South African Embassy in Paris, France

OPEN STUDIOS EXHIBITION AT LA CITE INTERNATIONALE DES ARTS.
On Wednesday 22 April, the Embassy of South Africa in Paris, led by Ms Nthabiseng Makuwa, chargé d’affaires a.i., came to support the South African artists Janette Kampherbeek, André Serfontein and Chelsea Selvan, winner of the ABSA Atelier Award, at the Cité Internationale des Arts.

FREEDOM DAY 2026: COUNTDOWN
South Africa celebrates Freedom Month in April to mark the country’s transition from the oppressive apartheid regime to a free democratic country, and in commemoration of the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 that gave birth to our constitutional democracy.
This year’s Freedom Month will be celebrated under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”. The 2026 National Freedom Day celebrations will be hosted in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium on 27 April 2026.

SOUTH AFRICA FINEST NATURAL BEAUTY INGREDIENTS AT IN-COSMETICS GLOBAL 2026 (14-16 APRIL 2026)
South Africa made a significant mark on the international cosmetics stage this year as 15 companies participated in in-cosmetics Global 2026, the world's foremost exhibition for cosmetic ingredient suppliers and formulators. The South African delegation was supported by the DTIC, reflecting the government's firm commitment to promoting the country's cosmetics and personal care sector as a priority export industry.
The South African stand offered visitors a compelling cross-section of what the country's diverse landscape and scientific expertise have to offer: from rare indigenous botanical extracts to advanced cosmetic formulation services.

FREEDOM MONTH 2026-FREEDOM AND THE RULE OF LAW: THIRTY YEARS OF DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP
27 April marks not only the birth of a democratic nation but also stands as a testament to South Africans' unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, in the hope of building a better, more inclusive future for all. Freedom is not simply a date in history books. It is a continuous and ever-changing process that is prevalent within the day-to-day struggles for justice and equality, not just in South Africa, but across the African continent.
South Africans believe, rightly so, that true freedom is incomplete without justice and reconciliation in the world. South Africa supports those who are still fighting for their freedom, whether it be economic, social, political, environmental, or psychological.
We must continue to safeguard the freedoms that so many fought for, not only for ourselves but for generations to come. South Africa remains steadfast in amplifying and bolstering an inclusive and participatory democratic culture that is able to turn tension into collaboration, thus ensuring the Supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
The theme for the 2026 National Freedom Day is Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship. The Free State Province has been confirmed as the host, with the event set to take place at the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein.

TRIBUTE TO DULCIE SEPTEMBER IN THE 10TH ARRONDISSEMENT OF PARIS.
Ceremony of remembrance and tributes at Place Dulcie September in Paris in the 10th arrondissement on Monday, March 30, 2026 in the presence of the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Elie Jousselin, municipal elected officials, Mrs. Nthabiseng Makuwa, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of South Africa, and representatives of associations. It was on March 29, 1988 that Dulcie September was assassinated at 28 rue des Petites-Écuries, in the 10th arrondissement, the headquarters of the ANC in Paris.

ANNUAL TRIBUTE FROM THE CITY OF ARCUEIL TO DULCIE SEPTEMBER. As every March 29, the municipality of Arcueil celebrated the memory of Dulcie September, representative of the ANC to France, assassinated in Paris on March 29, 1988. After a ceremony of remembrance in front of Dulcie September's home, and testimonies of gratitude, in particular from Mrs. Sophie Pascal-Lericq, the new mayor of Arcueil, and Mrs. Nthabiseng Makuwa, chargé d'affaires a.i. at the South African Embassy in Paris, young schoolchildren from the city read poems and offered a dance performance.

SADC LIBERATION DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA IN PARIS
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Embassy of South Africa in Paris hosted the celebrations of the Southern Africa Liberation Day in the presence of the Ambassadors and representatives of the member countries in Paris. Southern Africa Liberation Day is a key milestone in the collective journey towards independence and self-reliance for countries in the region. Liberation Day provides an opportunity for reflection on both historical struggles and the contemporary challenges facing the Southern African region, reinforcing the ideals of solidarity, self-determination, and collective progress.

HAPPENING TODAY IN PARIS
Today, the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa together with her DPME delegation experts, met with FATF President Élisa de Anda Madrazo to deepen collaboration against Illicit Financial Flows and safeguard South Africa’s position off the FATF grey list. President de Anda Madrazo congratulated South Africa🇿🇦 on assuming the G20 Presidency, acknowledging our growing leadership on the global stage.
Minister Ramokgopa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to international best practice, stronger cross-border risk management, and mobilising resources to drive sustainable development at home and across the globe.

COOPERATION BETWEEN FRANCE AND SOUTH AFRICA IN THE AREA OF DEVOLOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS.
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, accompanied by Chargé d'affaires of the South African Embassy in Paris, H.E. Nthabiseng Makuwa, met with Éléonore Caroit, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between South Africa and France, particularly in the area of development partnerships. Discussions were held in preparation for the upcoming OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026, organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which will take place in Paris from 24 to 27 March 2026.
The engagement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to deepen bilateral relations and align priorities on governance, anti-corruption, and sustainable development in advance of the global forum.

MINISTER MAROPENE RAMOKGOPA LEADS SOUTH AFRICA’S DELEGATION TO OECD FORUM
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa leads South Africa’s delegation to the OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum in Paris, France. The Forum brings together global leaders to strengthen governance, enhance integrity systems and advance inclusive development. 23–27 March 2026