3 May National Day in South Africa
05.05.2026
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria organized a ceremonial 3 May National Day celebration on 5 May 2026. Guests included numerous representatives of the Polish community in South Africa, representatives of the government and South African administration, and the diplomatic corps.
In his speech, Chargé d’affaires Jacek Chodorowicz emphasized that Poland and South Africa share a belief that freedom must be fought for and that it is not granted once and for all. The Constitution of 3 May 1791 was an act of courage and an expression of responsibility for the fate of the country in a difficult international situation.
During the ceremony, it was recalled that 3 May Constitution was a unique document, the first of its kind in Europe and the second in the world. Chargé d’affaires Jacek Chodorowicz noted that the contemporary Polish and South African constitutions were created at a similar time, and that both countries share the experience of political transformation.
The representative of the South African government, Director General of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Simphiwe Hamilton, expressed hope for intensified economic relations with Poland and appreciated the rapid development of our country over the last three decades.
The gathered guests were able to view an interesting exhibition on the geology of various regions of Poland, listen to classic Polish jazz, and sample traditional dishes.
Photos: Joanna Kruze and Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria
