The Embassy of Colombia in South Africa hosted a distinguished reception on 31 July 2026 to commemorate the 216th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Colombia, bringing together government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives and members of the Colombian community.
The celebration commenced with the singing of the national anthems of Colombia and South Africa before guests gathered to reflect on the historic significance of Colombia’s independence and the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Independence, Freedom and Shared Democratic Values
Welcoming guests to the Colombian Residence, Ambassador María del Rosario Mina-Rojas described Colombia’s Independence Day as a celebration of progress, courage, resilience and the enduring pursuit of freedom.
Reflecting on Colombia’s declaration of independence on 20 July 1810, the Ambassador said the occasion symbolises self-rule, sovereignty, dignity and democracy while rejecting colonial domination and oppression.
Drawing parallels between Colombia’s independence and South Africa’s democratic transition, she noted that both nations had overcome structural injustice through determination and resilience.
She highlighted that Colombia and South Africa continue to share common aspirations of building inclusive societies founded on equality, justice, mutual respect and peace.
“South Africa has been a model and sister country with which we share historic, cultural and political ties,” Ambassador Mina-Rojas said, describing bilateral relations as increasingly dynamic and substantive.
Strengthening Colombia’s Engagement with Africa
Reflecting on her more than three years as Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Mina-Rojas outlined Colombia’s renewed engagement with Africa under the country’s Africa Strategy, launched in 2022 under the leadership of Vice President Francia Márquez.
She noted that the strategy has sought to deepen political dialogue, strengthen people-to-people relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors while recognising the historical and cultural connections between Colombia and Africa.
A major milestone was the Vice President’s historic visit to South Africa in 2023, accompanied by representatives from government, business, culture and civil society, marking the highest-level Colombian delegation to visit the country in more than two decades.
Bilateral Cooperation Reaches New Heights
The Ambassador highlighted significant progress achieved in Colombia-South Africa relations over recent years.
Among the key milestones was the inaugural Political Consultations Mechanism held in Bogotá in 2025, which established a structured framework for expanding bilateral dialogue and negotiating new agreements.
Several cooperation agreements are now approaching signature, including those covering:
- Trade and investment
- Arts and culture
- Sports cooperation
- International cooperation
- Visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports
She also highlighted growing collaboration in higher education, digital governance, environmental management, cultural heritage preservation and academic exchanges.
Colombia’s Beca Colombia scholarship programme continues to provide fully funded postgraduate study opportunities for international students, while numerous cultural exchange initiatives have strengthened connections between artists, universities, museums and communities in both countries.
The Ambassador also highlighted cooperation in digital innovation through international projects on electronic waste management involving Colombia, South Africa and several other countries.
South Africa Commends Colombia’s Diplomatic Leadership
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, representing the Government of South Africa, congratulated Colombia on celebrating 216 years of independence.
Before beginning his formal remarks, the Deputy Minister paid tribute to Ambassador Mina-Rojas, thanking her for her service in strengthening bilateral relations.
On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of South Africa, he conveyed congratulations to the Government and people of Colombia while reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation.
“You have been a model diplomat,” he said, commending her efforts in building a warm and productive relationship between South Africa and Colombia.
Expanding Political and Economic Relations
Deputy Minister Hlengwa welcomed the growing momentum in relations between Pretoria and Bogotá.
He highlighted the importance of the Vice President’s 2023 visit to South Africa and the inaugural Political Consultations held in 2025, describing both as important milestones in advancing bilateral cooperation.
He also welcomed progress towards agreements on diplomatic visa exemptions, arts and culture, and sports cooperation.
The Deputy Minister further congratulated Colombia on the successful conduct of its recent elections and expressed South Africa’s readiness to work closely with the incoming administration to strengthen existing partnerships.
New Opportunities Between Africa and Latin America
The Deputy Minister praised Colombia’s efforts to strengthen engagement between Africa and Latin America, noting that both regions share common experiences and aspirations for inclusive development.
He highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and identified several sectors where stronger Colombia-Africa cooperation could flourish, including:
- Critical minerals
- Clean energy
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Digital trade
- Innovation
- Industrialisation
- Investment
He said stronger partnerships would contribute to resilient value chains, expanded market access and sustainable economic growth across the Global South.
Shared Commitment to Multilateralism
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with Colombia in international forums, including the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 + China.
He also welcomed Colombia’s upcoming tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue advancing peace, sustainable development and a more representative international order.
He further acknowledged the important collaboration between South Africa and Colombia through the Hague Group, reflecting both countries’ commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation.
Celebrating Colombian Culture
Following the official programme, guests enjoyed an evening celebrating Colombia’s rich cultural heritage through traditional cuisine and hospitality, providing an opportunity for diplomats, government officials and members of the wider community to strengthen friendships and expand professional networks.
The reception reflected not only Colombia’s national celebration but also the growing maturity of relations between Colombia and South Africa, underpinned by expanding cooperation in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, innovation and sustainable development.
As both countries continue to strengthen political dialogue and people-to-people connections, the celebration served as a reminder that the Colombia-South Africa partnership continues to evolve into an increasingly strategic relationship that benefits both nations and contributes to stronger cooperation between Africa and Latin America.
