#AmbassadorSpeaks
🎙Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov in an Interview with Sputnik Africa:
Question:How are Russia and South Africa currently working together to preserve their shared historical heritage, including the history of Russian involvement with the Boers?
💬Roman Ambarov: Russia supported the Boers in their war with the British Empire at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is important to view these events in their proper historical context, as part of a wider struggle against imperial expansion.
That war was a tragically difficult chapter. Farms were destroyed, civilians suffered greatly, and tens of thousands of women and children died in British concentration camps. According to some historians, the British were the first to introduce systematic detention of civilians on a large scale. And it was the British army from whom Hitler later borrowed the said methods. Visiting places like the War Museum of the Boer Republics makes this history very real – you can truly feel the human cost behind the events we speak about.
More than a century ago, this conflict deeply resonated with people in Russia. It was seen as a struggle of a nation defending its independence and the way of life. And this solidarity was not only expressed in words. Up to 270 Russian volunteers traveled thousands of kilometres to join Boer commandos.They shared the hardships of war: many were wounded, some were captured, and some never returned home. Emperor Nicholas II closely followed the course of the war and, in personal letters, expressed his satisfaction at the successes of the Boers.
Russia’s support also went far beyond the battlefield. Russian medical teams, including a Red Cross detachment and a Russian-Dutch ambulance unit, worked under extremely difficult conditions, helping the wounded, civilians, and prisoners of war.
❗️Their mission was humanitarian, guided by compassion, not politics.
Recently I visitedthe city of Newcastle where this medical hospital was deployed. And I was wholeheartedly impressed that the memory about its work and Russian medics is still being kept, revered and cherished by the local community.
There are also lasting, very tangible symbols of this connection. In Bloemfontein, the Oranje Girls’ School was established with support from the Russian Imperial Court – a reminder that these ties were not only forged in wartime, but also in efforts to build and support communities.
Today, we continue this work of preserving our shared history. Every year, the Embassy takes part in commemorative events in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, where the monument to Russian Captain Leo Pokrowsky, who died during the war, is located, as well as the Wall of Memory bearing the names of around 90 Russian volunteers.
On the Embassy’s website, we are developing a digital map of key historical sites of Russia-South Africa relations. It helps users navigate memorial places across the country. And we will continue this work.
🤝 We are also teaming with South African partners, including museums and research institutions, to preserve and share historical documentation. The transfer of unique archival materials earlier this year to the War Museum of Boer Republicsin Bloomfontein, Fort Amiel Museum in Newcastle and the Old Parsonage Museum in Utrecht, is a practical way of keeping this shared memory alive.
☝️ Once again, I would like to emphasise that Russia supported the Boers in their struggle against British imperial expansion, and later supported South Africa in the fight against apartheid. Russia and South Africa share important pages of common history. This is not just about the past.
The legacy of solidarity between Russians and South Africans remains a meaningful foundation for our relations today.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
#AmbassadorAmbarov
#AmbarovSputnikAfrica
#AmbassadorSpeaks
🎙Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov in an Interview with Sputnik Africa:
Question:How are Russia and South Africa currently working together to preserve their shared historical heritage, including the history of Russian involvement with the Boers?
💬Roman Ambarov: Russia supported the Boers in their war with the British Empire at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is important to view these events in their proper historical context, as part of a wider struggle against imperial expansion.
That war was a tragically difficult chapter. Farms were destroyed, civilians suffered greatly, and tens of thousands of women and children died in British concentration camps. According to some historians, the British were the first to introduce systematic detention of civilians on a large scale. And it was the British army from whom Hitler later borrowed the said methods. Visiting places like the War Museum of the Boer Republics makes this history very real – you can truly feel the human cost behind the events we speak about.
More than a century ago, this conflict deeply resonated with people in Russia. It was seen as a struggle of a nation defending its independence and the way of life. And this solidarity was not only expressed in words. Up to 270 Russian volunteers traveled thousands of kilometres to join Boer commandos.They shared the hardships of war: many were wounded, some were captured, and some never returned home. Emperor Nicholas II closely followed the course of the war and, in personal letters, expressed his satisfaction at the successes of the Boers.
Russia’s support also went far beyond the battlefield. Russian medical teams, including a Red Cross detachment and a Russian-Dutch ambulance unit, worked under extremely difficult conditions, helping the wounded, civilians, and prisoners of war.
❗️Their mission was humanitarian, guided by compassion, not politics.
Recently I visitedthe city of Newcastle where this medical hospital was deployed. And I was wholeheartedly impressed that the memory about its work and Russian medics is still being kept, revered and cherished by the local community.
