#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
🌍 Юный соотечественник из ЮАР посетил международную смену в «Артеке»
Владимир, наш юный соотечественник из Кейптауна, этим летом стал участником 9-й смены Международного детского центра «Артек», которая прошла в августе 2025 года и была посвящена 100-летию легендарного лагеря.
Ещё весной он узнал о конкурсе, который проводил Молодёжный клуб «Друзья Артека» Русского Дома в Ливане. Одним из условий участия было представить пять личных достижений. Для Владимира это оказалось несложной задачей: он занимается музыкой в школе Beau Soleil в Винберге (фортепиано и гобой), поёт в Cape Town Children’s Choir и неоднократно становился лауреатом олимпиад по сольфеджио. Его хор участвовал в престижных концертах вместе с Филармоническим оркестром Кейптауна и получил благодарственное письмо от дирижёра Александра Леви за выступление с рождественской кантатой.
Так Владимир оказался в числе победителей конкурса и отправился в Артек. 6 августа 2025 года международная детская делегация из 26 стран мира начала своё путешествие на 9-ю смену.
Ребят ждали купание в Чёрном море, спортивные мероприятия, экскурсии по Крыму, поездки в Севастополь и Ливадию, прогулки на катере и поход на гору Аю-Даг. Участники познакомились с историей партизанского движения в годы Великой Отечественной войны, участвовали в вечерних кострах и концертах.
Особое место в программе заняла викторина, посвящённая странам-участницам смены. Владимир подготовил вопросы о культуре, истории и географии Южной Африки и представил национальный костюм, отражающий этнический колорит своей страны.
Вернувшись в Кейптаун, Владимир поделился своими впечатлениями:
«Артек — это удивительное место, где дети со всего мира становятся друзьями. Для меня это был настоящий праздник дружбы, творчества и новых открытий».
#Артек100#RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA#CapeTown#Consulate
🌍 A Young Compatriot from South Africa Visited the International Session at “Artek”
This summer, Vladimir, our young compatriot from Cape Town, took part in the 9th session of the International Children’s Center Artek, held in August 2025 and dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the legendary camp.
Back in spring, he learned about the competition organized by the Youth Club Friends of Artek of the Russian House in Lebanon. One of the conditions for participation was to present five personal achievements. For Vladimir, this task was not difficult: he studies music at Beau Soleil School in Wynberg (piano and oboe), sings in the Cape Town Children’s Choir, and has repeatedly become a laureate of solfeggio competitions. His choir has performed in prestigious concerts together with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and even received a letter of appreciation from conductor Alexander Levi for their performance of a Christmas cantata.
Thanks to these achievements, Vladimir became one of the winners of the competition and headed to Artek. On 6 August 2025, the international children’s delegation from 26 countries of the world began their journey to the 9th session.
The program offered swimming in the Black Sea, sports activities, excursions around Crimea, trips to Sevastopol, boat rides and a hike up Mount Ayu-Dag. The participants learned about the partisan movement during the Great Patriotic War, gathered around evening bonfires, and took part in concerts.
A special highlight was a quiz dedicated to the countries represented at the session. Vladimir prepared questions about the culture, history, and geography of South Africa and presented a national costume reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity.
Upon returning to Cape Town, Vladimir shared his impressions:
“Artek is a wonderful place where children from all over the world become friends. For me, it was a true celebration of friendship, creativity, and new discoveries.”
#Artek100#RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA#CapeTown#Consulate
🇷🇺🤺 Russian compatriot honoured with prestigious sports award in South Africa
🏆The Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town is proud to announce that our compatriot, Mikhail Galukhin, a fencing coach, has become a laureate of the XVII Annual Western Cape Sport Legends Awards, the ceremony of which took place in Cape Town.
For many years, Mikhail Galukhin has been successfully working with South African athletes, nurturing a new generation of fencers. Under his guidance, young sportsmen acquire not only technical skills but also essential values such as discipline and commitment to fair play.
