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South African Embassy - Syria, Al-Ghazawi Street/7 Quraish Avenue/West Mazeh, Damascus (2026)

28/08/2026

The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa 🇿🇦 in the Syrian Arab Republic 🇸🇾 is participating in the 63rd edition of the Damascus International Fair. The focus of the Embassy's participation this year is on tourism, trade and investment in South Africa.

19/08/2026

COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 46TH ORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT 17th AUGUST 2026
1. The 46th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), hereafter called “Summit” was held on 17th August 2026, in Durban, Republic of South Africa and chaired by His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
2. Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government, or their representatives:
Botswana: President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.
Eswatini: His Majesty King Mswati III.
Lesotho: The Right Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane.
Madagascar: H.E. Colonel Michael Randrianirina
Mauritius: Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP.
Mozambique: H.E. President Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo.
Namibia: Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Seychelles: H.E. President Dr. Mathew Antonio Patrick Herminie.
South Africa: H.E. President Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
Zimbabwe: H.E. President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
Malawi: The Right Honourable Mr. Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, Second Vice President.
Democratic Republic of Congo: H.E. Mr. Guy Muadiamvita Kabombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
Angola: H.E. Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations.
United Republic of Tanzania: Honourable Dr. Rhimo Nyansaho, Minister of Defence and National Service.
Zambia: H.E. Ms. Pamela Chisanga, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Botswana and Representative to SADC.
3. Summit was also attended by Ministers from the SADC Member States, and the Executive Secretary of SADC.
4. Summit elected His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, the Chairperson of SADC, and the President of the Republic of Zambia, the Incoming Chairperson.
5. Summit also elected His Majesty King Mswati III, of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
6. Summit acknowledged the commitment expressed by His Excellency Dr. Mathew Antonio Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, in his maiden address to the Summit, and welcomed his Government’s commitment to advancing the ideals upon which SADC was founded; solidarity, regional integration and a shared prosperity for the people of the SADC region.
7. Summit received the report of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, and commended him for his leadership, commitment, and valuable contributions to promoting peace, security, stability, and democratic governance in the SADC region throughout his tenure.
8. Summit reiterated its solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reaffirmed SADC's support for coordinated regional and international efforts to restore peace and security, protect civilians, strengthen humanitarian and public health responses, promote inclusive dialogue, and enhance resilience to ongoing challenges.
9. Summit welcomed constructive engagement in the Republic of Madagascar through the efforts of the SADC Panel of Elders, supported by the SADC Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat and reaffirmed SADC's commitment to supporting Madagascar's reform process and development agenda, including the promotion of inclusive governance, democratic institutions, accountability, human rights, and citizen participation and return to constitutional normalcy.
10. Summit urged the stakeholders in Madagascar to maintain the relative calm that prevails in the country and choose the path of dialogue to address their grievances.
11. Summit commended the Government of the Republic of Mozambique for the on-going inclusive national dialogue process and its continued efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace and security in some districts of Cabo Delgado Province.
12. Summit commended His Excellency Mr Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, for inaugurating the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in June 2026 in Maputo with the mandate to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
13. Summit congratulated the Republic of Zimbabwe on its election as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027-2028 term and expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to advance multilateral cooperation, promote international peace and security, and effectively represent the interests of the SADC region, Africa, and the Global South within the UNSC.
14. Summit reiterated its long-standing call for the removal of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe, highlighting that the sanctions continue to limit the Republic of Zimbabwe from attaining its full economic potential.
15. Summit noted the evolving global geopolitical and economic landscape and urged Member States to leverage emerging opportunities to deepen regional integration, strengthen trade and investment, mobilise domestic resources, and strengthen collective resilience to advance sustainable development and the regional agenda.
16. Summit received an update from the Republic of South Africa on migration governance and called for the coordinated and multidimensional dialogue at regional level to address the underlying drivers of migration and develop comprehensive, sustainable, and effective responses.
17. Summit urged Member States to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks and pandemics, including through timely information sharing and coordinated regional action and called for continued support to the Democratic Republic of Congo in responding to the Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) Outbreak.
18. Summit commended the Republics of Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe as well as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other partners for providing financial and technical assistance in support of the response to the Ebola Outbreak.
19. Summit noted regional efforts to control and prevent the Foot and Mouth (FMD) outbreak and designated Botswana Vaccine Institute to be a regional FMD Antigen/Vaccine Bank to strengthen regional efforts for prevention and control of FMD outbreaks.
