Austrian Embassy Pretoria

Join the Vienna Architecture Summer School (VAS²) for 9 immersive days of design, discussion, exploration, and exchange in Vienna. 🇦🇹🏢

From workshops and lectures to site visits, performances, walks, and exhibitions, VAS² creates an open learning space where students, graduates, drop-outs, and spatial practitioners can engage with alternative approaches to architecture and education alongside local and international participants, young architects, and established experts.

📍 Sandleitenhof (SOHO Studios), Vienna
📅 August 22–30, 2026

If you’re interested in space-related topics and collaborative learning beyond mainstream architectural discourse, this is your opportunity to be part of an inspiring international community.

Applications are now open.
to contact us: [email protected]

On 3 June, Austria was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Austria will therefore, for the fourth time, be a member of the Security Council in 2027/28.

Thank you for your trust to all our partners in Southern Africa!

The campaign for this position ran for 15 years and was driven forward with great dedication by the entire Federal Government.

Austria will use its seat to further advance the reform of the UN Security Council and to bring its priorities to the Council:

➡️ the protection of civilians,
➡️ the strengthening of peacekeeping missions,
➡️ the defense of the international legal order, and
➡️ addressing threats posed by new technologies, such as those related to AI and disinformation.

United Nations
Österreichisches Außenministerium

📸BMEIA/Gruber
📸BKA/Dunker

Schnell und einfach Deutsch lernen?

Join the free webinar: “Easy steps to learn German”

🗓 June 15, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM (CEST)

This session will explain how to learn German by introducing free websites (Sprachportal, Deutsch.info) and innovative learning apps (DERDIEDAS-App and deutsch.Intro-App) to you. You will also get some tips for using Austrian newspapers, radio and television stations for learning German.

Furthermore, you will get to know the online course offerings of Österreich Institut.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/PXLPOF9qTqKhzpXxgX8QMg

Österreich Institut Wien
Österreichisches Außenministerium

The First President of the Provincial Parliament of Vienna, Ing. Christian Meidlinger, is currently visiting Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng Province!

The visit celebrates the 30-year jubilee of Masibambane College, which opened its doors to the Orange Farm community in 1996, with financial support from the City of Vienna.

Did you know that Austria and Gauteng share a history of successful cooperation in education, vocational training and university cooperation? Masibambane College stands as the most visible example of this longstanding relationship. Today, Masibambane delivers quality education to more than 1,200 learners annually.

In his engagements with H.E. the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, and the Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Hon. Morakane Mosupyoe, the First President discussed a range of issues relevant to Vienna and Gauteng. They included social housing, vocational training, renewable energy and urban transport solutions. He will also engage with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero during the course of the day.

Gauteng Provincial Government
Gauteng Provincial Legislature
The Gauteng Department of Education
Stadt Wien
Österreichisches Außenministerium
Austrian Cultural Forum Pretoria
AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA

👋 A warm welcome to our new political and cultural affairs intern, Martin Fink, at the Austrian Embassy Pretoria 🌍

You´ve arrived just in time to experience the charm of autumn in the capital (to be precise: in one of the three capital cities).

We wish you a productive and enjoyable time in South Africa!

Austrian Embassy Pretoria
Austrian Cultural Forum Pretoria

The Secretary-General of the Österreichisches Außenministerium, Nikolaus Marschik, visited Southern Africa to engage in a dialogue with partners on bilateral & multilateral cooperation and for a listening tour on Austria’s new .

In the Kingdom of eSwatini, encounters with The Right Honourable Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Hon Foreign Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu and HRH Energy Minister Lonkhokhela offered the opportunity to focus on multilateral cooperation and to discuss cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, skills development & tourism. A visit to a UNESCO project supported by Austria on skills development for youth complemented the visit.

In the Kingdom of Lesotho, meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Hon Justice Nthomeng Majara and Hon Foreign Minister Limpho Tau allowed for exchanges on multilateral & bilateral cooperation including projects on renewable energy, scholarships and skills training. The Secretary-General also discussed Austria‘s contribution to UNICEF‘s nutrition clubs, aiming to ensure a more balanced diet for young children in remote areas.

In Namibia, the Secretary-General held talks with Honourable Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavy on the significance of multilateralism in a world of multiple crises. This was followed by an in depth exchange with Deputy Minister of International Relations & Trade, Jennelly Matundu, on a wide array of bilateral topics & trade and a meeting with Hon Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, on more cooperation on training and on the arts & culture

By engaging closely with our partners in Southern Africa, Austria listens to diverse perspectives. This inclusive approach strengthens Austria’s ability to build impactful & sustainable partnerships across the African continent.

Österreichisches Außenministerium
Eswatini Government

European Union in Lesotho
Delegation of the European Union to Namibia

Lesotho News Agency
Namibian Sun
UNICEF

AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA
Austrian Cultural Forum Pretoria
Austrian Development Agency

In 2026, South Africa's constitution turns 30!

This Freedom Day, and the European Union join in celebrating South Africa's transition to democracy, equality and dignity.

🇪🇺-🇿🇦



EU in South Africa
Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA

Deputy Foreign Minister Alvin Botes & his team welcomed the Austrian Secretary-General Nikolaus Marschik for the 5th round of Bilateral Consultations in this week.

Following the historic State Visit and cordial meeting of the 🇦🇹 Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with H.E.🇿🇦 President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, the focus of our ties has been on science & culture and on trade & renewable energy:

➡️ enhancing collaboration and exchanges on through -based ,

➡️ the second best figures ever are testimony to our strong economic ties with growing potential in the sectors of energy & infrastructure,

➡️ new momentum in the area of and with for 🇿🇦artists in Vienna through the „Focus International“ programme, the Summa Cum Laude International on Tour 2026 in South Africa, enhanced & many more initiatives and projects,

➡️ Austria is developing a new in close with South Africa and other African partners, by holding soundboards & listening sessions with stakeholders from government, business as well as civil society,

➡️ Shared commitment to the rule of law and a strong & excellent cooperation in disarmament as well as on UN Security Council reform.

Österreichisches Außenministerium
Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA
Diplomacy South Africa
Diplomatic Informer Magazine -South Africa

Ambassador-Designate Romana Königsbrun presented copies of her credentials to the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, H.E. Alice N’Diaye in Antananarivo.

The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere and provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong EU-Madagascar relations and discuss ongoing cooperation. The conversation focused especially on Austria’s recent support to Madagascar following the devastating cyclone Gezani, on the new Austrian Africa Strategy and the broader EU-Madagascar trade and investment partnership.

Österreichisches Außenministerium
Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de Madagascar
L'Express de Madagascar
Journal Madagascar