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🎙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.
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🇷🇺12 июня 2025 года в Кейптауне состоялся торжественный прием по случаю празднования Дня России
🤝 На мероприятии присутствовали заместитель председателя Национального совета провинций — верхней палаты парламента ЮАР, председатель Комитета по международным отношениям и поддержке членов Нацсовета Б.Радебе, делегация правительства Северного Кейпа, директор по вопросам международных отношений администрации премьера провинции Восточный Кейп М.Махлуло, лидеры провинциальных отделений АНК, профблока КОСАТУ и других дружественных политических движений Западного Кейпа.
Прием также посетили представители деловых и общественных кругов, кейптаунских СМИ, консульского корпуса и активисты русскоязычной общины.
В ответной речи Б.Радебе подчеркнул неизменную солидарность с Российской Федерацией, отметив значимость укрепления многополярного мира на принципах равноправия и взаимного уважения. Он высоко оценил вклад России в деятельность БРИКС, выразив уверенность в дальнейшем углублении стратегического партнёрства в интересах всего Глобального Юга.
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🇷🇺Russia Day — a Moment for Warm Words from True Friends and Partners
Messages of congratulations and solidarity from South African political and public figures on the occasion of Russia’s national holiday.
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🌍🇷🇺📚Юные таланты из Кейптауна поздравляют мир с Днём русского языка
6 июня 2025 года
В Международный день русского языка воспитанники Русского детского центра в Кейптауне подготовили особенный подарок — видеопроект, в котором юные ученики воскресной школы прочитали стихотворение А.С. Пушкина «Туча».
Проект стал не только частью празднования, но и ярким символом связи поколений, культур и континентов через великое русское слово.
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🇷🇺🇿🇦Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the meeting with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Ronald Lamola(Moscow, April 16, 2025)
💬Sergey Lavrov: Esteemed Minister,
Welcome.
As far as I understand, you have already met with members of the Joint Russian-South African Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
Hopefully, its outcome will contribute additional positive results to our trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Thank you very much also for the opportunity to coordinate our approaches to the international agenda on the sidelines of your visit.
We are satisfied with our countries’ cooperation at the United Nations, BRICS and G20. I do remember our meeting in Johannesburg this February on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial Council meeting.
I hope to see you soon at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
On March 6, Mr Aleksei Malenko, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town, visited Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape Province. He was invited as a guest of honour by the Legislature Speaker Hon Ms Newrene Klaaste for the State of Province (SOPA) address of Hon Dr. Zamani Saul, the Premier of the Northern Cape.
On the sidelines of SOPA 2025 Consul General discussed with the Premier cooperation between one of the Russian concerned regions and the Northern Cape. Preliminary arrangements on forming a working group related to this issue have been made. The possibility of establishing partnership between the Sol-Plaatje University (Kimberley) and Russian Universities were considered as well.
Moreover, Mr. Malenko held talks with Ms Newrene Klaaste regarding the prospective of cooperation between the Northern Cape Legislature and concerned legislative bodies of Russian regions.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 On April 13, the programme “Digital Transformation of Public Administration System 2026” was officially launched in Pretoria in partnership with the National School of Government, organised by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA).
The initiative is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2025 between NSG and RANEPA, aimed at strengthening cooperation in public administration training.
The Russiandelegation is led by Alexey Komissarov, Rector of RANEPA.
From the South African side, the opening ceremony was attended by Pinky Sharon Kekana, Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, who is also participating in the programme.
💬 In her remarks, she welcomed the timely launch of the course, highlighting its relevance amid ongoing digital transformation in public administration.
The 1.5-month programme includes:
➖one week of in-person sessions in Pretoria;
➖ an online phase with further study and practical work.
🤝 During the in-person component, participants explore advanced digitalisation practices, international experience, and modern approaches to improving public administration efficiency.
The launch of the programme marks an important step in strengthening professional dialogue between Russian and South Africa and practical cooperation in public service development.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Representatives of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa took part in the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026.
🌐The event brought together representatives of the South African economic cluster, heads of government institutions and companies, as well as representatives of the business and expert community. In total, more than 1,200 participants from more than 50 countries gathered here. Among them were senior government officials, global investors, financial development institutions, banking executives, and corporate leaders.
📍The conference programme included a series of high-level sessions on strategic partnerships, energy and critical minerals, innovative financing and economic diplomacy.
🎙️In his address, President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosа highlighted the country’s focus on a new model of economic development based on digital transformation and diversification and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investment, marking a transition from recovery to sustained accelerated growth.
At the same time, a new target was set to mobilise up to 2 trillion rands in investments over the next five years.
🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 The Russian side consistently attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic ties with the Republic of South Africa, viewing it as one of the key areas of strategic cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade once again demonstrated positive dynamics, increasing by 6% and exceeding 900 million US dollars.
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🎙 Comment by Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov on Russia-South Africa cooperation in Culture, Education and Literature
The recent visit to the Republic of South Africa by the well-known Russian children’s writer and Chair of the Union of Children’s and Young Adult Writers, Svetlana Krivoshlykova, organized with the support of the Russian Embassy, became a vivid and meaningful event in the development of Russian–South African humanitarian cooperation.
☝️ Such initiatives clearly demonstrate that cooperation between our countries extends far beyond traditional political and economic interaction and continues to grow steadily in the fields of culture, education, and literature.