20. Summit commended Member States that have ratified the Agreement on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund and urged those that have not yet ratified the Agreement to facilitate its entry into force to expedite the process in order to enhance resource mobilisation and accelerate the implementation of regional infrastructure, industrialisation, and socio-economic development programmes and projects.
21. Summit commended Member States that have made significant progress in promoting women to leadership and decision-making positions and urged those that have not yet attained the targets set out in the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, as well as other relevant continental and global instruments, to accelerate the advancement of women in leadership and decision-making positions, while also implementing targeted legislative frameworks and policies to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and protect human rights.
22. Summit urged Member States to mainstream youth programmes across all sectors in national and regional development plans and to dedicate adequate resources to youth-centred initiatives that promote meaningful participation, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, employment creation, and leadership opportunities, thereby enhancing socio-economic transformation, resilience, and sustainable development of the SADC region.
23. Summit urged Member States to increase regional trade in agricultural products by removing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, and improving cross-border logistics to ensure efficient movement of food commodities from surplus to deficit areas, thereby stabilising supply and prices across the region.
24. Summit urged Member States to enhance preparedness in view of the anticipated El Niño-induced climate shocks by implementing early warning systems, drought preparedness measures, and promoting climate-smart agriculture, including irrigation development and adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties.
25. Summit noted the progress made in implementing the theme of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government titled, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” and commended His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa for his exemplary leadership and strategic guidance in advancing the key priorities of the theme during his tenure as Interim Chairperson of SADC.
26. Summit commended the Republic of South Africa for convening a Retreat of the SADC Ministers of Foreign Affairs on geo-political developments during the interim chairship which produced an Implementation Plan and Roadmap.
27. Summit received the report of the Mid-term Review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 containing firm recommendations to identify few high-impact priorities including industrialisation, resource mobilisation framework, regional value chains, agro-processing, critical minerals and just energy transition, economic corridors, one-stop border posts, health financing
28. Summit commended His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Outgoing Chairperson of SADC for his unwavering support and commitment towards advancing regional integration and economic development in the SADC region during the interim period as a member of the SADC Troika.
29. Summit endorsed the theme of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government titled, “Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World,” highlighting infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals as key drivers of industrialisation for a competitive, climate-resilient, inclusive, and prosperous SADC region.
30. Summit approved the Agreement Establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA and called for its signature by Member States, recognising its importance in facilitating seamless travel across the region, enhancing tourism growth, promoting regional integration, and boosting economic development through increased visitor arrivals and investment.
31. Summit urged Member States to accede to SADC legal instruments, already in force and to expedite the signature and ratification of adopted SADC instruments that are yet to enter into force in order to accelerate regional integration and enhance cooperation amongst the Member States to, amongst others, support infrastructure development, and advance harmonised economic growth.
32. Summit approved the appointment of His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, former President of the Republic of Botswana, and His Excellency Dr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique as members of the SADC Panel of Elders to support Mediation, Conflict Prevention and Preventative Diplomacy efforts in the SADC region.
33. Summit welcomed the invitation from the Republic of Angola to the SADC Heads of State and Government to participate in the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, to be hosted by the Republic of Angola in Luanda from 29 to 30 August 2026.
34. Summit commended the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the successful organisation and hosting of the 9th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week and Exhibition, held in Durban, South Africa, from 26 to 31 July 2026, and welcomed its Declaration, urging Member States to strengthen regional industrial value chains to increase production, value addition, intra-SADC trade and industrial competitiveness.
35. Summit commended His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa for his inspiring SADC Public Lecture delivered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on 14 August 2026 under the theme titled, “Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity,” and welcomed his call for the SADC region to advance regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure development, peace, security and inclusive development for the peoples of the SADC region to achieve the aspirations of the SADC Vision 2050
36. Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for the successful hosting of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government and congratulated the country on the launch of a documentary showcasing the progress of regional integration and South Africa’s role in advancing the objectives of SADC since joining the Community in 1994.
37. The Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, expressed gratitude to all Heads of State and Government for attending the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, and for the honour of electing him to lead the SADC region.
38. Summit noted that the 47th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held in the Republic of Zambia.

