Strengthening Ties: Successful Political and Economic Engagements During Bavarian Delegation Week

The visit, led by Vice Minister Tobias Gotthardt, combined high-level political meetings with targeted economic engagements, particularly in the field of environmental technologies.

In Gauteng, our CEO and Bavarian Representative in South Africa, Simone Pohl, welcomed the delegation and joined Vice Minister Gotthardt in discussions with Minister Parks Tau from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and MEC Lebogang Maile. Together, they explored concrete measures to enhance cooperation between Gauteng and Bavaria, focusing on improving the business climate and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and improved collaboration.

The economic delegation, comprising companies from the environmental technology sector—especially water/wastewater and circular economy—engaged in a tailored programme designed to foster market access and knowledge exchange. Highlights included a visit to KSB Pumps and Valves in Germiston, and active participation at IFAT Africa 2025, where Bavarian firms presented their solutions to South African public and private sector stakeholders.

A standout moment was the panel discussion on “Innovative Approaches to Water Conservation and Future Challenges in Water Supply for Businesses” at IFAT Africa, featuring Vice Minister Gotthardt, Western Cape Minister Anton Bredell, and representatives from Bavarian and South African companies. This dialogue emphasized the importance of technology and collaboration in addressing critical water challenges.

Later in the week, engagements continued in Cape Town, where we were graciously received by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer at this office for an exchange and hosted six ministers from the Western Cape Government at our Bavarian evening reception. These high-level political engagements highlighted the value of provincial partnerships and the importance of continued dialogue between government and business.

The economic delegation continued its programme with project visits, business networking sessions, and meetings with public institutions. A highlight was the visit to HOPE Cape Town’s Bayerisches Haus, where the delegation was hosted for a closing feedback session and final networking opportunities.

These engagements—political and economic—underscore the strength of regional partnerships and the critical role of sustained dialogue in driving innovation, investment, and long-term collaboration. The delegation week reaffirmed Bavaria’s commitment to deepening its ties with South Africa across all sectors.

Simone Pohl
SAGCC CEO and Representative of the State of Bavaria in South Africa