🌍🤝His achievements stand as a vivid example of how sport can unite people of different cultures and serve as a strong bridge of friendship between nations.
The Consulate General warmly congratulates Mikhail Galukhin on this well-deserved recognition and wishes him continued success for the benefit of sport and international cooperation!
#RussiaSouthAfrica#CapeTown#Consulate#Sport#SportLegendsAwards
🗓 Today, on June 5, the XXVII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has kicked off. The main theme of the event is "The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World".
Over the years, the Forum has become the world's leading platform for the business community to communicate and discuss key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets and the world as a whole.
👨💼👩💼 More than 17,100 people from 136 countries and territories, as well as 3,400 media representatives are participating in SPIEF-2024.
The plenary session of the Forum will traditionally be addressed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who has previously sent greeting to the participants, organisers and guests of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The SPIEF-2024 business programme consists of four thematic tracks:
🔹 The Transition to a Multipolar World Economy;
🔹 Goals and Objectives of Russia’s New Economic Cycle;
🔹 Technologies for Leadership;
🔹 A Healthy Society, Traditional Values and Social Development: The Priority of the State.
The programme includes more than 150 thematic sessions with over 1,000 moderators and speakers.
In addition, events organised by the Russian Foreign Ministry will traditionally take place on the margins of the SPIEF:
• On June 7, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a briefing, as well as a session on "International and National Experiences of Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Best Practices";
• On June 8, The International Affairs, a magazine published by the Foreign Ministry, will hold a debate titled "Polycentricity: The Norm of a Future World without Colonies and Hegemons".
🤝 The programme of events of the SPIEF-2024 international track includes more than 10 business dialogues, including formats EAEU-ASEAN, #RussiaAfrica, #RussiaLatinAmerica, #RussiaChina, #RussiaSouthAfrica, #RussiaKazakhstan, #RussiaIndia, #RussiaIran, #RussiaBrazil and other bilateral meetings.
The forum will last until June 8.
#SPIEF2024
🗓 Today, on June 5, the XXVII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has kicked off. The main theme of the event is "The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World".
Over the years, the Forum has become the world's leading platform for the business community to communicate and discuss key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets and the world as a whole.
👨💼👩💼 More than 17,100 people from 136 countries and territories, as well as 3,400 media representatives are participating in SPIEF-2024.
The plenary session of the Forum will traditionally be addressed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who has previously sent greeting to the participants, organisers and guests of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The SPIEF-2024 business programme consists of four thematic tracks:
🔹 The Transition to a Multipolar World Economy;
🔹 Goals and Objectives of Russia’s New Economic Cycle;
🔹 Technologies for Leadership;
🔹 A Healthy Society, Traditional Values and Social Development: The Priority of the State.
The programme includes more than 150 thematic sessions with over 1,000 moderators and speakers.
In addition, events organised by the Russian Foreign Ministry will traditionally take place on the margins of the SPIEF:
• On June 7, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a briefing, as well as a session on "International and National Experiences of Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Best Practices";
• On June 8, The International Affairs, a magazine published by the Foreign Ministry, will hold a debate titled "Polycentricity: The Norm of a Future World without Colonies and Hegemons".
🤝 The programme of events of the SPIEF-2024 international track includes more than 10 business dialogues, including formats EAEU-ASEAN, #RussiaAfrica, #RussiaLatinAmerica, #RussiaChina, #RussiaSouthAfrica, #RussiaKazakhstan, #RussiaIndia, #RussiaIran, #RussiaBrazil and other bilateral meetings.
The forum will last until June 8.
#SPIEF2024
🗓 Today, on June 5, the XXVII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has kicked off. The main theme of the event is "The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World".
Over the years, the Forum has become the world's leading platform for the business community to communicate and discuss key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets and the world as a whole.
👨💼👩💼 More than 17,100 people from 136 countries and territories, as well as 3,400 media representatives are participating in SPIEF-2024.
