Bastille Day was celebrated by the Embassy of France on 12th July 2024 in the gardens of the French Residence. H.E. Mr David Martinon, Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, warmly welcomed guests to the reception.

H.E. Mr Martinon congratulated the government of South Africa on its election process and the smooth transition to form a government of national unity.
“Congratulations, South Africa, on 30 years of democracy, and here’s to the next centuries of democracy.”

France will continue to uphold its convictions and principles of action. In the coming months, several events will reinforce the already strong relations between the two nations. France is pursuing a common agenda on global issues, including climate change and biodiversity, particularly in preparation for the United Nations Conference on Oceans in June 2025 in Nice. France will also support South Africa in its future presidency of the G20.

In the economic field, there has been forward movement. The French economic presence in South Africa is solid, with almost 500 companies representing more than 65,000 direct jobs. South Africa is France’s leading economic partner in Africa and is increasingly becoming a prime destination for French investments on the continent.

The European Union remains South Africa’s largest investor and trading partner, based on the certainty and predictability provided by the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement. The EU accounts for almost 54% of the total foreign direct investment in South Africa, and over 1,000 European companies active in South Africa contribute between 3,000 and 50,000 jobs.

Addressing Minister Angie Motshekga, the newly elected Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in South Africa, H.E. Mr Martinon commented on the countries’ geographical proximity by sea. Both the French and South African navies are closely linked and have cooperated for many years, particularly in securing the Mozambique Channel. He expressed a desire to further strengthen this cooperation.

France continues to prioritise global health issues, and in South Africa, France is the largest contributor to the World Health Organization’s vaccine hub development project in Cape Town, while also supporting Biovac, a major South African vaccine company.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games opened on 26th July 2024. Exactly a century after the 1924 Paris Games, they return to Paris, with 320 sporting events, more than 15,000 athletes, and 206 delegations expected. The Games will feature 32 sports, including four new ones, and 22 Paralympic disciplines. Thirteen million tickets have been sold, and over 3 billion TV viewers are expected. These will be the first 100% gender-equal Olympic and Paralympic Games, dubbed the #GenderEqualOlympics.

“Congratulations to the 140 South African athletes across 16 disciplines and to the 26 para-athletes who will compete in Paris.”

South Africa is sending 15 police officers to help provide security at the various Olympic Games events. It is the only African country invited to participate, highlighting the importance and strength of the cooperation between the two countries. The officers underwent a week of French language training.

H.E. Mr Martinon encouraged guests to visit Paris and enjoy the fine wine, hospitality, and love for life that Paris is renowned for.

Minister Angie Motshekga congratulated France on their Bastille Day celebration on behalf of the government and people of South Africa. She acknowledged the continued confidence French companies have shown in South Africa as a crucial source of foreign direct investment. Minister Motshekga also expressed gratitude for being bestowed with the Award of the Knight of the French National Legion of Honour in October 2023.

“Cooperation between South Africa and France in multilateral bodies and institutions remains constructive, with robust dialogues on several issues,” said Ms Motshekga.

Guests enjoyed breakdance performances while sipping French wine and savouring French cuisine.

Happy Bastille Day, France!

by Marion Kate