The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria marked its 80th anniversary of independence on 2 September 2025. His Excellency Mr Hoang Sy Cuong warmly welcomed guests to the celebration.

Eighty years ago, on this historic day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh declared independence from France, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, today the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was the culmination of a century-long struggle for sovereignty and a powerful expression of the people’s unyielding will to determine their own destiny. The decades that followed brought immense sacrifice, as the nation endured war, poverty, and isolation, before beginning the difficult process of rebuilding.

In 1986, Vietnam embarked on Đổi Mới, or Renewal, a bold reform policy that opened the country to the world and set it on a path towards building a socialist-oriented market economy. The results have been transformative. From a war-torn, low-income state, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific region, deeply integrated into the global economy and guided by a foreign policy of independence, peace, cooperation, and development.

Today, Vietnam stands at the threshold of a new era. Structural reforms, including streamlining government, consolidating provinces, and modernising ministries, are positioning the country for its long-term development goals through 2030 and 2045. The resilience and optimism of the Vietnamese people remain central to this transformation, as the nation rises as a dynamic partner for peace and sustainable growth.

Partnership with South Africa

Vietnam’s shared reverence for leaders such as President Ho Chi Minh and President Nelson Mandela continues to shape the moral foundation of its relationship with South Africa. This legacy has evolved into a robust “Partnership for Cooperation and Development” that spans politics, economics, and culture.

“We see this not only as a great honour but as a reflection of South Africa’s exemplary leadership in global governance and a testament to the strong, cooperative spirit between our countries,” said Ambassador Cuong.

Bilateral trade reached 1.7 billion US dollars last year, a solid foundation for future growth. Ambassador Cuong called for deeper collaboration, particularly in high-tech agriculture, mineral processing, renewable energy, and the digital economy. He emphasised that cooperation should extend beyond bilateral ties to serve as a bridge between South Africa and the SADC region, and Vietnam and ASEAN, especially now that South Africa is a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh, represented the Government and people of South Africa.

“I wish to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to our strong partnership with Vietnam. During our discussions at the P4G Summit in Hanoi we made significant progress in advancing our shared goals in forestry, fisheries, and environmental sustainability. The key outcome was our mutual commitment to finalise a memorandum of understanding building on the foundation laid by the 2012 agreement,” said Minister Singh.

This year has also seen significant high-level engagement. In April, a pivotal telephone conversation between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa set a clear strategic direction for the partnership. Vietnam also expressed gratitude for South Africa’s invitation to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit.

The evening concluded with a toast to solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa, reflecting both nations’ shared values and aspirations.]

by Marion Kate