13/07/2026

On 12 July 2026, the South African Embassy in Damascus celebrated the Nelson Mandela International Day in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The day was dedicated to support the Sanad Youth Development Foundation by donating computers and was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Ashraf Yusuf Suliman, the UNFPA Syria Representative Ms Enshrah Ahmad, the Deputy Head of Office for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Syria Mr Abdelaziz Abdelaziz, the Director of International Relations at the Syrian Ministry of Sports and Youth Mr Shakib Al-Shimali, and members of the public and the media.

11/06/2026

H.E. Ambassador Ashraf Yusuf Suliman and Transferred Officials in Damascus 🇸🇾 join South Africans 🇿🇦 in cheering the country's national soccer team (Bafana Bafana) as it takes on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

11/06/2026

On 10 June 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Ashraf Yusuf Suliman, accompanied by First Secretary: Political Mr Ofhani Sengani, attended the opening ceremony of the international exhibition for construction, building materials, and infrastructure development (BUILDEX 2026) at the Damascus Fairgrounds. Ambassador Suliman toured the grounds of the Exhibition jointly with Mr Abiib Muse Farah, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Syrian Arab Republic.

09/06/2026

From the Desk of the President
Monday, 8 June 2026

Together we can manage migration and stay true to our shared humanity

Dear Fellow South African,

In recent months, many South Africans have raised concern about illegal immigration, asking whether our borders are secure and our laws are being enforced.

It is in this context that I addressed the nation last night on the actions government is taking to manage migration in the country and specifically to address the challenge of illegal immigration.

We are responding to real concerns that communities have about the effects that unchecked illegal immigration has on jobs and economic opportunities. We know that some companies employ – and exploit – undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the law. There is also a perception that spaza shops owned by foreign nationals are squeezing out local traders in communities.

People are also concerned that illegal immigration puts increased pressure on public services like clinics, hospitals and schools. In reality, when one looks at the statistics, foreign nationals account for a very small proportion of users of these public services. Nevertheless, there is a perception among some people that our public services are being overwhelmed.

Some people associate illegal immigration with crime. While there are organised syndicates that exploit weaknesses in our immigration system to commit crimes like drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion, we know that the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals in South Africa have no involvement in crime.

In conditions of unemployment and poverty, crime, violence and service delivery challenges, people often direct their frustrations at those perceived to be competitors for jobs and resources.

As we work to address the causes of our economic challenges – by driving faster and inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, industrial expansion and the creation of new jobs – we are taking decisive action to tackle illegal immigration.

Through the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management that was adopted last week by Cabinet, we are cracking down on violations of our immigration, labour and other laws. We are deploying more resources and technology to secure our borders. Government is also stamping out corruption and improving the efficiency of our immigration system.

Another part of our comprehensive approach is to close the gaps in our citizenship and immigration laws. We are introducing legislation which allows quotas for foreign nationals in different sectors and ensuring that informal businesses are properly registered.

Lastly, we are seeking to work with countries across our region and continent to address the conflict, instability and economic hardship that compel people to leave their homes.

The task of managing migration belongs to all of us. That does not mean that communities should take the law into their own hands – only authorised officials of the state may enforce our immigration laws – but there is a role for all South Africans in upholding our laws and building social cohesion.

As we undertake all these actions, we are guided by our Constitution, our laws and our international obligations. As a society, we must hold firmly to the rule of law.

We must work to reduce tensions in our communities. We must stand together against violence, intimidation and intolerance. Importantly, we must not allow anyone to exploit the genuine concerns of South Africans to incite violence, spread misinformation or destabilise our country.

We call on traditional and religious leaders, civil society, business, labour, political parties and every South African to work with government to support the actions we have announced to tackle illegal immigration.

We must actively work against efforts to divide us. We must confront racism, sexism, xenophobia and Afrophobia. Our goal must be to build united and cohesive communities where all laws are respected and upheld.

We are a nation built by migration and we are more diverse, dynamic and stronger for it. By strengthening our laws and enforcing them fairly, we can tackle illegal immigration while remaining true to our Constitution and to our shared humanity.

04/06/2026

On 3 June 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Ashraf Yusuf Suliman delivered a lecture on the African Union's Agenda 2063 to Members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, in celebration of the 63rd anniversary of the African Union.

20/05/2026

Media Statement

19 May 2026

*South Africa condemns Israel's illegal abduction of South African nationals participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza*

The Government of South Africa notes with grave concern reports that following the illegal seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) bound for Gaza, South African nationals have been abducted in international waters and may now be facing detention/imprisonment in Israel.

It must be underscored that the Flotilla, a civilian-led initiative, embarked upon a peaceful and humanitarian mission. Its participants aim to draw attention to the severe and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza and to deliver vital aid to alleviate the widespread suffering of a people living under occupation and genocide.

Such developments raise serious humanitarian, legal and diplomatic concerns that cannot be treated lightly. South Africa has a longstanding commitment to international law, the protection of human rights and the safety and wellbeing of its citizens wherever they may be.

South Africa calls for restraint, respect for international law and the immediate protection of the rights, dignity and safety of all concerned. The safety, security and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the Flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance. Any forceful detention of these vessels in international waters constitutes a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights.

We will be engaging all relevant stakeholders and organisations liaising with the GSF as part of efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of those affected, while ensuring that their families are kept fully abreast of developments as the situation unfolds.

