Launch of the South African Consulate in Belgrade

30 September 2025

The South African Non-resident Ambassador to Serbia, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela had a working visit to Serbia and held a meeting with Marko Đurić, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary General, Dušan Kozarev on 11 September 2025. They addressed a gathering of key stakeholders during the official launch of the new South African Consulate in Belgrade. Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela was accompanied by the Honorary Consul, Prof Marko Bumbaširević.

In his address and message of support, Minister Đurić stated that Serbia and South Africa do not only share diplomatic relations, but also decades-long friendship based on common values, solidarity and respect for the principles of international law.

He emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations between both countries and indicated that there will be consideration of symbolic actions that can be undertaken in Serbia to cultivate the memory of Nelson Mandela, who championed peace and held high the torch of freedom, internationally.

The Ambassador conveyed South Africa’s appreciation of the proposed initiatives by Serbia to build on Nelson Mandela’s legacy and strengthen bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation between both countries.

Earlier, the Ambassador met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Serbia (CCIS), Mr Marko Čadež. They discussed opportunities for business-to-business engagements with counterparts, including the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), and the possible opening of the CCIS representation office in South Africa by 2026.

The Ambassador also held a working meeting with the Director of the Museum of African Art, Dr Marija Aleksić and colleagues on potential partnerships with relevant SA Heritage, Arts and Culture institutions towards Serbia’s EXPO 2027.
    
The launch of the SA Consulate in Belgrade is a massive step forward in strengthening relations between South Africa and Serbia. Prof Bumbaširević will undertake his responsibilities on a volunteer basis and will be supported by the Consulate Secretary, Mr Miloš Dimitrijević.

South Africa Honorary Consulate Information
•    Honorary Consul: Prof Marko Bumbaširević
•    Location: Stojana Novakovica 25, 11000 Belgrade
•    Office Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays | 14:00 – 17:00
•    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
•    Telephone: +381 63 101 7265

Text, photos and videoa: South African Embassy in Athens, Greece