Russian Consulate in Cape Town

Делегация Правительства провинции Северный Кейп во главе с Премьером Замани Саулом прибыла в Республику Карелия 28 августа делегация Правительства провинции Северный Кейп, входящей в состав консульского округа Генерального консульства России в Кейптауне, во главе с Премьером Замани Саулом прибыла в Республику Карелия (г. Петрозаводск) для обсуждения перспектив всеобъемлющего двустороннего сотрудничества. 🤝 В рамках визита запланировано подписание межрегионального Меморандума о взаимопонимании — первого официального соглашения Республики Карелия с представителями Африканского континента. Программа предусматривает посещение промышленных предприятий, представляющих взаимный интерес, а также участие в культурных мероприятиях, направленных на укрепление гуманитарных связей. 🌍 Подписание Меморандума станет новой страницей в развитии российско-африканских межрегиональных контактов, открывая путь к практическому взаимодействию в сферах экономики, образования и культуры. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianMFA

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Moscow and Tshwane strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue within #BRICS framework On August 20, 2025, a video conference took place between the Chairman of the #Moscow City Duma, Alexey Shaposhnikov, and the Speaker of the Tshwane City Council (South Africa), Mncedi Ndzwanana. Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov also participated in the meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring the integration of South African representatives into the BRICS Capitals Parliamentary Movement. 💬 Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov emphasized that Russia and South Africa share similar perspectives on key global challenges. “Russia and South Africa share common views on major global challenges. The Moscow City Duma is advancing the BRICS Capitals Parliamentary Movement – an initiative aimed at fostering direct ties between legislators of friendly countries at the capital and megacity level, complementing traditional diplomacy with new channels of communication. We are inviting the Tshwane City Council to join this initiative: 11 legislative bodies from other BRICS capitals have already expressed their readiness to participate and sign a joint statement.” Alexey Shaposhnikov also extended an invitation to the Tshwane delegation to attend the BRICS International Municipal Forum, scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg in October 2025. As part of the forum, the Moscow City Duma plans to organize a special session on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in creating a favorable investment climate and responding to global economic challenges. 💬 Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana emphasized the value of participating in the BRICS forum and the Parliamentary Movement [retranslated]: “It is a great honour to be invited to this briefing on the upcoming BRICS International Municipal Forum in St. Petersburg and the Parliamentary Movement of BRICS Capitals, spearheaded by the Moscow City Duma. Participating in the forum would allow us to broaden our international cooperation and build mutually beneficial partnerships through the BRICS Capitals platform – for the benefit of our residents. Tshwane is ready to develop in this direction, with the aim of improving quality of life and enhancing municipal services, especially in the areas of housing and public utilities.” ❗️Ambassador Roman #Ambarovwelcomed the initiative and commended the efforts of all parties to engage in direct dialogue. He stressed that interregional cooperation has long been a priority for both the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in South Africa. Such ties, he said, create valuable opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and humanitarian fields. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussiaAfrica

🇷🇺🇿🇦📞 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

🎙 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

❗️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

🕊️ South African Journalist Gillian Schutte Responds Critically to The Washington Post’s Narrative on Ukrainian Children ✍️ South African Journalist Gillian Schutte has published a critical commentary in response to an article originally published by The Washington Post and later republished by South African news platform IOL. The piece in question details the story of a 12-year-old Ukrainian boy allegedly taken to Russia and later “rescued.” According to Schutte, the article represents a highly stylised narrative designed more to mobilise emotion than to inform public understanding. Her response, titled “The Spectacle of Innocence: How the Narrative of ‘Stolen Children’ Became the West’s Weapon of War,” was published by African Stream and offers a sober reassessment of the narrative widely promoted in Western media regarding alleged “child abductions” during the Ukraine conflict. 📌 Key Points from Schutte’s Analysis: 1. Discrepancy Between Reported Figures and Verified Data Schutte notes the striking difference between media claims and officially documented figures. 🗨 “Ukrainian officials inflate the figure still further: ‘maybe 50,000, maybe 100,000.’ No one knows for sure. No one can prove anything.” 🗨 “According to Russia’s official delegation at the Istanbul peace talks… the only list ever presented to Moscow by Ukraine includes 339 names. Russia says it has already returned 101 of these children.” 2. Lack of Balanced Coverage of Humanitarian Actions She highlights the absence of media attention to cases where Russian forces reportedly evacuated children from conflict zones and facilitated family reunifications. 🗨 “Many [children] were found alone in buildings or hospitals. Others were taken to safety at great personal risk by Russian soldiers, some of whom died in the effort.” 3. Selective Framing of Child Suffering Schutte questions why only certain child stories are given prominence in the international media, often those that reinforce a specific political message. 🗨 “There is no Pulitzer bait in the case of a child returned to a reunited family in Donetsk. These children do not cry in English. They are not crying for NATO.” 4. Historical Pattern of Emotional War Narratives She draws parallels with earlier emotionally charged media campaigns used to justify foreign intervention. 🗨 “Western soft power thrives on emotional shorthand: Saddam’s incubator babies, Gaddafi’s Viagra-fuelled soldiers, and now Putin’s child kidnappers.” 5. A Call for Balanced Humanitarian Concern Schutte urges readers to approach such narratives with compassion — but also with critical thinking and insistence on factual accuracy. 🗨 “We should care for every child affected by war. But we should be suspicious of which children we are told to care about, and why.” 📎 Read the full article (English): 👉https://africanstream.media/opinion/the-spectacle-of-innocence ✍ Author: Gillian Schutte #MediaLiteracy#InformationSecurity#ChildrenInConflict#NarrativeWars#HumanRights#RussiaSouthAfrica#AfricanVoices#GillianSchutte

🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of Russia Vladimir Putinheld talks with Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile 📍St Petersburg, June 19, 2025 Key takeaways from President Putin’s statement: • The relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully on the basis of a comprehensive strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect. Russia and South Africa share common approaches to addressing urgent issues on the global agenda. • Bilateral trade saw an increase of approximately 2% in 2024. We will continue to expand and diversify our mutual trade and investment. #SPIEF2025 serves as an excellent platform for expanding contacts and working with partners from both Russia and other countries. • 40+ Russian higher educational institutions have established partnerships and signed agreements with relevant South African organisations. Currently, approximately 570 studentsfrom South Africa study at Russian universities. • Russia eagerly anticipates the arrival of a South African delegation in Moscow in September 2025 for the international music competition‘Intervision.’ • Strengthening ties with African nations remains one of Russia’s key priorities. Russia, South Africa, and other African partners are working collaboratively to implement these plans in practice. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussiaSArelations

🇷🇺 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

🇷🇺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. #RussiaSouthAfrica

🇷🇺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. #RussiaSouthAfrica

🌍🇷🇺📚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. #RussiaSouthAfrica