South Africa’s new High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Heinrich Giovanni April, has formally begun his diplomatic assignment after presenting his credentials to President of Mauritius Dharambeer Gokhool at State House on 18 August 2026.
The presentation of credentials marked the formal beginning of April’s tenure as South Africa’s representative in Mauritius and provided an opportunity for both sides to review the longstanding relationship between the two countries and identify new areas for cooperation.
According to the Office of the President of Mauritius, April succeeds High Commissioner Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, who served in Mauritius from 2020 and was also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps at the conclusion of her tenure.
April was accompanied during the credential presentation by his spouse and Mr Matlhaba Mogadingwane, First Secretary – Political at the South African High Commission.
South Africa–Mauritius relations under review
During the meeting, President Gokhool and High Commissioner April reviewed the historical development of relations between Mauritius and South Africa.
The two countries’ relationship evolved from representative trade missions established in 1992 to the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1994.
Over the years, bilateral ties have expanded to include trade, tourism, education, technical cooperation and cultural exchanges, creating a broad foundation for continued engagement between the two countries.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of Mauritius’ longstanding engagement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Mauritius joined SADC in 1995, adding an important regional dimension to its relationship with South Africa.
The discussions therefore extended beyond bilateral relations to consider wider questions of regional integration, economic cooperation and the role of Southern African countries in advancing shared development priorities.
New opportunities for bilateral cooperation
The discussions between President Gokhool and High Commissioner April also explored opportunities to expand cooperation into emerging areas.
Particular attention was given to sectors including:
- Renewable energy
- Artificial intelligence
- Emerging technologies
- Economic cooperation
- Trade and investment
- Education
- Tourism
- Cultural exchanges
- Technical cooperation
- The Blue Economy
- Sustainable agriculture
The engagement also considered the particular challenges and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
These areas provide potential avenues for South Africa and Mauritius to build on their existing relationship while responding to changing economic, technological and environmental priorities.
Mauritius–South Africa Joint Commission
An important institutional mechanism discussed during the engagement was the Mauritius–South Africa Joint Commission, established under the General Cooperation Agreement signed in May 2023.
The Joint Commission provides a framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including economic, trade, educational and cultural affairs.
Its role is particularly relevant as both countries seek to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into expanded practical cooperation and economic opportunities.
For South Africa, such mechanisms also provide an avenue for government departments, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders to engage their Mauritian counterparts on areas of mutual interest.
Regional cooperation and SADC
Regional integration was another important element of the discussions.
Mauritius’ membership of SADC provides a direct connection between the island nation and the broader Southern African regional architecture. The discussions took place against the backdrop of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, being held in South Africa.
The meeting therefore placed South Africa–Mauritius relations within the wider context of regional cooperation and economic integration.
For the two countries, cooperation through regional institutions remains an important component of their engagement on economic development, trade and shared regional priorities.
G20 and South Africa’s international role
President Gokhool and High Commissioner April also reflected on South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first G20 Leaders’ Summit held on the African continent.
The South African G20 Presidency was conducted under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, with the resulting Leaders’ Declaration addressing a range of global challenges.
The discussions also referenced issues of particular importance to developing countries, including climate finance, debt restructuring, peace in conflict-affected regions and the interests of developing countries and Small Island Developing States.
This provides another layer to South Africa–Mauritius engagement, particularly given Mauritius’ position as a Small Island Developing State and its interests in areas such as climate resilience, sustainable development and the Blue Economy.
Heinrich Giovanni April: From Parliament to diplomacy
April’s appointment to Mauritius represents another chapter in a public service career that has included political and parliamentary responsibilities.
Heinrich Giovanni April was born on 9 April 1980. He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and previously served as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa from 2019 to 2024.
He was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on 22 May 2019 following the 2019 general election.
During his parliamentary career, April served on the:
- Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development
- Portfolio Committee on Tourism
His parliamentary experience placed him in two portfolios closely connected to economic development, entrepreneurship, tourism and the participation of businesses in the economy.
April did not stand for re-election to Parliament in the 2024 general election.
Political and organisational background
Before and alongside his parliamentary career, April held leadership responsibilities within the ANC.
His political background included serving as chairperson of the ANC’s Paul Plaatjies branch and chairperson of the party’s Youth League in the Bavumile Vilakazi region.
He also served as treasurer of the Ekurhuleni region and participated in a regional subcommittee.
This background formed part of his broader experience in political organisation, public leadership and stakeholder engagement before his transition into diplomatic representation.
A focus on economic and social cooperation
April’s early engagements as High Commissioner indicate an emphasis on broadening the relationship beyond traditional diplomatic interaction.
On 3 September 2026, the Government Information Service of Mauritius reported on April’s courtesy call with Deputy Prime Minister Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare.
The discussions focused particularly on women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and family welfare. April highlighted opportunities for training and empowering women and supporting women entrepreneurs through improved access to markets and economic opportunities.
The engagement also identified the Blue Economy and sustainable agriculture as areas where cooperation could be strengthened.
April stated that his priorities included consolidating the bilateral relationship and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, while broadening both bilateral and multilateral engagement.
Building on an established diplomatic relationship
April assumes the position following the tenure of Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, who President Gokhool recognised for her contribution to strengthening relations between Mauritius and South Africa during her tenure.
The change in leadership at the South African High Commission therefore takes place within an established diplomatic relationship rather than at its beginning.
The historical relationship between the two countries, the Mauritius–South Africa Joint Commission, their cooperation through SADC and their shared interests in economic development provide an existing institutional foundation for the new High Commissioner’s tenure.
The South African High Commission in Port Louis is located at the Maubank Building on Pope Hennessy Street and serves as South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Mauritius.
