#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
🌟From Cape Town to the Arctic: South Africa's Contribution to the Allied Victory
On the sidelines of theRussian Movie Night Victory Marathon, the Russian Embassy in South Africa opened a photo exhibition dedicated to South Africa's participation in the Second World War – a conflict that was not merely a European war, but a truly global struggle against Nazi and fascist tyranny.
The exhibition was attended by ANC Veterans, South African officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the cultural, business, academic, and media communities.
During those decisive years, South Africa stood alongside the Soviet Union as a proud member of the Anti-Hitler Coalition. That partnership, forged in shared sacrifice, is remembered with the deepest gratitude in Russia to this day.
"We will always remember that during World War II South Africa was our ally and an important member of the Anti-Hitler Coalition," Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov emphasized during his welcoming remarks.
The Cape Route & Lend-Lease
South Africa's strategic geography proved decisive when the supply route through the Dardanelles was closed. Cape Town became one of the principal ports of call for Anglo-American vessels delivering war materials to the Soviet Union via the Persian Gulf – a vital lifeline at the most critical moment of the war.
The Arctic Convoys
Around 3,000 South African seamen served in the Royal Navy, many of them aboard Allied vessels carrying vital supplies to the Soviet northern ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk to relieve besieged Leningrad. Those long, perilous journeys were made in brutal weather, under constant threat of enemy attack. Their courage deserves to be honoured and remembered.
The Secret Mission to Yalta
In late January 1945, a SAAF DC-3 flew a classified mission from Cairo – through Tobruk and Athens – to recently liberated Crimea. The South African aircrew found themselves present at one of history's most consequential moments: the Yalta Conference, where Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill gathered at the Livadia Palace to shape the post-war world. The flight engineer later recalled, with warm simplicity, being invited for tea and cake by the wife of the Soviet airfield commander – a small, human moment at the centre of history.
Solidarity Beyond the Battlefield
South Africans demonstrated remarkable solidarity through humanitarian aid and civilian support that reached across oceans and strengthened the ties between our peoples even in the darkest years of the war.
🤝 The Russian Embassy extends its sincere gratitude to the DITSONG National Museum of Military History for providing the unique materials that made this exhibition possible. Their dedication to preserving and sharing this history ensures that the stories of those who served will never be forgotten.
#Victory81#9May#WeRemember#AmbassadorAmbarov
#BRICS2024
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks on the sidelines of the XVI BRICS Summit.
📍Kazan, October 22, 2024
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🚀Cosmonautics Day and Gagarin in South Africa
April 12 marks Cosmonautics Day in Russia, commemorating the historic 1961 flight of Yuri Gagarin — the moment humanity first ventured beyond Earth. 🌍
🇷🇺 Established in 1962, Cosmonautics Day remains a symbol of Russia’s achievements in space exploration.
🔎 Interesting fact:
South Africa also preserves the memory of Gagarin and his contribution to global space history.
🪐 On October 21, 2021, in Johannesburg, with the support of the Russian Embassy, a bust of Yuri Gagarin was unveiled near the Wits University Planetarium.
The event marked two milestones:
— the 60th anniversary of the first human spaceflight;
— the 60th anniversary of the Planetarium itself.
✨ A reminder that space is a shared heritage of humanity.
#RussiaSouthAfrica#History
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🚀April 12 marks Cosmonautics Day in Russia, honoring Yuri Gagarin’s legendary 1961 spaceflight — the first time a human journeyed into space. 🌍
🇷🇺 Cosmonautics Day was established in 1962 and remains a powerful symbol of Russia’s contributions to space exploration.
✨ Interestingly, South Africa also pays tribute to Gagarin’s legacy:
On October 21, 2021, Wits University in Johannesburg, together with the Russian Embassy, unveiled a bust of Yuri Gagarin at the Wits Planetarium. This event marked the 60th anniversary of human spaceflight and the 60th anniversary of the Planetarium itself—a celebration of two great journeys into the unknown. 🪐
#RussiaSouthAfrica#History
🇷🇺🇿🇦Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienkocongratulated Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa Refilwe Maria Mtsweni-Tsipane on the occasion of Freedom Day.