The plenary session of the Forum will traditionally be addressed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who has previously sent greeting to the participants, organisers and guests of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The SPIEF-2024 business programme consists of four thematic tracks:
🔹 The Transition to a Multipolar World Economy;
🔹 Goals and Objectives of Russia’s New Economic Cycle;
🔹 Technologies for Leadership;
🔹 A Healthy Society, Traditional Values and Social Development: The Priority of the State.
The programme includes more than 150 thematic sessions with over 1,000 moderators and speakers.
In addition, events organised by the Russian Foreign Ministry will traditionally take place on the margins of the SPIEF:
• On June 7, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a briefing, as well as a session on "International and National Experiences of Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Best Practices";
• On June 8, The International Affairs, a magazine published by the Foreign Ministry, will hold a debate titled "Polycentricity: The Norm of a Future World without Colonies and Hegemons".
🤝 The programme of events of the SPIEF-2024 international track includes more than 10 business dialogues, including formats EAEU-ASEAN, #RussiaAfrica, #RussiaLatinAmerica, #RussiaChina, #RussiaSouthAfrica, #RussiaKazakhstan, #RussiaIndia, #RussiaIran, #RussiaBrazil and other bilateral meetings.
The forum will last until June 8.
#SPIEF2024
🎬🇷🇺 The screening of the film “The Wizard of the Emerald City” took place within the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town as part
of the annual “Movie Night” initiative, held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and Roskino.
📖 The film, based on the novel by Alexander Volkov and long recognized as a classic of Russian children’s and family literature, introduced the audience to the atmosphere of a timeless fairy tale. The journey of Ellie and her companions has become a symbol of friendship, courage and fidelity to one’s dream, remaining close and comprehensible to viewers of all generations.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Mr. R. Golubovskiy emphasized the century-long tradition of Russian cinematography and its significant contribution to the development of global film art:
“Since the early decades of the 20th century, cinema has become an integral part of Russia’s cultural identity. Among the most renowned directors who left a lasting mark on world cinema, one can mention Sergei Eisenstein, whose films ‘Battleship Potemkin’ and ‘Alexander Nevsky’ had a profound impact on the evolution of film language, Sergei Bondarchuk, awarded the Oscar for his adaptation of ‘War and Peace’, and Andrei Tarkovsky, whose works became a true revelation for world cinematography.”
💭 The film was warmly received by the audience. Following the screening, a lively discussion took place on the role of cinema in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening humanitarian ties between nations.
🤝 The Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town expresses its sincere appreciation to all guests and to the management of the Castle of Good Hope for their support in hosting the “Movie Night” initiative.
#RussiaSouthAfrica#MovieNight#Roskino#BRICS#russianconsulate#CapeTown
📚🇷🇺 The Russian language continues to spark great interest in Cape Town!
This weekend, the Consulate General had the pleasure of attending classes of the weekend group organized by St. Petersburg State University.
✨ The classroom was full — students of different ages and backgrounds came together, united by their curiosity and love for Russian language and culture. The atmosphere was lively, warm, and truly inspiring!
👏🌍We are grateful to our teachers and participants for their dedication and look forward to the continued growth of this initiative and new opportunities for cultural exchange.
#RussianLanguage#CapeTown#SPbU#StPetersburgUniversity#Education#RussiaSouthAfrica
📢 Приходите сегодня на мероприятие «ЮАР: новые горизонты для туризма и бизнеса»!
В программе — участие Почётного консула ЮАР в Екатеринбурге Сергея Леонидовича Мазуркевича и онлайн-выступление Торгового представителя России в ЮАР Петра Андреевича Павленко (см. программу).
💬 P.S. В конце мероприятия у нас появилась отличная возможность обсудить тему приобретения недвижимости в ЮАР!
#РоссияЮАР#Экономика#Туризм#Новости#Мероприятия
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📢You’re welcome to join today’s event (in Russian) — South Africa: New Horizons for Tourism and Business.
