Poland in South Africa

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria hosted a solemn farewell to Father Bogdan Wilkaniec, who served as a priest in South Africa in the years 1999 - 2022. The meeting was attended by the Polish Ambassador to South Africa, Andrzej Kanthak, and the Consul of the Republic of Poland, Michał Gierwatowski.

On April 25 - May 1, 2022 a delegation from the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) paid a working visit to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The main purpose of the trip was to promote the flagship project of the Institute - "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” - and the opening of the restored Polish cemetery in Rusape (Zimbabwe).

On May 5, 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria solemnly celebrated the National Day of the 3 May Constitution. On 3 May 1791, Poland adopted the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world. It reflected the ideals of enlightenment, law, freedoms and religious tolerance, becoming one of the most significant symbols of Polish statehood and independence.

An article by the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, “Solidarity in the face of Russian aggression” was published in the Polish monthly “Wszystko Co Najważniejsze”. We encourage you to read the content of the article.

The Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Johannesburg organized an exclusive screening of the documentary "Nobody told me" directed by Sean O'Sullivan, based on the story of Wanda Albińska and her brave mother, Dr Halina Rotstein, who was murdered in Treblinka in 1942, after deportation from the Warsaw ghetto.

Please be informed that due to the Polish public holiday the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and Consular Section in Pretoria will be closed on 2-3 May 2022.

A special permit of the Ukrainian ministers of culture and defence, hasty evacuation, a long journey: all that to reach the destination in the end – Warsaw. It is here that the rehearsals to the European concert tour of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra began. The programme addressed the heroism of the defenders of Ukraine, the drama of the murdered, yet at the same time it instils hope for victory.

Easter is the most important holiday of the year and is deeply rooted in Polish culture and tradition. It brings new hope and is inseparably connected with life. Easter abounds in folk traditions and customs, some of which are still vividly cultivated, and some are increasingly disappearing. The Easter breakfast tradition is still alive. Beautiful Easter palms are still created, Easter eggs painted with enthusiasm and the priests bless the food which the faithful bring to church every year on Holy Saturday. The popularity of Smingus-Dyngus Day does not decrease.

Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland would like to inform about the next consular duty in Durban, that will take place on 7-8 May 2022.

Please be informed that due to the Polish public holiday the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and Consular Section in Pretoria will be closed on 15-18 April 2022.