The Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos is gearing up to celebrate a major diplomatic milestone with the first-ever South Africa Week Celebrations in Nigeria. The week-long festivities, set to take place from Saturday, 22 April to Saturday, 29 April 2023, aim to commemorate the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and the 29 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.
In an official statement signed by Ms. Sebo Lenyai, the Deputy Consular General of the South African Consulate Lagos, the key objectives of South Africa Week include celebrating freedom and democracy, deepening bilateral relations through trade and investment, and creating social cohesion through a tapestry of arts and culture.
The inaugural event, “Mzansi Imbiso,” will kick off South Africa Week on Saturday, 22 April 2023. This event aims to promote South Africa as a preferred tourist destination and engage with stakeholders from various sectors in both the public and private sectors, as well as friends of the Consulate.
On Sunday, 23 April 2023, South African and Nigerian Movie and Comedy Night will showcase film productions such as documentaries and short films by South African and Nigerian producers and filmmakers. The event aims to promote social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians through arts and culture, as well as showcase the creative arts through humor with comedy.
One of the highlights of the event will be the South Africa-Nigeria Trade and Investment Roundtable, which will be held on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. This event aims to promote South Africa as a preferred trade and investment country and provide a platform for the country and Nigerian business communities to exchange views, experiences, and information on matters of common interest and mutual benefit. It will also explore opportunities for trade and investment and further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
The week’s programs also include the Freedom Day Celebration on Friday, 28 April 2023, which will commemorate the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and formal diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The event will feature various cultural activities and displays to showcase the rich heritage of South Africa.
The week-long celebrations will come to a close on Saturday, 29 April 2023, with the SACG Golf Tournament. This event aims to promote social cohesion and common interests between South Africans and Nigerians through sports, which has been a unifying factor between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and S/Africa were formally established in 1994, with their respective high commissions opening in Abuja in 1995 and Tshwane in 1996, paving the way for bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos is excited to host the first-ever S/Africa Week Celebrations in Nigeria and looks forward to strengthening the bond between the two countries through this momentous event.
