The Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Pretoria hosted a heartfelt farewell reception on Friday, 31 July 2026, in honour of Ms Hasna Tizaoui Dkhillali, Deputy Head of Mission, celebrating her distinguished diplomatic service and the significant contribution she has made to strengthening relations between Tunisia and South Africa.

Hosted by H.E. Ambassador Karima Bardaoui, the reception brought together members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors, government representatives, partners, and friends of Tunisia to celebrate Ms Dkhillali’s achievements during her posting and to wish her well as she concludes her diplomatic mission.

The event reflected the Embassy’s appreciation for a diplomat whose work has helped deepen bilateral cooperation while promoting Tunisia’s culture, economic interests and international partnerships.

A Journey of Service and Partnership

Delivering an emotional farewell address, Ms Hasna Tizaoui Dkhillali reflected on arriving in South Africa in July 2021, at a time when the world was still facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She recalled that while the move came with uncertainty, she embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in South African society by engaging with its people, institutions and culture.

Rather than simply carrying out diplomatic responsibilities, she said she sought to build genuine relationships founded on mutual respect, openness and friendship.

Her efforts were met with overwhelming warmth and support from colleagues, partners and the diplomatic community, making her assignment in South Africa one of the most meaningful experiences of her career.

Advancing Tunisia’s Priorities in South Africa

Reflecting on the Embassy’s work over the past five years, Ms Dkhillali highlighted three strategic priorities that guided her mission:

• Strengthening scientific diplomacy between Tunisia and South Africa.
• Promoting women’s empowerment and leadership.
• Expanding the presence of Tunisian olive oil and agricultural products in the South African market.

She credited these achievements to the collective efforts of the Embassy, government partners, importers, institutions and the diplomatic community, thanking everyone who believed in the Embassy’s vision.

Addressing Ambassador Karima Bardaoui, she expressed deep gratitude for the trust, encouragement and mentorship she had received since the two first worked together in Tunisia in 2019.

She described the Ambassador as a role model for Tunisian diplomacy and an inspiration to women serving in diplomacy around the world.

Ms Dkhillali also thanked her colleagues returning to Tunisia, Mr Mohamed Khadri and Mr Ibrahim Shanoufi, as well as the Embassy’s locally recruited staff, acknowledging their professionalism and commitment in ensuring the success of numerous diplomatic events and initiatives.

Concluding her remarks, she emphasised that although her diplomatic assignment in South Africa was coming to an end, the friendships and partnerships built over the years would endure.

“This is not goodbye. It is simply until we meet again. It is the beginning of a new chapter—one in which we can continue to cooperate, communicate and grow together.”

Ambassador Karima Bardaoui Pays Tribute

Earlier in the programme, Ambassador Karima Bardaoui paid tribute to Ms Dkhillali’s outstanding contribution to the Embassy’s work, particularly her leadership in helping introduce Tunisian olive oil into the South African market.

The Ambassador described olive oil as far more than a product for Tunisia.

“If diplomacy had a flavour, I am convinced that it would taste like Tunisian olive oil—authentic, generous, healthy, and capable of bringing people together around the same table.”

She explained that bringing Tunisian olive oil to South Africa required years of determination, collaboration and perseverance involving Tunisian producers, importers, South African authorities and numerous partners.

Thanks to those efforts, Tunisian olive oil is now available in Dis-Chem and Woolworths stores across Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, with further expansion planned into the Western Cape.

The Ambassador acknowledged Ms Dkhillali as one of the driving forces behind this achievement, praising her professionalism, persistence and unwavering commitment to promoting Tunisia abroad.

Honouring Dedicated Service

The farewell reception also recognised the service of two other departing Embassy officials:

• Mr Mohamed Khadri, the Embassy’s accountant.
• Mr Ibrahim Shanoufi, whose administrative work supported the smooth functioning of the mission.

Ambassador Bardaoui also introduced Mr Kamel, who joins the Embassy as its new accountant.

As a token of appreciation, commemorative plaques were presented to the departing officials in recognition of their loyal service, dedication and lasting contribution to the Embassy of Tunisia in Pretoria.

Celebrating Tunisia Through Food Diplomacy

Following the official programme, guests were invited to experience the rich flavours of Tunisia during a tasting of authentic Tunisian cuisine and premium extra virgin olive oil.

The culinary showcase featured a variety of traditional Tunisian products, including internationally acclaimed olive oil, tuna, sardines and other Mediterranean delicacies.

The tasting served not only as a celebration of Tunisia’s culinary heritage but also as an example of food diplomacy in action—using culture and gastronomy to foster dialogue, strengthen people-to-people connections and promote economic cooperation.

Guests had the opportunity to network while discovering the quality and diversity of Tunisian products, reinforcing the growing commercial and cultural links between Tunisia and South Africa.

A Lasting Legacy

The farewell reception celebrated more than the conclusion of a diplomatic posting. It recognised the lasting relationships, partnerships and initiatives developed during Ms Hasna Tizaoui Dkhillali’s tenure in South Africa.

Her contribution to advancing scientific cooperation, empowering women, promoting Tunisia’s world-renowned olive oil and strengthening bilateral engagement has left a meaningful legacy that will continue to support relations between Tunisia and South Africa.

As colleagues and friends gathered to wish her well, the occasion served as a reminder that diplomacy is built not only through official engagements but also through trust, friendship, cultural exchange and the enduring connections formed between people and nations.