Embassy Activities

The South African Embassy celebrated South Africa’s Freedom Month with a number of activities in Istanbul. The highlight of the year is South Africa’s celebration of the Centenary Year of Former President Nelson Mandela under the theme ‘Be the Legacy’. 

Ambassador Malefane hosted the Media Breakfast in Istanbul and briefed the media people on the Nelson Mandela Centenary events throughout the year.

“Turkey - South African Business Forum” took place between 24-25 April 2018 in Istanbul in collaboration with the Republic of Turkey Minister of Economy, The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry and Foreign Economic Relations Board-DEIK.

On 24 April, Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture was hosted by Koc University President Prof. Dr. Umran Inan with the participation of the Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and the South African Embassy Ambassador Pule Isaac Malefane.

On 26 April, the Nelson Mandela Centenary Lecture was delivered by Former South African President Mr Kgalema Motlanthe at Istanbul Aydin University. President Motlanthe was hosted by Prof Dr Ahmet Sedat Aybar, Director of IAU AFRIKAM, Prof Dr Celal Nazim Irem, Chairholder, UNESCO Chair in Cultural Diplomacy, Governance and Education, and IAU Rector Prof Dr Yadigar Izmirli.

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe was introduced by South African Ambassador Pule Isaac Malefane. South Africa’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul Mr Remzi Gur and South Aftica Honorary Consul in Izmir Mr Tamer Taskin as well as Turkish and South African students participated the event. President Motlanthe also attended the unveiling of a Rhino Statue donated to the University by Mr Taskin.

On 27 April, Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture was hosted by Bahcesehir University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr Enver Yucel and BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Senay Yalcin. Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and the South African Embassy Ambassador Pule Isaac Malefane, Counsellor Puleng Chaba and BAU International Affairs Coordinator Ms Sibel Baykut including the South African students of the university participated the event.

The South African Embassy hosted Nelson Mandela Centenary Reception on 27 April 2018 with Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and Mrs Motlanthe as Guest of Honour. Several other guests from foreign diplomatic missions including South African students participated the event. Presentations by Ambassador Pule Malefane and Former President continued with a cake cutting ceremony and a performance by South African music group.

Nelson Mandela Centenary Golf Day at Kemer Country Golf Club on 28 April 2018.

Ambassador Malefane with Mr Yıldırım Demirören, President of the Turkish Football Federation, who played in Nelson Mandela Centenary Golf Tournament on 28 April.

On 28 April, Mandela’s Suitcase Painting Exhibition was opened by Ambassador Pule Malefane and Former President Kgalema Motlanthe at Kemer Country Golf Club.