Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🐳 Waiting for October to see whales in Cape Town? You don’t have to – they're already there in Russia! The whale-watching season in the Russia’s Shantar Islands is short – just two months, from mid-July to mid-September – yet unforgettable. Wrangel Bay is the only place on Earth where you can actually swim alongside bowhead whales, a rare and endangered species! These giants come into the shallow bay to socialize… or sometimes to hide from predatory orcas. If the weather is on your side, you can even head out on a SUP board and watch the whales from just a few meters away. You might also spot orcas, seals, and other animals. Getting there isn’t easy – the Sea of Okhotsk is unpredictable, and by October, it’s already covered in ice. But those lucky enough to set foot on these wild shores all say the same thing: if there’s even the slightest chance to go on a whale photo expedition – take it. #DiscoverRussia

📰Article by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova 'neocolon-AI-lism' for 'Rossiyskaya Gazeta' newspaper (July 17, 2025) Read in full ✍️ At the beginning of July, the Russian MFA Collegium held a regular meeting on information and communication technologies, specifically the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence. It marked the launch of a substantive intra-ministry debate and the ministry’s adaptation to addressing AI-related challenges within the international dimension of this vast topic. <...> As a key driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AI has been shaping a new economic, socio-cultural, and political system right before our eyes. These changes are particularly evident in the industrial, financial, and economic spheres across nations – yet the explosive development of machine learning is increasingly acquiring a political dimension. To establish the appropriate semantic framework for this “underside” of digitalisation, we must first outline the ideological coordinates adopted by certain geopolitical players advancing artificial intelligence. 👉 That framework is neocolonialist thinking. When combined with AI, neocolonialism takes on a truly global, technologically sophisticated dimension. Beyond the traditional dominance of the so-called “golden billion,” the rest of the world now faces novel mechanisms of dependency – more subtle than classical colonial subjugation, yet far more pervasive and enduring. Developing nations are no longer merely reliant on imported hardware or software; they are increasingly subjected to algorithmic governance, which dictates critical processes – from logistics to education, from healthcare to the shaping of public opinion. AI is not only and not so much becoming an instrument of progress as a form of pressure and a driving force of global competition, including for people’s hearts and souls and their way of life, as well as a means of redistributing power in the world. <...> ❗️ The principal resource required to sustain the expansion of production and the increasingly pervasive application of artificial intelligence standards is rare-earth metals – fossil elements with critically limited reserves. These very materials now lie at the heart of the trade wars between the principal suppliers of AI solutions on the global market. The political elites of Western nations – the majority of which lack domestic deposits of such substances – seek to secure unrestricted access to extraction sites located in the states comprising the World Majority. In pursuit of this goal, they resort to aggressive neo-colonial policies. <...> Another component of the nascent neo-colonial order has emerged in the form of the environmental and ideological platform. For themselves, the collective West has engineered a universal system of economic permissiveness. Simultaneously, they assert that any economic development undertaken by the so-called “non-chosen” countries must rigidly conform to the West’s green standards. This deliberate “management” of: a) digitalisation, b) AI implementation, and c) the green agenda has propelled the AI sector into a phase of revolutionary progress. ☝️ The trajectory of humanity’s evolutionary vector has revealed itself with clarity. The assertions made by Russian President Vladimir Putin have gained in credibility – namely, that the state which commands leadership in the production of such technologies will attain global supremacy, and that their deployment marks the commencement of a new chapter in human existence. <...> These rapidly evolving processes, unfolding across numerous multilateral platforms and forums, are unmistakable indicators of the intensifying global race for leadership in this sphere. They demand the unremitting attention and active engagement of the state – including the Russian MFA. ❗️Ultimately, building a fair multipolar world is intrinsically dependent upon our capacity to thwart attempts at resurrecting neo-colonial exploitation and inequality in digital form.