“On behalf of the Federation Council and on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations on South Africa’s national holiday - Freedom Day. Your country is one of Russia’s most important partners on the African continent,” the message reads.
Valentina Matvienko noted that in recent years, political contacts between Russia and South Africa have gained significant momentum, while cooperation in areas such as #BRICS has reached a qualitatively new level.
🤝 The shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation shapes the parliamentary dialogue, which serves as an effective mechanism for expanding trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties.
She expressed confidence that dialogue between the Federation Council and South Africa’s National Council of Provinces will continue to develop and contribute to joint projects for the benefit of both nations.
Valentina Matvienko also wished her counterpart success in public service and prosperity to the people of South Africa, reaffirming her high regard and readiness to welcome her in Russia.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
https://www.1tv.ru/live
🎥 "BRICS. Horizons of the future: South Africa".
Watch now Channel’s One Russia film about South Africa
🇷🇺🇿🇦#BRICS#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 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
📍Nizhny Novgorod, June 10
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🎖️Commemorative Event Marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II Held at the Castle of Good Hope
On 9 May 2025, a solemn commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II was held at the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. The ceremony was attended by representatives of South African political forces, ANC veterans, the command of the South African National Defence Force, Russian compatriots and members of the general public.
🕯️The event opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Calvin Gilfellan, Director of the Castle of Good Hope, featured interfaith prayers, performances of the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa, and a ceremonial march by an honour guard of the SANDF. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who perished during the war.
In his address, the Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, Mr. Aleksei Malenko highlighted South Africa’s contribution to the Allied Victory over Nazism, noting the participation of South African servicemen in the ranks of the anti-Hitler coalition. He also shared a personal family story related to the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing that the memory of the heroism and sacrifices of that generation is carefully preserved in every Russian family.
Keynote speeches were also delivered by Mr. Marius Fransman, former Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and Chief Zenzile Khoisan, leader of the Khoisan people. Both speakers underscored the historical parallels between the fates of the peoples of South Africa and Russia and emphasized the importance of international solidarity in the face of injustice and aggression.
📽️As part of the cultural programme, premiere of the documentary film “Legacy of Hope. Freedom Through Solidarity: The Russia–Cuba–South Africa Chapter” was held. Directed by Marius Fransman, the film resonated strongly with the audience.
❗️The screening was followed by a lively discussion focused on the modern relevance of the lessons of World War II and the imperative to preserve historical truth.
🤝The commemorative event at the Castle of Good Hope served as a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the memory of the peoples’ heroism in defending freedom and justice, and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of historical dialogue and international humanitarian cooperation.
#Victory80#RussiaSouthAfrica
The first meeting of the finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 countries, chaired by the Republic of South Africa, took place in Cape Town
🇿🇦The meeting was opened by the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
The financial gathering at the level of finance ministers and central bank governors focused on the global economic situation, debt and tax issues and sustainable financing. The two-day sessions were attended by representatives from all G20 countries and organizations.
🇷🇺The Russian delegation was led by the Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov.
This meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors followed a two-day meeting of deputy finance ministers and deputy central bank governors of the G20 in Cape Town.
As the current G20 chair the Republic of South Africa aims to achieve consensus on alleviating the debt burden of the world’s poorest countries with a focus on Africa.
#G20#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Ronald Lamola hold a meeting on the sidelines of the #G20 Ministerial
📍 Johannesburg, February 21
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa receives Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "on the margins" of the #G20 Ministerial.
📍 Johannesburg, February 20
#RussiaSouthAfrica
#BRICS2024
🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks on the sidelines of the XVI BRICS Summit.
📍Kazan, October 22, 2024
#RussiaSouthAfrica