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Mail & Guardian
Marion Smith

Creator

Marion Smith

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…

Martyr’s Avenue in the capital Baku is a sacred place for Azerbaijani,
who come to lay carnations on the graves of the martyrs on the 20
January each year.

Azerbaijan marks the 36th Black January

On the night of 19 January the Soviet army occupied the cities of Azerbaijan and an unprecedented massacre took place

From fruit to butter, the women’s cooperative in Korhogo produces shea butter naturally, following traditional
methods.

Journey through Côte D’ivoire

Today, Côte d’Ivoire stands as a country negotiating growth, memory and ambition

Ambassador of Tunisia Karima Bardaoui

African scientists call for continental mobility framework to stem brain drain

A high-level panel at the Science Forum South Africa has proposed an Erasmus-style qualification scheme for the continent, aimed at addressing persistent brain drain and…

Thomas Pooley: Professor of Music at the University of South Africa, Ambassador Erika Alvarez Rodrigues, Marion Smith

Embassy of the Dominican Republic marks international day for the elimination of violence against women with special concert

The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in South Africa, led by Ambassador Erika Álvarez Rodríguez, commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women…

DhoM: Ms. Mirka Wendt, Mr. Jerzy Kotwica, Ambassador Pekka Metso

Finland celebrates national day with vision for deepened South African partnership

The Embassy of Finland in Pretoria marked its National Day on 2 December 2025 with a gathering that underscored both celebration and diplomatic intent. Hosted by Ambassador H.E.…

Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Panama Ambassador in South Africa H.E. Rodrigo Guillermo Chiari, Mr Unathi Sonti – Executive Chairperson of MBC, Mr Kassim Mpaata SG of MOESNA, Mr Adrian Strydom – CEO of SAOGA (this was during Maritime Forward Africa Conference which was held in Cape Town, hosted by the Maritime Business Chamber)

South Africa regains seat on IMO Council after five-year absence

The Maritime Business Chamber (MBC) congratulates the Republic of South Africa on the country’s election back to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the…

The first Lady Emine Erdoğan visits international Maarif School Johannesburg

When First Lady Emine Erdoğan arrived in Johannesburg for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, her schedule extended beyond official meetings. She used part of her time in the city to…