🎙 Address by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov on the occasion of Mandela Day (July 18,2025) 💬 Dear friends, On July 18, we celebrate #MandelaDay – a holiday officially declared by the United Nations to honor the legacy of the South African statesman and one of the most outstanding champions of human rights, Nelson Mandela. The name Mandela is, without exaggeration, familiar to every person living in the former Soviet republics. For two decades, the slogan “Freedom for Mandela!” echoed through the media and peaceful demonstrations, while our country remained the only major power that consistently refused to engage with the criminal racist regime. 👉 The Soviet Union not only provided substantial financial support to the South African liberation movement but also assisted in training military personnel. Nelson Mandela praised #RussiaSouthAfrica ties in the times of the struggle against apartheid: "In a difficult time, Russia became a second home for many of us. Hundreds of young South Africans received an education here — an opportunity denied to them in their own country. Many of our cadres received military training that turned them into skilled fighters for freedom and justice. <...> For the help in liberating the entire South African nation from an inhumane system, we say from the bottom of our hearts: 'Spasibo bolshoe!'" [Thank you very much in Russian]. The friendship forged in those challenging times for South Africans continues to live on between our nations today — thanks in no small part to Nelson Mandela himself. At the heart of Mandela Day, as established by the UN, lies a principle of action, not words – people are encouraged to perform acts of charity and help those in need. The Russian Embassy in South Africa fully embraces this spirit: as part of this commemorative occasion, Russian diplomats will provide assistance and support to three South African children social facilities. 🤝 I extend my warmest congratulations to all our South African friends on this special day and wish you well-being, prosperity, and strength in pursuing your ideals. #MandelaDay2025

🔴#ПрямойЭфир: Онлайн-показ документального фильма «Страна Советов. Забытые Вожди. Андрей Громыко». 🎥 Смотрите в телеграм-канале Постпредства.

🇷🇺🇱🇸 Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman #Ambarov sent birthday greetings to His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho. ✍️ The message reads, in part: “The Russian Federation values the respectful relations between our two countries and we remain committed to continued engagement in areas of mutual interest. It would be a privilege for me to enhance this constructive dialogue. May this special occasion bring Your Majesty peace and good health and may the people of Lesotho enjoy well-being and stability.” #RussiaLesotho#RussiaAfrica

⚡️The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic has deteriorated dramatically in the past few days. On July 13, armed clashes flared up between units of a Druze community and Bedouin tribes in the Suwayda Governorate, southern Syria. Following this, the Syrian Defence and Interior Ministries deployed their military units in the governorate’s administrative centre. Dozens of people, including civilians, were killed during heavy armed clashes involving law enforcement agencies and local paramilitary units. Ceasefire agreements were reportedly announced on July 16. These developments were accompanied by intensive Israeli air strikes on Syrian territory; according to the Israeli side, the strikes aimed to protect Syria’s Druze community. The southern region and the Syrian capital were also hit. The strikes targeted government agencies, including buildings of the Defence Ministry and the Presidential Palace in Damascus. ❗️ Fatalities are reported, and many people have been injured. A new spiral of violence in Syria evokes deep concern. The Russian Side is particularly alarmed in connection with unacceptable brutal attacks on civilians. We assume that encroachments on the life and safety of civilians are unacceptable. Moscow hopes that the implementation of planned de-escalation measures will help scale down tensions and reliably stabilise the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. We are convinced that this objective can be accomplished through dialogue, by strengthening national accord and respecting the rights of all representatives and communities of the multi-denominational Syrian society. ☝️The Russian Side has repeatedly assessed Israel’s arbitrary military operations in Syria. These attacks flagrantly violate the sovereignty of the country and the norms of international law and should be resolutely condemned. Moscow reaffirms its consistent position regarding the need to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. According to incoming reports, no Russian citizens were harmed during armed clashes and air strikes. Guaranteeing the safety of all Russian citizens remains a top priority.

🔴#LIVE: Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia’s MFA website

❗️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

Free Russian Language Courses in Cape Town! We are pleased to invite everyone to take part in free Russian language courses supported by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg State University. 👩‍🏫 The lessons will be conducted by Dasha and Taisiya — experienced teachers of Russian as a foreign language with nearly 20 years of teaching experience. 📚 The courses are open to everyone. No prior knowledge of Russian is required. Why learn Russian? 🗣 It is a language spoken across 15 countries and serves as a bridge among more than 160 ethnic groups. 🌍 Studying Russian offers access to a rich cultural, literary, and scientific heritage — from Tolstoy and Dostoevsky to Gagarin and Tchaikovsky. 📖 Course highlights: – Basics of grammar and practical conversation – Introduction to Russian culture and traditions 🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/p4fo6ttm8esXqtLa6 Let’s explore the Russian language together! #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianCourses#LearnRussian

