by Marion Smith
The Embassy of France in South Africa commemorated Bastille Day with an elegant reception hosted by His Excellency Ambassador David Martinon at the French Residence in Pretoria on 14 July 2026. The afternoon celebrated the enduring friendship between France and South Africa while also marking Ambassador Martinon’s final Bastille Day before concluding his diplomatic mission in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
The reception brought together government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and distinguished guests to celebrate France’s national day and the strong bilateral partnership that has continued to flourish across a wide range of sectors.
In his address, Ambassador Martinon reflected on the significance of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent official visit to France, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries.
He highlighted the growing cooperation between France and South Africa in investment, skills development, defence, health, scientific research and international legal cooperation. Referring to the presence of major French companies in South Africa, he praised businesses such as Airbus and Sanofi, noting their contribution to job creation, skills development and long-term investment. He also acknowledged South African pharmaceutical company Aspen’s investment in France as an example of the mutually beneficial economic relationship.
Ambassador Martinon further welcomed France’s recent participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, describing scientific collaboration as another promising area of partnership between the two nations.
Reflecting on President Ramaphosa’s visit to Delville Wood during his trip to France, Ambassador Martinon paid tribute to the South African soldiers of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade who fought during the Battle of Delville Wood in 1916. He also acknowledged the President’s decision to honour members of the South African Native Labour Corps who lost their lives when the SS Mendi sank during the First World War.
“The French people don’t forget, and we’ll never forget,” Ambassador Martinon said, expressing France’s enduring gratitude for the sacrifices made by South Africans during the war.
As his tenure draws to a close after more than three years in South Africa, the Ambassador delivered an emotional farewell.
He revealed that he had specifically requested to be posted to South Africa after previously visiting the country some 25 years earlier.
“I fought to be posted here because I knew how beautiful your country is and how diverse it is. These more than three years have been extremely fruitful, and I promise I will continue to be your ambassador wherever I go,” he said.
Ambassador Martinon also paid tribute to the staff of the French Embassy, thanking them publicly for their professionalism and dedication throughout his posting.
A representative of the South African Government praised the close and longstanding partnership between the two countries, describing France as a trusted partner that shares South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, peace and sustainable development.
He noted that bilateral cooperation spans numerous sectors, including energy, science and technology, defence, trade and investment, tourism, higher education, health, arts, culture and sport.
He highlighted the importance of recent high-level engagements, including President Ramaphosa’s official visit to France, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South Africa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to France in 2025, and continued cooperation during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
French companies were recognised for their continued confidence in the South African economy through significant investments that create employment and contribute to economic growth. The speaker also welcomed the shared ambition to double bilateral trade by 2027 and praised France’s support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition through partnerships with the French Development Agency.
Cooperation in innovation, skills development and diplomacy was also recognised, including the French language programme offered through Alliance Française to officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
He concluded by paying tribute to Ambassador Martinon’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
“Your leadership at the French Embassy has been outstanding. Through your professionalism and commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations, you have made a significant contribution to advancing cooperation and creating new opportunities between our two countries,” he said, wishing the Ambassador and his family every success in his next diplomatic posting.
Following the formal programme, guests enjoyed a distinctly French culinary experience featuring freshly served oysters, an impressive selection of fine French cheeses, premium wines and champagne, while a live band provided entertainment throughout the afternoon.
As France celebrated its national day, the reception also served as a fitting farewell to Ambassador David Martinon, whose tenure has further strengthened the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between France and South Africa, leaving a lasting legacy of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect.
