The Embassy of Portugal in South Africa marked the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities on 10 June 2026 with a distinguished reception hosted by Ambassador Carlos Costa Neves and Ms Maria João Furtado.
The celebration brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, representatives of the Portuguese community, and friends of Portugal to commemorate Portugal’s national day and celebrate the enduring ties between Portugal and South Africa.
The event was attended by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Salvador Malheiro, as special guest of honour, while the South African Government was represented by Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Joel Mohai.
The occasion served not only as a celebration of Portuguese heritage and culture but also as an opportunity to reflect on the growing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between Portugal and South Africa.
Ambassador Carlos Costa Neves Highlights the Role of the Portuguese Community
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Carlos Costa Neves reflected on the significance of 10 June as the Day of Portugal, the Day of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s greatest literary figure, and the Day of the Portuguese Communities around the world.
The Ambassador paid tribute to the Portuguese community in South Africa, describing it as one of the largest Portuguese communities globally and the largest on the African continent. He acknowledged the contribution of Portuguese descendants and immigrants to South Africa’s social, cultural and economic development over many decades.
He noted that the Portuguese language continues to play an increasingly important role across Africa, particularly through Portuguese-speaking nations such as Angola and Mozambique, while also highlighting the importance of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
Ambassador Costa Neves emphasised that relations between Portugal and South Africa are founded on mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. He welcomed South Africa’s role on the international stage and highlighted cooperation in areas including science, innovation, education, defence and agriculture.
The Ambassador also pointed to Portugal’s participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope project hosted in South Africa, as an example of growing scientific cooperation between the two countries.
Secretary of State Salvador Malheiro Celebrates Portugal’s Diaspora and Bilateral Cooperation
Addressing guests, Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Salvador Malheiro, praised the Portuguese community in South Africa as a source of pride for Portugal and a symbol of resilience, entrepreneurship and integration.
He described the community as the largest Portuguese diaspora population in Africa and recognised its contribution to South Africa’s economic and social development.
Reflecting on historical ties, Malheiro recalled the role of Portuguese navigators in connecting southern Africa to global maritime routes, referring to the transformation of the “Cape of Storms” into the “Cape of Good Hope” as a powerful symbol of courage, opportunity and connection.
The Secretary of State thanked South Africa for welcoming generations of Portuguese families and acknowledged the warm relationship enjoyed by the two countries.
Malheiro further noted recent efforts to expand cooperation in agriculture, food security, maritime affairs and trade, while reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with its diaspora communities worldwide.
He also highlighted Portugal’s participation in South Africa’s recent G20 engagements, describing it as evidence of the strong diplomatic and political alignment between Lisbon and Pretoria.
South Africa Reaffirms Commitment to Portugal Partnership
Representing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Government, Deputy Minister Seiso Joel Mohai congratulated Portugal on its national day and extended warm wishes to the Portuguese Government, people and diaspora.
Mohai recognised the Portuguese community as one of the largest and most influential foreign communities in South Africa, praising its contribution to the country’s growth and development.
The Deputy Minister also commended Ambassador Carlos Costa Neves for strengthening bilateral relations during his first year in South Africa and congratulated President António José Seguro on his election as President of Portugal.
Highlighting the strength of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Mohai referenced the South Africa–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism and welcomed progress towards enhanced cooperation in language, culture and education.
He further identified significant opportunities for expanded economic collaboration in sectors including:
- Infrastructure development
- Renewable energy
- Green energy initiatives
- Environmental cooperation
- Agribusiness
- Automotive industries
- Aerospace technologies
He also congratulated Portugal on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term and expressed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with Portugal in advancing a more peaceful, inclusive and equitable international order.
Mohai underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, international law and global governance, noting that South Africa and Portugal share similar views on many international issues.
A Growing Strategic Partnership
The Portugal Day celebrations highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Portugal and South Africa, underpinned by strong diplomatic relations, expanding economic cooperation and deep cultural connections.
Speakers throughout the evening emphasised the important role played by the Portuguese community in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering greater understanding between the two nations.
As Portugal and South Africa continue to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from trade and agriculture to science, renewable energy and multilateral diplomacy, the event served as a reminder of the enduring friendship and shared aspirations that unite both countries.
