-operation.

Saranga extended a warm invitation to the royal families to visit Israel, welcomed by them and their traditional leaders.