Sharif thanked the community members for welcoming him to South Africa as he takes up his job in the country.

The envoy said the embassy will be offering diplomatic services as well meeting the needs of the Somali community in the country. He urged the community members to support and have faith in their government.

Sharif said the embassy will help Somalis get their passports, adding that they were waiting Somali businessmen to fulfill their early promises that they will help the government establish the embassy.

He however called on the community members maintain their unique culture and their religious practice and interact well with local South African communities.