Media Release: Indian Consul Visits GRDM to Explore Potential Collaborations

6 August 2025

This week Tuesday, the Consulate General of India in Cape Town, led by Consul Ruby Jaspreet, along with the Vice Consul General Mr Prince Kumar and their Marketing Officer Ms Mkize, officially visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). This marked the Consul General’s first official visit to the region since her appointment in January 2025, a first-ever visit by the Consulate General of India.

The Garden Route District Municipality delegation led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel opened the meeting signalling it a ‘historical event’ by welcoming the guests to the beautiful Garden Route.  He gave a brief overview of the district, the major towns that constitute the region, and highlighted several picturesque features that the region is endowered with in which any visitor can enjoy.

In response to the Executive Mayor, the Consul General thanked him and his delegation for the warm and sincere welcome and further expressed that they were ‘very grateful’ to be in the Garden Route District. She noted that the Consulate has had a 30-year presence in Cape Town and emphasised their interest to expand their footprint to other parts of the province. In outlining the purpose of their visit, she began by referring to the historic trade relationships that this region, province and country share with India. She reduced her submission to India’s strengths; priority sectors; and potential areas of collaboration that could serve to further enhance the already existing relations.

Jaspreet further highlighted the following key areas during her address:

• Exploring potential areas of cooperation between India and municipalities in the Garden Route District.
• Providing an update on various capacity building initiatives led by the Government of India.
• Identifying opportunities for educational collaboration.
• Tourism and creating programmes for Tour Operators to increase the Indian market.
• Energy with specific focus on Renewable Energy.
• IT Sector with specific focus of Digitalisation.
• Discussing strategies to enhance two-way trade and investment.

The Executive Mayor responded with a few remarks, highlighting on current opportunities in the Garden Route that aligns with some of the key areas touched on by the Consult General.  He briefly elaborated on several developments and opportunities in the region, including the public-private partnership between GRDM and Solar Energy Africa for the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in George, one of the first of its kind in the region.  “This initiative serves as an opportunity to promote the Garden Route as a green energy route,” said Stoebel. He further highlighted some of the agricultural products exported from the region to Dubai and other European countries.

Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development delivered a presentation on behalf of the GRDM.  He emphasis the importance of creating and enabling an environment that is attractive to investment. He unpacked the Growth and Development Strategy of the GRDM that serves as a 20-year roadmap for development in the region, supported by a strong implementation structure and offering opportunities for collaboration and joint decision-making.  It includes, amongst others, various investment opportunities in the region, as well as the current catalytic projects assisting in economic growth.  These include the Garden Route Regional Landfill Facility in Mossel Bay, the Agro-processing Facility in Oudtshoorn, and the GRDM Skills Mecca initiatives which was established to identify skills gaps and demands across all sectors and to ensure the supply of relevant skills to meet those demands.

Menze concluded with some of the proposed infrastructure and energy investment opportunities, including the planned Solar PV Plant in Dysselsdorp, and the Digital Transformation Connectivity and Data Centre project, which aim to ensure consistent access to information across region.  He also mentioned other proposed projects related to Urban & Economic Development as well as Transport and Logistic Enhancement, which include the development of the Port of Mossel Bay, the Expansion of the George Airport, and the establishment of a Fresh Produce Market in the region.

Some of the slides presented by GRDM

Richard Dyantyi, Manager: District Economic Development, Tourism and EPWP, during his remarks re-emphasised the existing Indian market in the region, highlighting the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn as one of the main ‘drawcards’ and key attractions for Indian tourism market.

From a Tourism perspective, GRDM Regional Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson, highlighted the fact that there is currently no direct flight between India and South Africa, and that the cost and safety perception remain key challenges for the Indian market.  He also noted the limitations in accommodation offerings across the region particularly in meeting the Indian market’s dietary requirements, which often include the need for separate kitchen facility.  However, he pointed out that there are already certain establishments and restaurants in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo that offer such facilities, presenting opportunities for future expansion to better service this growing market.

Following the GRDM delegation’s presentation along with inputs from the two Members of the Mayoral Committee, Ald. Rosina Ruiters and Councillor Dave Swarts, and the Acting Municipal Manager, Raisa-Mlandu, the Consul General of India posed a few questions to gain clarity on specific projects and their value propositions. She thanked the GRDM for a well-delivered presentation and reassured the Executive Mayor and delegation that they have identified several projects highlighted during the presentation where the Government of India would consider collaborating with GRDM and expressed her interest in further discussions and engagement.

Featured image and above: The Consulate General of India’s delegation with the Garden Route District Municipality delegation during the meeting.

In conclusion, and in closing a very fruitful deliberation, the GRDM Executive Mayor thanked the Indian delegation for choosing the GRDM for their visit.  He expressed that as the Garden Route Municipality, they look forward to future collaborations that will yield mutual benefit for both parties.