Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎖️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

🎥 Накануне празднования 80-летия Победы во Второй мировой войне Генеральное консульство России в Кейптауне провело показ художественного фильма «Воздух» режиссёра Алексея Германа-младшего, посвящённого подвигу советских женщин-лётчиц. Картина получила высокую оценку зрителей за глубокое художественное воплощение темы и достоверную передачу атмосферы военного времени. В съёмках фильма использовались полноразмерные модели военной авиации, реконструированные аэродромы и тщательно воссозданные костюмы. «В условиях попыток пересмотра итогов Второй мировой войны сохранение правды о тех событиях приобретает особое значение. Наша общая история живёт не только в архивах, но и в сердцах людей — в таких вечерах, как сегодняшний. Мы признательны южноафриканским друзьям за поддержку, проявленную в годы войны, и за ту атмосферу дружбы, которую мы ощущаем и сегодня», — отметил в приветственном слове Генеральный консул России в Кейптауне Алексей Маленко. #Victory80#RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianMFA

People’s Artist of Russia Igor Butman Performs at Russian Sailors’ Memorial in Simon’s Town 24 April 2025, Simon’s Town, South Africa ⚓️ During his visit to South Africa to participate in the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, People’s Artist of Russia, acclaimed saxophonist and Artistic Director of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra Igor Butman visited the Russian Sailors’ Memorial in Simon’s Town. He performed one of the most well-known musical tributes to the Russian Navy — «Our Proud Varyag» — at the site. The performance took place at a monument commemorating Russian sailors who lost their lives during their voyages to Cape Town in the 19th century. Located near the main naval base of the South African Navy, the memorial is one of the few sites in Africa preserving the memory of the Imperial Russian fleet and its sailors who found their final resting place far from home. The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town oversees the organisation of commemorative ceremonies at the site both on national holidays and during port calls by Russian naval vessels and facilitates broader efforts to preserve its historical relevance. 🤝 Igor Butman’s visit and performance at the memorial formed part of his cultural programme in Cape Town and reflected the shared commitment to historical remembrance and cultural dialogue between Russia and South Africa. 🎷In the days ahead Igor Butman will take part in concerts and events at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, representing the Russian jazz tradition on one of the continent’s premier musical stages. #RussiaSouthAfrica #IgorButman #CapeTownJazzFestival

🎖️Memory Bridging Generations: A Lecture on the USSR in World War II for Children of Gugulethu 🕊️ A special educational session took place in the township of Gugulethu within the walls of the Lumkile’s Book Joint literature club. The event was dedicated to an important and solemn topic — the contribution of the Soviet Union to the Victory in the Second World War. 📚 Representatives of the Russian Consulate General and activists from the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots spoke to young listeners about key chapters of history — the heroic defense of Moscow, the Siege of Leningrad, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the liberation of Europe from Nazism. The children learned how ordinary people showed immense courage during the most difficult times and how today’s Russia keeps the memory of this feat alive. 🕯️ At the heart of the meeting were personal stories: the schoolchildren listened with interest about wartime childhood and how millions lost their homes but never lost faith in kindness and hope for peace. #RussiaSouthAfrica#WeRemember#Victory80

🇷🇺🇿🇦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 27 March 2025, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Roman Ambarov presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa 🎙 Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov: he complexities and difficulties of the present global geopolitical and economic landscape make it imperative for Russia and South Africa to cooperate more closely on the multilateral level. Our interaction has always been characterized by mutual respect and overall convergence of views on the topical issues of international and regional agenda. Our countries have successfully cooperated with each other at the United Nations, BRICS and G20 and other key international fora. This friends-like engagement will continue during my tenure of office as Ambassador. My mission as Ambassador, as I see it, will be making sure that the cooperation we have today is evolved into an even stronger and efficient partnership in the future. I look forward to working closely with Your Government and building a thriving relationship with the Republic - a beautiful country and our historical friend. The ceremonial presentation of credentials took place in Pretoria in the Audience Hall of the Sefako Makgatho, the Government Building. Photo credit: The Presidency of South Africa #RussiaSouthAfrica#RomanAmbarov

⭐ The Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Mr. Malenko presented the commemorative medal "80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" to the Arctic Convoy veteran Joseph Wilkinson and congratulated him on the upcoming holiday. 📝 Durning World War II Arctic convoys departed from the United Kingdom, Iceland and North America to deliver vital supplies to northern ports of the Soviet Union. During these operations 85 merchant ships and 16 Royal Navy warships were lost. 📝 Joseph Wilkinson, who joined the Royal Navy in 1943 at the age of 17, made a significant contribution to the overall Victory. He served for seven years as a radio operator on a corvette and participated in convoy protection missions heading to Murmansk. 🇷🇺 The veteran expressed gratitude for the attention shown to him and for the contribution to preserving the memory of Victory. Family members of Joseph Wilkinson were also present at the ceremony. 👏🏻 We sincerely wish him and his family good health and many more years of life. #Victory80#WeRemember#RussiaSouthAfrica