There are also lasting, very tangible symbols of this connection. In Bloemfontein, the Oranje Girls’ School was established with support from the Russian Imperial Court – a reminder that these ties were not only forged in wartime, but also in efforts to build and support communities.
Today, we continue this work of preserving our shared history. Every year, the Embassy takes part in commemorative events in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, where the monument to Russian Captain Leo Pokrowsky, who died during the war, is located, as well as the Wall of Memory bearing the names of around 90 Russian volunteers.
On the Embassy’s website, we are developing a digital map of key historical sites of Russia-South Africa relations. It helps users navigate memorial places across the country. And we will continue this work.
🤝 We are also teaming with South African partners, including museums and research institutions, to preserve and share historical documentation. The transfer of unique archival materials earlier this year to the War Museum of Boer Republicsin Bloomfontein, Fort Amiel Museum in Newcastle and the Old Parsonage Museum in Utrecht, is a practical way of keeping this shared memory alive.
☝️ Once again, I would like to emphasise that Russia supported the Boers in their struggle against British imperial expansion, and later supported South Africa in the fight against apartheid. Russia and South Africa share important pages of common history. This is not just about the past.
The legacy of solidarity between Russians and South Africans remains a meaningful foundation for our relations today.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
#AmbassadorAmbarov
#AmbarovSputnikAfrica
✍️ Easter Greeting from Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov to Orthodox Christians living in South Africa and all Russian compatriots celebrating Easter – the Bright Resurrection of Christ:
Dear compatriots and South African friends,
The wonderful and beloved feast of Easter fills believers with hope, inspires good thoughts and deeds, and strengthens high moral ideals and values in society. May it bring joy, health, and prosperity to your families.
The spiritual closeness between the Russian and South African peoples has been sanctified by time. Let us do everything possible to preserve and enhance this precious potential.
Our shared commitment to traditional spiritual valuesserves as a reliable foundation for the development of friendly relations between Russia and the Republic of South Africa. May the centuries-old traditions of love, mutual respect, and harmony continue to unite our peoples.
Christ is Risen!
#AmbassadorAmbarov#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇿🇦🏄♀️ Sensation on the coast of South Africa!
At the shores of the city of Port Alfred, 12-year-old Russian surfer Taisiya Belyaeva has made headlines by winning a medal at an international surfing competition.
🥈Taisiya has already entered the history of Russian surfing, becoming the first Russian to win an international medal, taking silver.
At just 12, she already trains globally, spending much of her time in Vietnam and Indonesia to access world-class waves.
“I’ve been surfing since I was five. Last year I won the Russian championship and made the national team. Besides surfing, I also enjoy skateboarding and drawing,” Taisiya shared.
🤩 Congratulations to Taisiya Belyaeva on this outstanding achievement!
Her success on the waves of Port Alfred is yet another example of growing Russia-South Africa intersports connections, bringing young talent, cultures, and sporting excellence closer together.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 February 28 marks the 34th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa.
Our bilateral cooperation is rooted in the firm ties of friendship and cooperation, which took shape during the anti-apartheid struggle and continue developing today. Over the past three decades, relations between Russia and South Africa have reached the level of strategic partnership.
🤝 We extend our warmest wishes to our South African friends on the occasion of our common holiday! We express commitment to continuing the expansion of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Christmas and the forthcoming New Year 2026 to President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 On November 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ronald Lamola held a telephone conversation.
During the conversation, the Ministers exchanged views on key issues of bilateral relations, with a focus on deepening political dialogue, expanding mutually beneficial trade, economic and other forms of cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination in international fora.
Sergey Lavrov also congratulated his South African counterpart on the successful hosting of G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22-23.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🎉🇿🇦 Happy Heritage Day, South Africa!
On 24 September, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day – a national holiday that brings together the rainbow nation in celebration of its rich cultural diversity, living traditions, and shared history.
📌 Across the country, museums, archives, and cultural centres are hosting exhibitions, performances and workshops. In Cape Town:
• Zeitz MOCAA – free entry, multilingual tours, and creative workshops
• Iziko Museums – in_herit Festival featuring exhibitions, workshops and performances
🇷🇺🕊🇿🇦 On this occasion, the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town warmly congratulates all South Africans. May this day inspire pride in your history, strengthen unity and remind everyone that South Africa is a truly unique and remarkable country, admired for its rich heritage and cultural diversity.
✨ Warm greetings on Heritage Day!
#RussiaSouthAfrica
Consul General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town, Ruslan Golubovskiy, met with the Premier of the Northern Cape Province, Zamani Saul, in Kimberley.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, underscoring the mutual commitment to further deepening cooperation.
