Welcome Message
Thank you for visiting the official website of the South African High Commission in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Whether you are planning to visit South Africa, are keen to pursue economic interests in South Africa or are interested in the activities of the High Commission, we hope that you find the information useful.
Placing humanity at the centre of all of our activities, in particular the provision of service to our clients, the High Commission staff subscribes to “Batho Pele” (Putting People First) and to the principles of “Ubuntu.” These are reflective of the values that a democratic South Africa upholds, as we seek to create a better South Africa for all who live in it. The High Commission in the UK serves to contribute to the creation of a better South Africa through its engagement with the government and people of the United Kingdom.
South Africa’s democracy is a robust one. While we acknowledge that we have many challenges, we are not defined by it and therefore, we endeavour to constantly highlight the successes we have achieved, as a relatively young democratic nation.
South Africa remains a premier tourism destination characterised by youthfulness, beautiful wildlife, pristine beaches and breath-taking scenery, vibrant cultural and heritage offerings, unique cuisine, exciting adventure, an amazing climate and, a people collectively invested in providing you with your best experience yet.
South Africa is also open for business! As an emerging market economy, we boast world-class infrastructure, a highly developed and sophisticated banking system, an independent judiciary, the largest ports on the African continent and, our greatest asset – our highly resourceful people – who are ready to get to work and get the job done.
Latest News
The Lions Pre-tour dinner
Mr S Mhlana, First Secretary: Political at the High Commission, joined the Lions before their departure for South Africa.
South African owned hotel reopening.
The South African High Commission congratulates the DRAYCOTT hotel on its reopening
IEC Update: 2021 Municipal Elections
I LIVE ABROAD. CAN I REGISTER AND VOTE IN THE 2021 ELECTIONS?
By law, South Africans who live abroad can only vote in South Africa’s NATIONAL elections (not provincial or municipal elections).
To vote in Municipal Elections you must be registered where you live in South Africa, and then vote where you are registered.
Unless you are already registered to vote in South Africa and are planning to return to South Africa in time for the elections on 27 October 2021, you will not be able to vote in South Africa’s 2021 Municipal Elections.
Municipal or local government elections are, by their nature, about electing local representatives for the area in which you live in South Africa.
website: www.elections.org.za
Statement on the situation in South Africa
16 July 2021
Our spirit is not easily broken
A wave of looting, and unrest has swept parts of our country over the past 5 days. Lives have been lost; properties destroyed, the threat of food insecurity looms, but the resilience of our people has not been broken; it has been emboldened.
Community members have become the shield that protects lives, and livelihoods. Able bodied individuals have availed themselves to the Police Services to augment the efforts already underway. The South African National Taxi Association has now called on all its members to form a barrier between the looting criminals and places of business, the malls and other infrastructure, integral to functioning of society, and the economy.
In some communities members are conducting door-to-door calls to establish if there are stolen goods in circulation, while in other areas, – to restore normality – people have started to clean up the streets. Taxi drivers are using their vehicles to assist with the delivery of bread to homes that are in desperate need. Cottage industries that bake bread are offering it at a reduced price, and are delivering within a short kilometre radius. Individuals, civic and religious organisations are coordinating the delivery of food parcels.
These are but a few of the very positive developments. A new mood is beginning to characterise our nation – and it stands in stark contrast and opposition to that of the criminals. It is becoming the dominant force that stands opposed to narrow criminal ends.
These are the messages that should be spread and circulated internationally, and on every available platform. It is a narrative of hope. Insidious, inflammatory, and unconfirmed reports must not be spread. At a minimum, such misinformation puts lives at risk.
Nomatemba Tambo
High Commissioner
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