Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met with South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Thursday on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Culture Working Group Meeting in Zimbali, near Durban. The discussion focused on expanding cultural collaboration between India and South Africa through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening bilateral cultural cooperation.
Shekhawat highlighted on social media that both nations share historic ties rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and remain dedicated to strengthening these connections through cultural exchange. “India and South Africa share a bond built on history and shared values. We’re committed to enhancing this partnership through a formal MoU,” he wrote on X.
A day earlier, Shekhawat took part in the G20 Cultural Working Group Plenary under South Africa’s presidency. He emphasized India’s ongoing role as a global advocate for cultural dialogue and heritage preservation. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India continues to promote international cooperation and showcase our civilizational heritage as a guide for a shared global future,” Shekhawat noted.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the KwaDukuza Declaration on Culture, a landmark agreement outlining a cooperative framework for protecting cultural heritage, boosting creative industries, and fostering cultural diversity among G20 nations. The declaration was praised as a major step toward recognizing culture as a driver of inclusive growth and unity.
Host minister Gayton McKenzie commended member countries for their commitment, stating that the declaration reflects the collective spirit of G20 nations and will serve as a blueprint for using culture as a catalyst for socio-economic development.
To celebrate the occasion, the Consul General of India in Durban, Niteen Yeola, hosted a dinner attended by Shekhawat and members of the Indian diaspora. Sharing images from the evening, Shekhawat expressed gratitude for the community’s warmth and their efforts in strengthening India–South Africa ties through shared cultural pride.
