Where Diplomacy Meets Community - Bulgarian Embassy Hosts IDSA
By Anisha Pemjee
29 September 2025
Nestled in South-Eastern Europe, Bulgaria offers a unique geographical positioning, serving as a gateway to both Central and Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, Bulgaria attracts millions of tourists each year, drawn to its scenic coastlines, ancient towns, thermal spring resorts, and its blend of Mediterranean and continental cuisine. Bulgarian wines, with centuries-old traditions behind them, offer an intriguing tasting experience for the South African palate.
On 12 September, the Residence of the Bulgarian Ambassador in Pretoria opened its doors to host the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) for their monthly Coffee Morning. The event was hosted by Simeon Kaymaktchiev, spouse Maria Pavlova, Ambassador of Bulgaria to South Africa.
IDSA is an organization made up of spouses of ambassadors and high commissioners. It plays an important role in building connections among the diplomatic community through social interaction, cultural exchange, and solidarity-driven outreach to marginalized communities in South Africa.
Present at the event were Winny Lamola, spouse of South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Roschelle Botes, spouse of the Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes.
The event combined warmth and cultural appreciation with a relaxed setting for exchange and networking. Guests were treated to a live performance by Aryan Kis, an emerging talent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose musical and artistic presentation entertained the attendees. Through a raffle draw Roschelle Botes was the winner of an artwork created live during the event by Kis.
Speaking to the Diplomatic Society, Ambassador Pavlova emphasized the shared values between Bulgaria and South Africa, including gender equality and support for vulnerable communities. The Ambassador also acknowledged the independent roles spouses play in advancing humanitarian and social causes beyond their diplomatic affiliations.
Bulgaria and South Africa share a long-standing relationship rooted in solidarity. Diplomatic ties were formalised in 1992, though the people-to-people connections stretch back to the time when Bulgaria supported the South African people during the apartheid struggle. Bulgaria provided material aid, humanitarian support, and educational opportunities to South African youth at Bulgarian universities during those years.
This enduring connection was reaffirmed during the official visit of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to South Africa in May 2023, where he and President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the historical depth and future potential of the relationship.
Read also: Radev’s visit set to invigorate relations between South Africa and Bulgaria
The bilateral relationship continues to evolve across political, economic, and cultural spheres. Priority areas of cooperation include ICT and fintech, renewable energy, automotive industries, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and education. South African companies have invested in Bulgaria’s retail and infrastructure sectors, and several Bulgarian universities are engaged in partnerships with institutions such as UNISA, Tshwane University of Technology, and Stellenbosch University.
Bulgaria continues to offer efficient consular services for South African travellers and encourages greater tourism exchange. The embassy’s hosting of IDSA’s September Coffee Morning was a gesture of diplomatic hospitality and a reflection of Bulgaria’s broader commitment to community, inclusion, and international cooperation.