H.E. Ms Monica Sitaru welcomed honoured guests, friends, and colleagues to the celebration on 28th November 2024. The long-standing dream of all Romanians—the unification of all provinces—was fulfilled on 1st December 1918. In moments like these, the traditions and culture that define Romania are remembered throughout history. Today, Romania is affirming its position in Europe and the world. Now, 160 years after the Great Union, Romania can confidently and proudly speak about itself as a country active on the international stage, a reliable EU and NATO member, deeply anchored in the realities of the 21st century, and capable of bringing trust and stability to its geographical region.

Romania’s foreign policy actions are inseparable from its commitment to freedom and rights, guaranteed by its EU and NATO membership. Thirty-five years after returning to Western democracy through the sacrifices of those who perished in the Romanian Revolution, Romania’s values stand as a guarantee of peace, security, and prosperity for all Romanian citizens, wherever they may be.

As former President Nelson Mandela once said:

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.”

Romania and South Africa enjoy friendly and long-standing relations. There is strong cooperation in education, sports, medicine, and people-to-people programmes. South African football players have had the opportunity to play with some of the best football teams in Romania. The visa process is currently being reviewed to enable more Romanian citizens to visit South Africa more easily.

In 2023, Romania launched a new strategy for Africa, designed to enhance its relations with the continent and strengthen cooperation with African states in the fields of education, peace and security, and economic collaboration. As part of this strategy, in 2023, the Romanian Embassy in Pretoria launched an assistance programme for township and rural schools in South Africa.

  • Five schools in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape received electronic and IT equipment as well as learning and teaching materials in 2023.
  • Three additional schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal benefited from the programme in 2024.
  • Over the last two years, eight schools have received donations from the Romanian government, positively impacting 7,742 students, who have had access to generously provided teaching materials.

“I truly believe that education is the only option for a better life,” said H.E. Ms Sitaru.

Furthermore, the Romanian Ministry of Education has approved 20 scholarship grants for high school and postgraduate students for the 2024/2025 academic year, with plans to expand these programmes in the years to come. South Africa is a key beneficiary of this strategy, which is aimed at strengthening Romania’s engagement with the African continent in a pragmatic and cooperative manner.

The Romanian government has approved the establishment of an Honorary Consulate in South Africa, set to open in 2025. It is expected that the Honorary Consul will play a significant role in developing economic ties between the two countries, with South Africa already being an important investor in Romania. There is hope that the establishment of the Honorary Consulate will lead to South Africa opening an embassy in Romania in the near future.

Ambassador Maud Dlomo congratulated Romania on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, it has much to learn from Romania’s experience.

“We strive for social and economic prosperity for our countries, so we are envious but also say congratulations to your country,” said Ambassador Dlomo.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Romania were established in November 1991 and remain cordial and significant within the broader context of Africa-Europe relations.

Gratitude was expressed for Romania’s €85,000 sponsorship towards the township and rural schools development programme. The contribution to education in South Africa is highly valued, as it adds immense value to the nation’s future.

Guests raised a toast to enduring friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

by Marion Kate