The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, hosted a farewell breakfast on 30 July 2026 in honour of the departing Heads of Mission of the Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union, and the Federal Republic of Germany.
The occasion provided an opportunity for the South African Government to express its appreciation to the outgoing diplomats for their dedicated service and significant contributions towards strengthening diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships between South Africa and their respective countries and institutions.
Deputy Minister Botes also wished the Heads of Mission every success in their future diplomatic assignments, while reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to maintaining the strong foundations established during their respective terms of office.
Recognising Distinguished Diplomatic Service
The farewell breakfast honoured three diplomats who have played an important role in advancing South Africa’s relations with Europe:
H.E. Paul Jansen – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium
Since presenting his credentials in 2023, Ambassador Paul Jansen has worked to deepen the longstanding partnership between Belgium and South Africa. During his tenure, he promoted closer political dialogue, trade and investment, scientific cooperation, education, culture and sustainable development initiatives.
One of the defining moments of his tenure was supporting the 2023 State Visit of His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium to South Africa, which reinforced bilateral cooperation and elevated relations between the two countries. Ambassador Jansen also maintained close engagement with the Belgian business community, facilitating commercial opportunities and strengthening economic ties between Belgium and South Africa.
H.E. Sandra Kramer – Ambassador of the European Union to South Africa
As the European Union Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer has overseen an important chapter in EU-South Africa relations. During her tenure, the European Union continued to strengthen its position as South Africa’s largest regional trading and investment partner while expanding cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, research, education, digital transformation and sustainable development.
She also played a key role in advancing strategic initiatives such as the Global Gateway Investment Package, cooperation on sustainable minerals and value chains, and the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP), reinforcing the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union.
H.E. Andreas Peschke – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
Ambassador Andreas Peschke has been instrumental in strengthening the strategic partnership between Germany and South Africa. His tenure saw continued collaboration in areas including climate action, the Just Energy Transition, vocational education and skills development, science and innovation, democratic governance and economic cooperation. Germany remains one of South Africa’s largest bilateral trading partners and a major investor in the country.
Ambassador Peschke also championed closer engagement between governments, academia, civil society and the private sector, helping to expand cooperation on regional and global issues while reinforcing the longstanding friendship between Germany and South Africa.
Strong Partnerships Built on Shared Values
Belgium, the European Union and Germany remain among South Africa’s most important international partners, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, industrial development, infrastructure, climate action, peace and security, education, scientific research and innovation.
These partnerships continue to support economic growth, sustainable development and regional stability while promoting multilateral cooperation on global challenges.
The work of the departing Heads of Mission has helped strengthen these relationships, creating a solid foundation for future engagement between South Africa and its European partners.
