Poland in South Africa

During her active, almost forty-year social activity, Ms. Barbara Kukulska was the president of the Polish Association in Johannesburg, the editor-in-chief of the South African "Wiadomości Polonijne" (Polish News), a member of the Polish Diaspora Consultative Council to the Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland and the initiator of the creation of the Polish Association of Siberian Deportees in Africa. A Master of Science in Textile Engineering and a specialist in management, she designed the banner of the Polish Association in Johannesburg, which was donated by the Senate of the Republic of Poland and the "Polish Community" Association in 2003, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Union. For numerous merits, Barbara Kukulska was awarded the "Pro Memoria" and "Pro Patria" medals awarded by the Head of the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression, and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Posthumously, by the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, for outstanding services in popularizing Polish history, tradition and culture, as well as for social activity and activities for the Polish community in South Africa, Barbara Kukulska was awarded the Commander's Cross with the Star of the Rebirth of Poland.

Ms Barbara Kukulska's social activity contributed significantly to the creation of a positive image of Poland in South Africa, inspired to act and organize the life of the Polish diaspora. Her active involvement in the activities also served to maintain national, cultural and social communication between Poles and mutual aid.

Representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria were present at the farewell ceremony of Barbara Kukulska: the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to South Africa Andrzej Kanthak, the Consul of the Republic of Poland Michał Gierwatowski and Defense Attaché, Col. Dariusz Siekiera. The Ambassador emphasized in his speech that the death of Barbara Kukulska is a great and irreparable loss not only for the Polish community, but for all of us. A great activist has passed away and will remain in our memory forever.

Only a small group of 50 mourners could participate in the funeral ceremonies, which were organized with all precautions and compliance with the South African sanitary regime regarding the principles of safe functioning and during the pandemic.