South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations with Belgium following the presentation of Letters of Credence by Her Excellency Dr Malebo Mabitje-Thompson to His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, on 7 October 2026.

The formal diplomatic ceremony marks an important milestone in South Africa’s diplomatic engagement with the Kingdom of Belgium and presents opportunities to advance cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and other areas of mutual interest.

The South African Embassy in Brussels highlighted the occasion, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Advancing South Africa–Belgium Relations

South Africa and Belgium maintain diplomatic and economic relations that create opportunities for cooperation across trade, investment, industrial development and innovation.

Belgium is an important European partner for South Africa, particularly through its industrial and commercial networks and its position within the wider European market. These connections offer opportunities to strengthen business partnerships, promote investment and facilitate access to international markets for South African enterprises.

The appointment of Dr Mabitje-Thompson brings extensive experience in industrial policy, economic development, investment facilitation and public-sector administration to South Africa’s diplomatic representation in Belgium.

Her professional background is particularly relevant to advancing economic diplomacy and strengthening links between South African businesses and international markets.

Through diplomatic engagement, South Africa seeks to promote investment opportunities, expand export markets, facilitate partnerships and support the internationalisation of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

From Economic Policy to Economic Diplomacy

Dr Mabitje-Thompson brings more than two decades of experience spanning the private manufacturing sector and senior public-sector leadership.

Her career has been closely associated with South Africa’s industrial development agenda, particularly initiatives designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, support industrial investment and broaden participation in the economy.

Before taking up her diplomatic appointment, she held senior leadership positions at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), including serving as Acting Director-General. She also served as Acting Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in early 2026.

Her transition into diplomacy brings together economic policy experience and the responsibilities of representing South Africa’s interests internationally.

Who Is Dr Malebo Mabitje-Thompson?

Dr Malebo Mabitje-Thompson is a South African public servant, economist and senior administrator with extensive experience in industrial development, economic policy, public-sector financing and investment promotion.

She is recognised for her leadership within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, where she held several senior management positions and contributed to the implementation of programmes aimed at strengthening South Africa’s industrial base.

Education and Early Career

Dr Mabitje-Thompson holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management and Economics and a BCom Honours degree in Economics from Nelson Mandela University.

She subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Globalisation and Economic Development, graduating cum laude, from the University of Antwerp in Belgium.

Her academic background combines economics, business management and international development, providing a foundation for her work in industrial policy and economic administration.

Before joining the public service, she spent eight years in South Africa’s private manufacturing sector, focusing on capital project finance and operational control. This experience gave her insight into industrial operations, investment decisions and the practical challenges faced by businesses.

Leadership at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Dr Mabitje-Thompson joined the Department of Trade and Industry in 2006, subsequently progressing into senior leadership positions within the department.

During her career, she served as Chief Operations Officer in the Industrial Development Division before being appointed Deputy Director-General responsible for Industrial Financing in 2014.

In these roles, she was involved in major industrial development initiatives, including the Black Industrialists Programme and Special Economic Zones. These initiatives support industrial investment, manufacturing capacity, economic transformation and employment creation.

Her work also encompassed industrial development strategies at regional level, including engagement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

She has also been associated with efforts to strengthen local procurement and promote South African products and businesses through initiatives such as Proudly South African.

Acting Director-General and UIF Leadership

Dr Mabitje-Thompson subsequently served as Acting Director-General of the dtic during periods of organisational transition, taking on responsibilities associated with the department’s strategic leadership and administration.

In early 2026, she assumed the role of Acting Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. In this capacity, she was associated with engagements aimed at strengthening stakeholder relations, supporting service delivery and communicating the Fund’s priorities to employers and other stakeholders.

Her experience across industrial development, public administration and economic policy has shaped a career spanning several important areas of South Africa’s economic governance.

South Africa’s Ambassador to Belgium

Dr Mabitje-Thompson’s presentation of Letters of Credence to King Philippe on 7 October 2026 formally marked her accreditation as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium.

Her diplomatic responsibilities also encompass the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and South Africa’s Mission to the European Union.

Her experience in economic policy and industrial development offers a strong foundation for advancing South Africa’s economic diplomacy, including promoting trade and investment, building institutional partnerships and identifying opportunities for South African companies to access international markets.