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Today, Russia and South Africa are actively implementing a wide range of joint projects within cultural and literary exchanges – from book festivals and exhibitions to educational programs and creative meetings. In December last year, a delegation including representatives of South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as local writers, took part in the International Intellectual Literature Fair held in Moscow. In January 2025, another prominent Russian children’s author, Valentin Postnikov, visited South Africa. His meetings with young readers and their families were met with great success, laying a solid foundation for further literary cooperation.
It is especially important to us that presentations of Svetlana Krivoshlykova’s books took place not only in Pretoria – at the school of the Russian Embassy in South Africa, but also in Cape Town, where the author met with children of Russian compatriots at the Russian Children’s Center. I am confident that such events contribute topreserving the Russian language and cultural identity abroad, while also fostering a lasting interest among the younger generation in Russian literature and traditions.
🤝 We will continue our efforts to ensure that such visits become more frequent,develop on a reciprocal basis, and help the peoples of Russia and South Africa gain a deeper understanding of each other, discovering new points of connection through literature and cultural dialogue.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of Russia Vladimir Putin congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election as President of the South African Republic.
✉️ We highly appreciate your personal contribution to the development of strategic partnership relations between our countries and to constructive Russia-South Africa interaction within the UN, BRICS, G20 and other multilateral organisations.
I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue and joint work on pressing items on the bilateral and international agenda and to welcoming you to the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22–24.
I wish you every success in your responsible office of the head of state, as well as good health and well-being.
Read in full
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#SAWithTheAmbassador
✍️Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov:
During my visit to Cape Town, I had the honour of visiting the Cape Muslim and Slave Heritage Museum at the Castle of Good Hope. What I experienced there was deeply moving – a powerful reflection on the history and heritage of enslaved communities in South Africa, told through art and memory.
With a collection of over 1,000 paintings, artefacts, photographs, and relics, the museum plays a vital role in sharing this history.
Preserving the memory of slavery is not only about the past. It is about ensuring that such injustice is never forgotten and never repeated, especially at a time when neo-colonial practices are again making themselves felt.
This history resonates on a personal level. Our country has never been a colonial power and has never enslaved African people. On the contrary, we remember that the Soviet Union stood in solidarity with the people of South Africa in their struggle against apartheid, supporting their fight for freedom and dignity.
❗️ Just yesterday, on April 19, our country marked theDay of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People, committed by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Our nation knows the pain of such suffering, and this shared historical experience deepens our understanding of the hardships endured by the people of South Africa.
I am sincerely grateful to the museum’s team and guides for their dedication and care in preserving this tragic chapter of history and making it accessible to others.
#AmbassadorAmbarov
On 23 March 2026, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov attended a Day of Reflection on Resistance and Liberation Heritage in commemoration of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
The keynote address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Hon. Ms Peace Mabe. Among the participants were Hon. Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress, as well as heads of diplomatic missions from Cuba, Angola, and Namibia, ANC representatives, and veterans of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.
🎙 Addressing the participants, Ambassador Roman Ambarov emphasized that the Battle of #CuitoCuanavalewasa turning pointof the Civil War in Angola.
The victory of the People’s Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola contributed directly to the peace process in Namibia and helped pave the way for the eventual liberation of South Africa.
“Cuito Cuanavale became a symbol of resistance against oppression. It demonstrated that even in the face of overwhelming force, the determination of people fighting for their rights cannot be defeated. It was here that the tide began to turn - not only in Angola, but across the region.
The role played by the Soviet Union in supporting Angola during this difficult period remains an important part of this history. Through the various means of assistance and political support, it contributed to strengthening the defence of Angola’s sovereignty. Soviet advisers worked alongside Angolan and Cuban forces, sharing knowledge, resources, and a belief in a just cause.
But what truly defined this moment was solidarity to fight together against the colonial yoke. It was the understanding that the struggle of one people is the concern of all humanity. The fight in Angola echoed the voices of those resisting apartheid in South Africa and colonial rule in Namibia. It was one struggle, fought on many fronts,” the Russian Ambassador said.
As part of the event, Roman Ambarov laid wreath to the Russian section of the Wall of Names in memory of Soviet military specialists who participated in conflicts in Southern Africa.
ℹ️ The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (August 1987 – March 1988) was a decisive engagement of the Angolan Civil War and a crucial step in the struggle for independence of the countries of Southern Africa from colonialism and apartheid. During the battle, the People’s Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola backed by #USSR, #Cuba, People’s Liberation Army of #Namibia, African National Congress (#ANC) and others defeated the combatants of the Angolan “UNITA” party and the racist regime of the Republic of South Africa supported by the US.
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🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Naledi Pandor hold a meeting on the sidelines of the #BRICS Ministerial
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🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during a meeting with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Naledi Pandor
💬Sergey Lavrov: I am pleased that we could convene for a bilateral meeting during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Thank you for joining us here in Nizhny Novgorod.
We prioritise the advancement of our bilateral partnership. Regular interactions occur between the presidents of Russia and South Africa, reflecting the strength of our relationship. It is crucial for us to review progress and assess the implementation of the agreements they have reached.
First and foremost, we want to express our support for the African National Congress and the recent elections. We are confident that we will maintain our friendly and stable relations. This commitment has been reaffirmed by both us and our South African counterparts.
We are prepared for further progress in the advancement of our bilateral partnership.
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📍Nizhny Novgorod, June 10
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