South Africa Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini
His Majesty King Mswati III has officially received Letters of Credence from the incoming High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Her Excellency Ms Mmaikeletsi Dube, during a formal ceremony held at the Lozitha Royal Palace.
The presentation of credentials marks the commencement of High Commissioner Dube’s diplomatic mandate in the Kingdom and underscores the enduring and strategic partnership shared between South Africa and Eswatini.
Prior to her audience with His Majesty, High Commissioner Dube presented Copies of her Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, in accordance with established diplomatic protocol. The presentation of copies to the Foreign Minister constitutes an important procedural step before an envoy is formally accredited by the Head of State.
Upon receiving her Letters of Credence, King Mswati III welcomed the South African envoy and reaffirmed the close bonds of friendship and cooperation that continue to characterise relations between Mbabane and Pretoria. The two neighbouring states enjoy longstanding historical, political, cultural and economic ties, underpinned by a shared commitment to regional integration through the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and the African Union.
Speaking following the credential ceremony, High Commissioner Dube conveyed warm greetings from President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa, reaffirming Pretoria’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom.
South Africa and Eswatini have cultivated a robust partnership spanning trade and investment, cross-border cooperation, security collaboration, education, health, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges. As members of SACU and SADC, both countries continue to work closely in advancing regional economic integration, promoting peace and stability, and addressing common developmental challenges.
The appointment of High Commissioner Dube comes at a time when Southern African nations are intensifying efforts to foster inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, energy security and sustainable development. Her tenure is expected to further consolidate the strong relationship between the two countries while exploring new opportunities for cooperation in sectors of mutual benefit.
Profile: High Commissioner Mmaikeletsi Dube
High Commissioner Mmaikeletsi Dube is a seasoned South African diplomat with extensive experience within the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Prior to her appointment to Eswatini, she served as South Africa’s Consul General in São Paulo, Federative Republic of Brazil, where she played an important role in promoting political, economic and institutional cooperation between South Africa and Brazil. During her tenure, she engaged with senior government delegations and facilitated bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration in various sectors.
Over the course of her diplomatic career, High Commissioner Dube has accumulated considerable experience in advancing South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, fostering international partnerships and representing the country’s interests abroad. Her appointment to one of South Africa’s most significant neighbouring missions reflects confidence in her diplomatic expertise and ability to further enhance relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Strengthening a Strategic Bilateral Partnership
South Africa remains Eswatini’s largest trading partner and one of its most important sources of investment. The two countries cooperate extensively through regional and multilateral frameworks aimed at promoting economic development, infrastructure connectivity, social progress and regional stability.
The arrival of High Commissioner Dube in Mbabane is expected to inject renewed momentum into bilateral engagement, ensuring that South Africa and Eswatini continue to build upon their shared history and common aspirations for a prosperous, peaceful and integrated Southern African region.
As High Commissioner Dube embarks on her assignment, her accreditation signals not only a continuation of the strong diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Mbabane, but also a renewed commitment to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development and regional prosperity.
