South African Embassy Germany

21/10/2026

🇿🇦🇩🇪 Berlin Global Dialogue 2026 | Advancing South Africa’s Global Partnerships

The Berlin Global Dialogue highlights the importance of strengthening international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. For South Africa, these discussions are particularly relevant to advancing inclusive economic growth, strengthening trade and investment relations, enhancing energy security and building resilient global supply chains.

As governments, business leaders and academics explore new approaches to cooperation, South Africa’s engagement with international partners remains important in promoting shared prosperity and sustainable development. Stronger collaboration between Africa and Europe can unlock investment opportunities, support innovation and address common global challenges through constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships.

A key development today was German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s public support for South Africa’s participation in the December 2026 G20 Summit, emphasising that Africa must be represented in discussions shaping the global economy. This provides a timely angle for South Africa’s engagement at the Dialogue.

Photo credit: Supplied

21/10/2026

Sustained dialogue between South African representatives and German institutions is essential to strengthening mutual understanding and identifying opportunities for cooperation.

21/10/2026

A productive meeting at the Embassy between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and Dr Melanie Müller, Deputy Head of Africa and Middle East Research Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), discussing research and policy on critical raw materials, with a focus on German–South African relations, shared strategic interests, and the value chains shaping this increasingly important sector. 🇿🇦🇩🇪

19/10/2026

Berlin Global Dialogue (BGD) 2026 will be taking place from 20 to 22 October 2026 under the theme “Advancing Alliances for the New Era.” South Africa’s participation provides an important platform to engage international partners on shared economic and strategic priorities, strengthen cooperation and advance perspectives from Africa and the Global South.

19/10/2026

Thembinkosi Mavimbela, professionally known as Vimbs Mavimbs , is an accomplished South African double bassist, composer, bandleader, producer and musical director whose album "Late Bloomer" is considered for the Grammy Awards in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey and is a proud moment for South African jazz. It reflects the dedication, discipline and creative excellence that have shaped Vimbs Mavimbs' career, as well as the growing international appreciation for the depth and diversity of African jazz musicianship.

Born in Swalala, a rural village outside Mbombela, Vimbs Mavimbs discovered his passion for music at an early age, developing a keen musical ear through years of listening to records. Despite limited resources and access to musical infrastructure during his formative years, his determination led him to pursue formal musical training at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he graduated with a double major in Composition and Performance. His musical journey has since seen him perform alongside some of the most celebrated names in jazz and Afro-jazz, including Dr Abdullah Ibrahim, the late Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo and Dr Nduduzo Makhathini. With extensive experience spanning jazz ensembles and orchestral performance, Mavimbs has graced prestigious concert halls such as the Konzerthaus, Elbphilharmonie and Concertgebouw, establishing himself as a versatile and respected force in the music industry.

Image credit: Supplied

16/10/2026

JOY! – Injabulo! The world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir brings the power of African voices, uplifting rhythms and infectious joy to Germany! Experience unforgettable music, energy and celebration from 26 October until 1 November 2026.

In Berlin, at Admiralspalast – Theater, Friedrichstrasse 101, 10117 Berlin-Mitte, on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 20:00 hours.

Tickets and more information: https://www.sowetogospelchoir.com/europe-2026/

📸 Photos: Will Bucquoy

Soweto Gospel Choir auf Europa-Tour 2026 – mit dem neuen Programm: JOY!

15/10/2026

Discover together. Make a difference together.

Yesterday, ADAC Reisen, together with its partners Chamäleon and Tagesspiegel, welcomed guests to a special event dedicated to discovering the beauty, diversity and unique experiences of South Africa.

The event was hosted at the South African Embassy in Berlin and opened with welcoming remarks by Mr Andries Oosthuizen, Acting Ambassador. His speech was followed by a welcome from Tagesspiegel, represented by Mrs Tina Kilian Gudiño, Head: Tagesspiegel-Reisen, and by ADAC Reisen, represented by Ms Andrea Fröbel, Head: Tours & Tourism. Subsequently, Ms Janka Morgenroth, Sales Management, and Ms Antina Bölke, Experience Consultant, at Chamäleon, invited guests on a journey through the fantastic travel destination of South Africa, discovering its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unforgettable travel experiences.