The sides discussed the outcomes of the recent visit of the Northern Cape delegation to the Republic of Karelia, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Interregional Cooperation. Particular attention was given to expanding contacts in the fields of education, culture and humanitarian exchange, as well as to advancing prospects for partnership in the forest industry and mining sector.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
FAS Russia at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town: Promoting Competition as a Driver of Sustainable Development
On 10–11 September 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, a delegation of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation, headed by Maxim Shaskolsky, participated in the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference.
In his statement, Mr. Shaskolsky emphasized that fostering a competitive environment is a key prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and for expanding trade and economic cooperation among the BRICS countries. He provided a comprehensive overview of law enforcement practice and the continuous improvement of competition legislation in Russia, as well as of practical measures aimed at regulating socially significant markets, the pharmaceutical sector and the digital economy.
Particular attention was devoted to the advancement of responsible pricing mechanisms and the introduction of modern digital tools, which significantly strengthen the detection and prevention of antitrust violations.
The Russian side reaffirmed its commitment to further active engagement in the work of BRICS structures, thereby contributing to the establishment of fair and sustainable rules of competition at the global level.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦📞 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosahad a telephone conversation (August 7, 2025)
Vladimir Putin shared the outcomes of his meeting with US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, held the day before in Moscow.
Cyril Ramaphosa thanked the President of Russia for the information provided. In addition, the Russian Side expressed appreciation for the well-known peace initiative aimed at solving the Ukraine crisis that was endorsed by several African states, including South Africa.
The two Leaders discussed pressing matters pertaining to the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa.
The Presidents agreed to maintain contact.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
❗️Comment by the Ambassador of Russia to South Africa, Roman Ambarov, for RIA Novosti (July 15, 2025)
✍️ Today, cultural exchange between Russia and South Africa is a vibrant and evolving relationship, but its roots go back to the Soviet times. At that time, South African cultural and political figures studied at Soviet universities, becoming acquainted with the Russian language, literature, and arts. This laid the foundation for mutual respect and interest in each other’s cultures.
Currently, both sides are actively implementing a wide range of joint cultural exchange projects — from festivals and exhibitions to educational programs and theatrical productions.
In recent years, special attention has been given to developing ties in the performing arts. For example, in 2023, the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre toured Johannesburg with a production of Swan Lake, which was met with great success. In 2024, as part of the Days of Spiritual Culture of Russia in South Africa, a concert was held by the chamber ensemble Moscow Soloists under the direction of Yuri Bashmet.
Russian audiences are also discovering South African artists. In July of this year, for the first time in the history of the International Chekhov Theatre Festival, jazz singer Simphiwe Dana performed alongside the Vuyani Dance Theatre, led by choreographer Gregory Maqoma, in the project Moya. In June, at the international ballet festival Benois de la Danse at the Bolshoi Theatre, South African representatives Joshua Williams (Best Male Dancer) and Mthuthuzeli November (Best Choreographer) were named laureates — a significant moment in the festival’s history and in the cultural dialogue between our two countries. Also in July, the Theatre of Nations hosted the premiere of Miss Julie by August Strindberg, directed by James Ngcobo, Artistic Director of the Johannesburg City Theatres.
🎶 Musical cooperation between our countries is also flourishing. In spring 2025, South African tenor Lukhanyo Moyake performed Lensky’s aria in Russian at the VII International BraVo Music Awards in Moscow, receiving a heartfelt response from the audience. Around the same time, Igor Butman’s jazz quartet performed at the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
And that’s not all. In September, a South African group will participate in the international music competition Intervision in Moscow. Additionally, in the fall, Russian pianist Konstantin Emelyanov will give a solo concert in Pretoria, marking the start of the South African leg of the Pianissimo festival, which will travel through Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 All these projects vividly demonstrate the high level of trust, mutual interest, and cultural affinity between Russia and South Africa. For our part, we intend to continue strengthening this bond, expanding cooperation, and opening new horizons for creative dialogue.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺 On June 12, 2025, a ceremonial reception took place in Cape Town to mark Russia Day
🤝 Among the guests were House Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces — the upper house of South Africa’s Parliament — Honorable Mr. B. Radebe, a delegation from the Northern Cape government, Mr. M. Mahlulo, Director for International Relations in the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, as well as leaders of the ANC and COSATU in Western Cape and other allied political movements.
The event also brought together representatives of the business community, civil society, local media, consular corps, and members of the Russian-speaking diaspora.
📢In his address Mr. Radebe reaffirmed South Africa’s solidarity with the Russian Federation and highlighted the importance of promoting a multipolar world based on equality and mutual respect. He commended Russia’s role in BRICS and expressed confidence in the further development of strategic cooperation for the benefit of the Global South.
#RussiaSouthAfrica