We further call upon the international community and all relevant parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian missions.

*ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION*

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

14/05/2026

From the Desk of the President

Monday, 11 May 2026

Everyone in South Africa must respect and uphold our laws

Dear Fellow South African,

The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy.

These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism’. Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform, including stopping people to check identification and conducting searches of private property. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are.

At the same time, as a society, we need to deal decisively – and within the law – with the challenge of illegal immigration, which risks our social stability, governance and national security. Undocumented migration places strain on healthcare, housing and municipal services, particularly in poor communities.

It distorts the labour market. In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages. Not only is this fuelling social tension, it is actively undermining our labour protection regime and eroding the hard-won rights of workers.

In tackling illegal migration, we are balancing our constitutional and international obligations with safeguarding national security.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Defence Force are strengthening border security and combating illicit cross-border activity. We commend the BMA for successfully intercepting some 450,000 people trying to enter South Africa illegally in the past financial year. As we strengthen our borders, we continue to reform our migration and citizenship framework.

We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws. We announced in the State of the Nation Address that we would be hiring up to 10,000 inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to ensure that our labour and immigration laws are adhered to. We continue to arrest and deport undocumented foreign nationals in accordance with the law, as we take forward the fight against corruption within the immigration system.

This is a society-wide challenge in which the private sector and government should all play a constructive part. South African citizens who collude with undocumented foreign nationals in fake marriages, the illegal sale of state-subsidised housing or accepting bribes to facilitate access to social services only deepen the problem. Many South Africans are exploiting undocumented labour in households and in the informal sector.

As a country, we must reject attempts to damage our country’s international reputation and to undermine the solidarity that has defined South Africa’s relations with the rest of Africa since the dawn of democracy.

Since 1994 we have actively advanced a culture of human rights, all the while deepening the cause of African integration, cooperation and solidarity. We have a strong refugee protection framework that prioritises integration of persons displaced by conflict, war and persecution.

Refugees are not confined to camps, as happens in some other countries. In South Africa, they are able to live in communities, participate in the economy and access services like healthcare and education.

South Africa continues to play its part in deepening regional economic integration and travel. Last year alone, visitors from African countries accounted for just over 8 million of a total of 10.5 million tourist arrivals.
South Africa invests significantly in strengthening academic, cultural and institutional ties with the rest of Africa through hosting students and academics from Africa in our universities, through people-to-people exchanges and though our hosting of the Pan-African Parliament.

Our demonstrated commitment to deepening African integration and solidarity should not be undermined by isolated acts of criminality.

South Africa is not unique in confronting the pressures associated with undocumented migration. Many countries across the world, including in Africa, are themselves grappling with similar tensions. This calls for cooperation and understanding between countries on the continent and further afield.

Like every other country in the world, we will continue asserting our sovereign right to regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws. We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.

Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws and we are committed to ensure that they are respected and upheld by citizen and foreign national alike.

27/04/2026

As a nation, this year, we are celebrating 32 years of Freedom Day, and while this is a significant piece of our history.
South Africa has a history filled with pain and struggles as it suffered for 46 years under the apartheid regime.
The institutionalised system of racial segregation and white minority rule was implemented by the National Party (NP) in 1948 and officially dismantled between 1991 and 1994, culminating in the first democratic elections on April 27, 1994.
What is Freedom Day?
Freedom Day marks the anniversary of the first democratic, non-racial elections held on April 27, 1994. South Africans continue to commemorate this day to celebrate their liberation from apartheid.
This was the first time in South African history that citizens of all races, 18 years and older, were permitted to vote and were treated as equal citizens.
The significance of Freedom Day also honours the first democratic election, in which Nelson Mandela was elected South Africa's president.
During the democratic elections, nearly 20 million South Africans cast their ballots, and ultimately, the African National Congress (ANC) won the election.
Freedom Day was first observed on April 27, 1995, and has since been treated as a day to reflect on the immense sacrifices made to achieve democracy, promote social cohesion, and address ongoing challenges.
Why celebrate Freedom Day?
Freedom Day is celebrated for various reasons, such as:
* Marking the end of apartheid where over 300 years of colonialism and white minority rule.
* Honouring the right to vote for all.
* Remembering the struggles and sacrifices made by anti-apartheid stalwarts who fought for the nation to achieve a free and democratic society.
* Celebrating unity and human dignity to affirm to all South Africans to move away from divisions, but rather promote social cohesion and uphold the human rights as entrenched in our constitution.
So, while this day marks a specific historical event, the broader meaning of this day is tied to identity, human rights, and the ongoing journey of a nation still moving forward after the wrongs of the past.

South African Embassy - Syria

28/08/2026

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