Beyond inspiring travel experiences, the event also highlighted the power of tourism to make a positive difference. The travel team introduced the South African project called Original T-Bag Designs, which will benefit from the customers donations, connecting the discovery of South Africa with meaningful local impact.

A heartfelt thank you to ADAC Reisen, Chamäleon, Tagesspiegel and everyone who joined us in celebrating the spirit of exploration, partnership and positive change.

15/10/2026

A special collaboration as Chef Zimkita from Cape Town meets Chef Wael from Damascus at Malakeh Culinary Atelier in Berlin.

Expect a unique culinary journey where Cape Town meets Damascus, bringing cultures, stories, and flavours together around one table, on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 18h30, at Malakeh Culinary Atelier, Potsdamer Str. 151, 10783 Berlin.

An intimate evening designed to be shared, savoured, and remembered. Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up.

Image credit: Supplied

15/10/2026

A valuable exchange with MsTheresa Bay-Müller, Africa Account Director of KLEBER GROUP and former Director of South African Tourism in Frankfurt/Main, alongside Mr Andries Oosthuizen, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., and Ms Fransie Cooper, Counsellor (Political), focused on opportunities to strengthen ties between Africa and Europe through tourism, communication and sustainable development.

The discussion also provided the opportunity to discuss the value of cooperation in promoting South Africa as a premier tourism destination and supporting partnerships that showcase the country's exceptional diversity, hospitality and world-class travel experiences to German and European audiences. We greatly appreciate the contribution of industry partners such as KLEBER GROUP in helping to strengthen tourism flows to South Africa, build confidence among travellers, and increase awareness of the unique experiences our country has to offer.

It was learned that with over 30 years of international expertise, the KLEBER GROUP champions destination marketing and responsible tourism. Through VOICE4AFRICA, its initiative promoting Africa’s cultural diversity, natural heritage and economic potential, the group helps challenge stereotypes, raise the continent’s visibility and create opportunities for local communities.

It was also learned that the KLEBER GROUP’s support@ChancenInternational, co-founded by South African CEO Batya Blankers. By enabling young people across Africa to access higher education and vocational training without upfront costs, Connecting responsible tourism with education and youth empowerment is an important step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa.

Together, these efforts demonstrate how tourism can be more than a driver of economic growth. It can serve as a bridge between people, cultures and opportunities, strengthening mutual understanding while contributing to sustainable development and shared prosperity.

14/10/2026

The South African Embassy was delighted to welcome a delegation led by Prof. Dr. Mike Hoffmeister of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfsburg, whose commitment to strengthening academic and people-to-people ties between South Africa and Germany continues to create meaningful opportunities for students and institutions alike.

Building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed recently between Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Durban, discussions highlighted exciting plans for collaboration involving MUT, Ostfalia and BeYourOwn Hero.

(BeYourOwn Hero, active in the Underberg and Himeville communities of KwaZulu-Natal, empowers young people through education, leadership development and community initiatives, helping to create opportunities and brighter futures while strengthening links between South Africa and Germany.)

Academic exchanges such as these do far more than connect universities. They expose students to new perspectives, enhance skills development, foster innovation, and equip future leaders to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Equally important, they help build lasting bridges of friendship, understanding and cooperation between South Africa and Germany.

The Embassy applauds Prof. Hoffmeister and Dr Ramsarghey for their dedication to investing in the next generation and strengthening the enduring partnership between our two countries.

Participants of the meeting were (from left to right), Prof Dr rer pol Mike Hoffmeister, Ms Jill Maimela, Mr Andries Oosthuizen, Dr Kevin Ramsarghey Dean (Acting), Faculty of Management Sciences MUT, his spouse, Dr Anchal Ramsarghey, Lecturer, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Ms Claudia Dinse-Ferenczi, lecturer, Ostfalia Hochschule, Campus Wolfsburg, and Mr Bastian Sommer, BeYourOwnHero.