Among the speakers are Sergey Mazurkevich, Honorary Consul of South Africa in Yekaterinburg, and Pyotr Pavlenko, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in South Africa (see the attached program).
💬 P.S. At the end of the event, we have a great opportunity to talk briefly about buying real estate in South Africa!
#RussiaSouthAfrica#Economy#Tourism#News#Events#Mazurkevich
🎉 Happy birthday to the Office of the Honorary Consul of South Africa in Yekaterinburg!
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 On July 12, 2023, a new page of regional diplomacy began
✂️ Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Left to right:
🔹 Sergey Mazurkevich — Honorary Consul of South Africa in Yekaterinburg
🔹 Aleksey Orlov — Mayor of Yekaterinburg
🔹 Aleksey Shmykov — First Vice-Governor of Sverdlovsk Region
🔹 Mzuvukile Maqetuka — Ambassador of South Africa to Russia
🔹 Aleksandr Kharlov — MFA Representative in Yekaterinburg
🔹 Andrey Besedin — President of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry
🔹 Vyacheslav Yarin — Minister of International and Foreign Economic Relations of Sverdlovsk Region
#SouthAfrica#Yekaterinburg#Diplomacy#HonoraryConsul#Mazurkevich#RussiaSouthAfrica#InternationalRelations#RibbonCutting#GlobalPartnerships
✔️🇷🇺🇿🇦 В Петрозаводске состоялось подписание Меморандума о взаимопонимании между Республикой Карелия и провинцией Северный Кейп.
С официальным визитом в Карелию прибыл Премьер-министр провинции Северный Кейп Замани Саул.
В ходе встречи с Первым заместителем Главы Республики Карелия – Премьер-министром Правительства Республики Карелия А.С. Сергеевым стороны обсудили широкий круг вопросов, представляющих взаимный интерес. Был отмечен значительный потенциал для развития торгово-экономических связей, а также сотрудничества в сферах промышленности, инноваций, туризма и культуры.
🤝 Результатом переговоров стало подписание Меморандума о взаимопонимании, определившего ключевые направления межрегионального партнерства.
«Мы видим большой потенциал для взаимодействия, особенно в таких отраслях, как лесопромышленный комплекс, машиностроение и туризм. Провинция Северный Кейп обладает уникальным опытом в переработке камня, алмазодобыче и природными ресурсами, туристическим потенциалом. Мы уверены, что наше сотрудничество будет взаимовыгодным», — отметил заместитель Премьер-министра Правительства РК О.А. Ермолаев.
📌 Программа визита также включает знакомство с экономическим и культурным потенциалом региона: делегация посетит ведущие промышленные предприятия, включая АО «Кондопожский ЦБК», «ЭФЭР», МБ Барбелл.
#RussiaSouthAfrica#BRICS#Karelia#NorthernCape#russianMFA#russianconsulate#CapeTown
🇷🇺🤺 Наш соотечественник удостоен престижной спортивной награды в ЮАР
🏆Генеральное консульство России в Кейптауне с гордостью сообщает, что наш соотечественник Михаил Галухин, тренер по фехтованию, стал лауреатом XVII ежегодной премии Western Cape Sport Legends Awards, церемония вручения которой прошла в Кейптауне.
На протяжении многих лет Михаил Галухин успешно работает с южноафриканскими спортсменами, воспитывая новое поколение фехтовальщиков. Под его руководством молодые атлеты приобретают не только спортивные навыки, но и такие важные качества, как стремление к дисциплине и приверженность принципам честной игры.
🌍🤝Его деятельность служит ярким примером того, как спорт объединяет людей разных культур и становится прочным мостом дружбы между странами.
Генеральное консульство сердечно поздравляет Михаила с заслуженным признанием и желает ему новых успехов во благо спорта и международного сотрудничества!
#CapeTown#Consulate#Consul#ConsulGeneral#Sport#RussiaSouthAfrica