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks following the SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting (Tianjin, July 15, 2025) Key talking points: 💬 The meeting of the #SCO Council of Foreign Ministers has just concluded in the city of Tianjin. This marked the culminating stage of preparations for the upcoming SCO Summit, which will likewise be held here in Tianjin in late August — early September of this year. All participants unanimously acknowledged the business-like, focusednature of our efforts. In this context, we attach particular significance to this morning’s meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, who shared his assessments of joint efforts under China’s chairmanship and his vision of the key tasks for the progressive development of our Organisation. 🌐 The discussion confirmed a shared understanding of the growing importance of the SCO’s collective potential in both regional and global affairs. <...> The prevailing trend towards further consolidation of the SCO and the enhancement of its role on the international stage is encouraging. We affirmed that our common approach of strengthening the SCO as oneof the central pillars of a more equitable, #MultipolarWorld order remains unchanged. <...> Considerable number of nations are seeking to join the SCO’s work. The geographical scope of our structure spans a significant portion of the Eurasian continent. We noted that cooperation within our Organisation objectively contributes to the creation of an architecture of equal and indivisible security across Eurasia. <...> We expressed support for further expanding the SCO’s engagement with external actors. A new step in this direction will be the upcoming high-level meetings in the #SCO format at the Tianjin Summit — the first of their kind. We anticipate the participation of representatives from approximately 30 states and multilateral organisations in this event. This underscores the SCO’s growing constructive agenda and its appeal to nations of the #GlobalSouth and the #WorldMajority. We provided our colleagues with detailed assessments of the latest developments in Ukraine and reaffirmed our well-known approaches to resolving the crisis, repeatedly articulated by President of Russia Vladimir Putin. In turn, our partners demonstrated an understanding of these positions. Once again, we emphasised the necessity of addressing the root causes of the conflict, recognising the existing territorial realities <...>. Regarding the developments in the #MiddleEast, it was noted that sustainable stabilisation in the region is impossible without a just and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict. These strategic guidelines, building on the accumulated experience of the ongoing upgrading, will be enshrined in the SCO Development Strategy through 2035. 👉 The resolutions adopted by Leaders on the aforementioned matters will establish a foundation for effective preparations in advance of the Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, scheduled for November 17–18, 2025, in Moscow under Russia’s chairmanship. Read in full

💬 Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: QUOTE - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “Putin did not send serious people to the negotiations. I remember that you were able, with Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, to get these talks going in Istanbul. I remember – I was myself in Türkiye on NATO business in May – and we put pressure on the Ukrainians to send a serious team to Istanbul. And they did. But then the Russians came up with this historian explaining history of Russia since 1250.” Two clarifications regarding the above nonsense: 1. “This historian” is Vladimir Medinsky – a distinguished specialist in international relations, scholar, and statesman. In contrast, the so-called “serious team” from Ukraine was headed by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, a man who has never served in the military and whose entire professional background lies in telecommunications management. 2. Without an understanding of the historical context, no issue can be resolved – only exacerbated. The ignorance displayed by NATO officials has already resulted in countless casualties across the globe.

#Announcement 📍 On July 25, the first ministerial meeting under South Africa’s current G20 Presidency will take place in Skukuza, South Africa. The meeting will focus on issues of international development. 🇿🇦 At Pretoria’s initiative, the upcoming G20 discussions will also focus on the challenges of illicit financial flows and social protection for the population. 🇷🇺 The Russian delegation at the ministerial meeting will be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin. As part of work on the outcome documents, Russia will advocate for ideas aimed at building an open, non-discriminatory, and inclusive global economic system, and at strengthening the foundations of multilateralism in responding to today’s development challenges. ❗️ We proceed from the belief that global markets and supply chains must not become hostages to unilateral confrontational ambitions, unfair competition, or neo-colonial practices driven by obsession. Mechanisms for servicing commercial operations must be freed from Western dominance and control, and adapted to the needs of a multipolar socio-economic model of international relations. In line with this approach, we will present concrete proposals to advance a positive agenda in this area—drawing, in particular, on the outcomes of the Kazan BRICS Summit and the evolving toolkit of the BEPS framework. Based on material by Marat Berdyev, Russia's #G20 Sous-Sherpa