Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Marion Smith

Creator

Marion Smith

Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Judith Nemadzinga Tshabalala and ambassador of Peru to South Africa José Javier Augusto Shaw. Photo: Mndeni Mthabela

Peru celebrates 205 years of independence in Pretoria

The Embassy of the Republic of Peru in South Africa celebrated the 205th Anniversary of the Independence of Peru with a distinguished reception in Pretoria, hosted by ambassador…

German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Johann Wadephul. Photo: Marion Smith

SA and Germany deepen strategic partnership

South Africa and Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing relationship, with Minister Ronald Lamola welcoming German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Johann Wadephul to…

Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso and ambassador of Egypt to South Africa Ahmad Sharief. Photo: Marion Smith

Egypt celebrates National Day in Pretoria

The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in South Africa celebrated the 74th anniversary of the July 23 Revolution, marking Egypt’s National Day with an elegant garden reception…

Chamber president Constantinos Tsouroulis and high commissioner of Cyprus Antonis Mandritis. Photo: Marion Smith

New Pan African Hellenic Cypriot Chamber makes its introduction

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to South Africa, Antonis Mandritis, hosted a special luncheon and presentation to introduce the newly established Pan African…

Venezuela marks 215 years of independence with tribute to earthquake victims in Pretoria

The Embassy of Venezuela in Pretoria marked the 215th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence with a solemn commemoration that focused on national resilience,…

Lithuania: Where tradition and innovation meet

In an age where many nations are racing towards digital transformation, few have managed to preserve their cultural identity as successfully as Lithuania. The Baltic nation…

Food for thought: Senegal’s first female military pilot Mame Rokhaya Lo speaking during one of the panel discussions. Photo: Marion Smith

Apsaco 2026 reflects on Africa’s security

The 10th African Peace and Security Annual Conference (Apsaco) in Rabat, Morocco, reviewed a decade of Africa's evolving security landscape. Experts discussed persistent…

The Inaugural Ambassadors Forum, an exclusive diplomatic gathering was hosted at The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, North West. photo: Marion Smith

African hospitality for an event to remember 

The Inaugural Forum on Tourism, Culture and Partnership brought together ambassadors for a weekend dedicated to strengthening partnerships, celebrating cultural exchange and…

Old and new: Trees grow from cracks and crevices in the weathered walls of the former Hotel de France, built in 1900, in Grand-Bassam. The city
streets are lined with historic buildings, each carrying stories from another era. Photos: Marion Smith

Celebrating Africa Month in Côte d’Ivoire

The journey through culture, heritage and hospitality showcased that beyond the landscapes and landmarks is the warmth of the people and their optimism for the future

Down to business: The South African delegation including the Charge D Affairs from the South African
Embassy in Tunisia and her colleague.

Investment and  discovery in Tunisia

Whether through high-level platforms like Fita or its vibrant tourism offerings, the country continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s future while inviting the…

Collective action: Participants were invited to bring wool, knitting needles and crochet hooks, joining fellow volunteers in creating blankets that will be distributed to vulnerable South Africans. Photo: Marion Smith

67 Blankets marks a  brand-new chapter

Since its founding in 2013, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has grown from an idea into a national movement. Thousands of volunteers have contributed their time, skill and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa with twenty new Heads of Mission-designate. Photo: Marion Smith

A moment of diplomacy and global connection

The presentation of credentials is a cornerstone of diplomatic protocol, symbolising mutual recognition and the formal commencement of an ambassador’s duties

Influential gathering: The majestic Church of Sava in Belgrade, Serbia. More than 130 countries have confirmed participation and more than four million visitors are expected for Expo 2027 which runs from 15 May to 15 August in the city. Photos: Supplied

Stage is set for SA to make its mark at Expo 2027 in Belgrade

The country recognises the platform as a way to strengthen partnerships, promote investment and showcase its cultural and economic strengths.

Global exposure: The traditional dancers of International Maarif School Johannesburg participated for an
entire week in cultural exchanges at the renowned Children’s Day celebrations of Turkey. Photo: Supplied

Maarif foundation: from a footprint to a legacy

In the mid-19th century, Sultan Abdulaziz appointed Abu Bakr Effendi as his emissary on a humanitarian and diplomatic mission to the Cape at the Ottoman Empire’s cost. Effendi…

Heritage: High Commissioner of
Botswana Dr Sanji Monageng, left
and ambassador of Tunisia Karima
Bardaoui. Photo: Marion Smith

Tunisia’s olive oil diplomacy a celebration

Ambassador of Tunisia HE Karima Bardaoui, hosted an immersive showcase of Tunisia’s olive oil diplomacy at the Tunisian Embassy in Pretoria. The initiative places one of the…

Historical ties: The meeting reaffirmed the bondsbetween the Council of
Arab Ambassadors and South Africa. Photo: Supplied

Council of Arab Ambassadors hosts ANC leader

The Council of Arab Ambassadors in South Africa hosted a high-level engagement with the ANC leadership, led by its secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, at the CT Hotel in Pretoria.…

Beyond trade: How a new talent hub signals a deeper Sweden–South Africa partnership

In a shifting global landscape, middle-sized economies like Sweden and emerging economies like South Africa are increasingly looking to one another for collaboration in…

Year of the Horse: The Chinese New Year celebration unfolded in the spirit of the season — rich with
symbolism, optimism and shared joy.

Embassies mark milestones and traditions

The events celebrated women’s leadership, national milestones and cultural traditions, highlighting diplomacy’s role in fostering dialogue, unity and shared values across regions

Voices under Siege: Standing with Kashmir

Just as apartheid could not be normalised by time or silence, neither can the systematic denial of human rights in Kashmir

Country to emulate: For South African businesses seeking
proven, scalable digital solutions, Lithuania offers not just a
case study but a credible and relevant partner.

Women at helm of energy value chain

Four EU embassies in SA are supporting rural schools through education initiatives, advancing digital solutions for business growth and promoting clean energy and climate-smart…