Andrei Stenin Press Photo Contest international roadshow has kicked off with an exhibition in the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. 📸Guests of the function organized by 'Rossiya Segodnya' news agency with the support of the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town, African News Agency and Independent Media could familiarize themselves with the best out of around 2 000 entries submitted from almost 50 countries across the globe. “Every year the geography of the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest keeps growing. Once again, Cape Town joins the list of cities that host the best works of the Contest. The exhibition evokes a great interest among South Africans and especially Capetonians, a number of local photojournalists submitted their entries and won in its various nominations. The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest plays an important role in promoting cultural collaboration as well as offers young people an opportunity to present their view of the world and demonstrate their talent. Photography is a universal language understandable across borders in different nations,” - emphasised Russia’s Consul General in Cape Town Mr. Aleksei Malenko 🎞 Andrei Stenin, whose name the competition bears, was killed in 2014 in a shelling while on a media assignment in Ukraine. Submission of works for the contest opens annually on 22 Dec, Andrei Stenin’s birthday. The works were already exhibited in the capital cities of South Africa, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mauritius and Serbia. #andreistenin#stenincontest#stenincontest2024#sputniknews#RussianMFA#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

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

#ExpertsSay#Opinion 📆 On 28 February 1992, the historic visit to South Africa by the Russian Foreign Minister culminated in the signing of an agreement to establish embassies and consulates in both countries. 🇷🇺🇿🇦 Until then, the relationship between Russia and South Africa had a complex history, marked by periods of cooperation and deep antagonism. Consular ties between the Soviet Union and the Union of South Africa were first established during World War II, reflecting their shared opposition to Nazi Germany. However, these ties were severed in 1956 by South Africa's apartheid regime, which viewed the Soviet Union as a major ideological adversary. For decades, the Soviet Union was a staunch supporter of the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid. The support included providing arms, training ANC members, and actively campaigning against apartheid on the international stage. 👉 The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a significant shift in the relationship. As the Soviet Union underwent its own political transformations, it began to reassess its approach to South Africa. 👉 In 1991, the two countries agreed to establish "Interest Sections" within the Austrian embassies in Moscow and Pretoria, effectively serving as de facto diplomatic missions. This move signaled a gradual warmingof relations, with both sides engaging in dialogue and exploring avenues for cooperation. ✍️ The formal establishment of full diplomatic relationsin February 1992 occurred following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the Russian Federation. The establishment of diplomatic relations was driven by a confluence of factors. For Russia, it represented an opportunity to engage with a strategically important and economically developed country. There was also a sense that establishing ties with the transitional government would pave the way for future cooperation with a post-apartheid South Africa. For South Africa, normalizing relations with Russia was seen as a way to break out of its international isolation and gain recognition from a major world power. It also opened possibilities for trade and economic cooperation. 🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 The establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa laid the foundation for a multifaceted partnership that has continued to evolve in the years since. Despite the dramatic changes on the global stage, both countries have maintained a commitment to dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues. *Mr Boris Gorelik - Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sub-Saharan Africa, Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences #RussiaSouthAfrica

✍️ Address by Ambassador Roman Ambarov on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa (28 February 2025) Dear friends, 🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 Today Russia and South Africa mark the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations. They were established in trying times of fundamental changes in both Russia and South Africa, yet over the years developed into strategic partnership between our countries. We efficiently cooperate on the bilateral track and in international fora. As part of #BRICS and #G20, we bolster the role of the Global South in international affairs, help build up a more just, multipolar world. ☝️ Russian-South African friendship dates back to the times when Africa was fighting against colonialism and apartheid. Our country rendered assistance to the liberation movements, first and foremost – to the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party. In line with these glorious pages, Russia and South Africa today find themselves at the forefront of the struggle against neo-colonialism and for the sovereign equality of all states. We are honoured with the fact that South Africans cherish the memory of our shared history, too. As the Russian Embassy in South Africa, we attach great importance to humanitarian and people-to-people contacts providing a strong foundation for our political and economic cooperation, strengthening mutual trust and understanding. Dear friends, The first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa Nelson Mandela was a great friend of Russia, and he is remembered and honoured across our country. To conclude, let me quote Madiba, the words he had said at the Russian Academy of Sciences in April 1999 during his first visit to Russia as the state leader: “May our bonds with Russia long continue to help freedom and knowledge strengthen one another.” #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussiaSArelations#RuissiaAfrica#Ambarov#EmbassyofRussia