South Africa’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Lungisani Dominic Ntombela, has formally begun his diplomatic assignment in Kazakhstan after presenting his Letters of Credence to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 19 August 2026.
The official ceremony took place at the Palace of Independence in Astana, where President Tokayev received the credentials of ambassadors representing nine countries.
President Tokayev welcomed the newly accredited ambassadors and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to a peaceful foreign policy, cooperation and international engagement. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic potential, efforts to attract foreign investment and ongoing political reforms.
Ambassador Ntombela was among the diplomats who formally presented their credentials to the Kazakh President, alongside ambassadors from Moldova, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Germany, Azerbaijan, Slovenia and Namibia.
The presentation of credentials is an important milestone in diplomatic relations, formally recognising an ambassador as the representative of their country in the host state.
A New Chapter in South Africa–Kazakhstan Relations
Ambassador Ntombela’s accreditation comes at a time when South Africa and Kazakhstan continue to explore opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.
The relationship between the two countries encompasses political dialogue, economic cooperation, trade, investment, education, culture and multilateral engagement.
Kazakhstan occupies an increasingly important position in Central Asia, while South Africa remains one of the continent’s major economic and diplomatic actors. The appointment of a new South African ambassador in Astana therefore provides an opportunity to strengthen engagement between South Africa and Kazakhstan and to identify areas of mutual interest.
The broader diplomatic environment also presents opportunities for cooperation in areas including investment, mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, science and technology, tourism and people-to-people relations.
Who Is Ambassador Lungisani Dominic Ntombela?
Lungisani Dominic Ntombela is a South African diplomat and career public servant with experience in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Public professional information identifies Ntombela as having worked at DIRCO, including in a Corporate Service Manager capacity. His professional profile also records studies at the University of Cape Town.
His experience within South Africa’s foreign-affairs administration provides a background in government operations and international relations as he takes on his new role representing South Africa in Kazakhstan.
The appointment places him at the centre of South Africa’s diplomatic engagement with Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region.
The Role of South Africa’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan
As South Africa’s representative in Kazakhstan, Ambassador Ntombela will be expected to advance South Africa’s foreign-policy objectives and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
This includes facilitating political and diplomatic dialogue, promoting economic and commercial opportunities, supporting cooperation between institutions and representing South African interests in Kazakhstan.
His work will also take place within the broader mandate of DIRCO, whose mission includes promoting South Africa’s national interests and values, advancing the African Renaissance, coordinating international relations and promoting South Africa’s foreign-policy objectives.
For South Africa, diplomatic representation in Astana is also significant given Kazakhstan’s strategic position in Central Asia and its growing role in regional and international affairs.
Kazakhstan’s Growing International Engagement
The credential ceremony took place against the backdrop of Kazakhstan’s continued efforts to strengthen its international partnerships.
President Tokayev told the newly accredited ambassadors that Kazakhstan remains committed to peace, security and cooperation both in Central Asia and beyond. He also emphasised the country’s openness to international investment and highlighted ongoing political reforms.
For South Africa, these priorities create potential areas for further engagement, particularly in economic diplomacy and investment.
The two countries can also engage through multilateral platforms, where South Africa and Kazakhstan share interests in strengthening international cooperation and promoting a more representative rules-based international system.
