Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa

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The Netherlands met with South Africa for the Fifth Senior Officials Meeting in Pretoria. 🤝

The Dutch delegation was led by Joost Flamand, Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and was hosted by Ambassador Maud Dlomo, South Africa’s Deputy Director-General at DIRCO for the Americas and Europe.

Discussions focused on current political developments across the African continent, as well as broader global political and humanitarian trends. Both sides also took stock of the progress made in strengthening bilateral relations since the last Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).

The Netherlands values its strong and enduring partnership with South Africa and looks forward to continued collaboration on shared priorities. 🤝

Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA

''𝑻𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒏𝒆'𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔.” — Nelson Mandela

Today we stand in solidarity with South Africa as we mark .

We honour the legacy of those who stood up for justice in Sharpeville in 1960. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the long journey toward justice and equality.

Human rights are not just words on paper; they are the foundation of a free, fair, and prosperous society.

Through our global Human Rights Programme, the Netherlands champions women’s rights, advances LGBTQI+ equality and SRHR, and stands up for Human Rights Defenders worldwide. Each year, the Netherlands also awards the Human Rights Tulip to courageous individuals and organizations who promote and defend human rights worldwide.

The Netherlands remains a committed partner in the ongoing pursuit of equality and human dignity for all. We reflect and we remember. We look forward to a shared future of justice.

🔗Read more about the Netherlands’ Human Rights Programme and the Human Rights Tulip here:
https://lnkd.in/egydg3Wm

🧡 We join the world in celebrating 2026! We celebrate the resilience and leadership of women in South Africa and beyond today. ✊

This year’s theme is . A reminder that when we invest in women, we all rise. The protection and promotion of women’s rights and gender equality are a central part of the Dutch foreign policy.
Gender parity is not just a moral imperative, but a cornerstone of sustainable development. The Netherlands continues to stand for women’s rights and gender equality in the international domain.

Through our partnership with South African civil society and government, we continue to provide:
🧡 Support to local grassroots organisations.
🧡Strengthen the role of women in mediation and justice.
🧡Strengthen GVB prevention and response mechanisms.
🧡Facilitate market access for women-led businesses.
🧡Various programmes aimed at women’s safety online and offline and Women rights defenders and women journalists.

When we "𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆" by creating inclusive environments, we "𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏" a stronger global economy and a more peaceful society. We thank our partners for their tireless work in making equality a reality.

Let us continue to give our support, our voices and our space to ensure every woman can lead and succeed.

Happy International Women’s Day!
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🌐 We had two eventful past days! 🌐

On 4 & 5 March, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an in-person Regional Cyber Policy Dialogue at the University of Pretoria.

The Dialogue was in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, the Observer Research Foundation America and Research ICT Africa.

Our Cyber Policy Dialogue encouraged open and forward-looking discussion and convened over 70 participants from across Southern Africa and other countries active in international cybersecurity. The participants included representatives of government, civil society, academia, private sector, and multilateral organizations to identify and advance practical solutions to pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Day 6 | 🧡

Entrepreneurship is freedom. Economic opportunity provides women with the independence and resources that help reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence.

At our Embassy and Consulate, we are committed to supporting this shift. Through our Orange Corners South Africa programme, currently focused on green-economy entrepreneurship, we empower young innovators, especially women, to build sustainable businesses, access mentorship and funding, and secure long-term economic opportunities.

A group of women who are extraordinary leaders, transforming climate challenges into avenues for innovation and change.

When women thrive, communities become safer, stronger and more resilient.🧡