A Night of Diplomacy, Strings of Friendship and Music: Slovak’s National Day with Slovak Aurum Quartet
By Ziyanda Mngadi
3 October 2025
The Slovak Embassy in Pretoria celebrated its National Day on 30 September at the Miriam Makeba Concert Hall at the University of South Africa (UNISA), the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. This was an evening of diplomacy, culture, and music that delighted guests and reaffirmed the strong ties between The Slovak Republic and South Africa.
Ambassador Vladimír Grácz of the Slovak Republic welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and South African leaders to the intimate, modern concert hall for a memorable evening. He opened the event by introducing the Slovak Aurum Quartet, the only professional clarinet quartet in the Slovak Republic, founded in 2020 at the Conservatory in Bratislava. Its members—Albín Blaho, Šimon Štímel, Martina Lišková and Ronald Šebesta—are both graduates and teachers of this prestigious institution, and they perform in leading orchestras including the Slovak Philharmonic, the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior of The Slovak Republic.
The Quartet began the evening with stirring renditions of both the Slovak and South African National Anthems, setting the tone for a celebration that intertwined respect, unity, and cultural expression. As they moved through a repertoire of ten pieces—including Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute, Gershwin’s Summertime, and Khachaturian’s electrifying Sabre Dance—the hall came alive with applause. Guests clapped enthusiastically after each performance, and the musicians bowed four times between their sets, the joy and energy of the evening rising with every note.
In his welcoming address Ambassador Vladimir Grácz reflected on the Republic of Slovak’s journey since independence and the country’s shared democratic milestones with South Africa and he highlighted the Republic of Slovak’s growing partnership with South Africa. He also paid tribute to one of the evening’s organizers, Mr. Miguel Mendez, a cultural bridge-builder from Nicaragua, with an incredible imprint on Slovak culture, whose collaboration helped bring this concert to life in partnership with UNISA.
The Ambassador then raised a toast, welcoming South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, as guest of honour. Minister Gwarube expressed her gratitude for the invitation, noting: “Slovakia and South Africa share a diplomatic relationship characterized by economic cooperation, evidenced by our Joint Council on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), and both countries are known for their distinct agricultural and culinary traditions. South Africa is happy to find a friend in the Slovak Republic, a beacon of knowledge and advocacy. On behalf of the South African Government, I extend a profound thanks.” She also emphasized the importance of partnerships such as those with the European Union (EU), underscoring how cooperation fosters sustainable development and economic growth.
What followed was an evening that blended high diplomacy with cultural celebration. Guests were treated not only to the brilliance of the Slovak Aurum Quartet but also to a cocktail reception that encouraged networking, conversation, and renewed bonds of friendship. The combination of music and diplomacy created an atmosphere both joyous and profound—an affirmation that despite geographical distance, The Slovak Republic and South Africa remain close partners in values, culture, and cooperation.
As the applause echoed and the Slovak Aurum Quartet bowed for the final time, the night ended on a note of unity, celebration, and optimism for the future.
Ziyanda Mngadi is a Public Relations and Communications specialist