Poland in South Africa

The Benedict the Pole awards were presented for the seventh time on Saturday, October 23, 2021, in the Ballroom of the Łańcut Castle. On this occasion, a symposium on "Polish research and exploration in an international context - Laureates of the Benedict the Pole 2021 Awards" was organized.

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria kindly informs that protests against the current monarchy system are increasing in the country. There may be acts of vandalism (setting fire to and looting shops, cars and businesses). Interruptions in access to telephone services and the Internet are possible.

As the world is slowly recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is entering an era of uncertainty. Faced with new threats and challenges, we need a fresh perspective on geopolitical realities. It is the strength of national economies that will ultimately ensure citizens’ security.

A momentous celebration took place on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Black Madonna Chapel in the Cathedral of Oudtshoorn (South Africa). Bishop Noel Rucastle, President of the Polish Association of Siberian Deportees in Africa, Stefan Szewczuk and the Consul of the Republic of Poland, Michał Gierwatowski, officially unveiled the commemorative stained glass windows that were funded as part of the Polish-South African historical project.

Please be informed that due to public holiday in South Africa the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and Consular Section in Pretoria will be closed on 1.11.2021.

Heritage Day celebrated nationwide on 24 September is one of South Africa's most beloved and popular holidays. Various events are organized throughout the country, which are an important element of education and promotion of the protection of national heritage.

Following the success of last year’s virtual European Film Festival, the 2021 edition will take place predominantly online from 14 to 24 October.

Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland would like to inform about the next consular duty in Cape Town, that will take place on 23-24 October 2021.

In his book The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli mentions a certain rule of history. He writes, not without a touch of irony, that “all armed prophets have conquered, and the unarmed ones have been destroyed.” But to every rule there is an exception, and unarmed prophets have been vindicated by history more than once. Even though the vindication usually comes late, it is no less emphatic. A perfect example of that is the historic victory of the Polish Solidarity movement and its extraordinary “Appeal to the Working People of Eastern Europe” proclaimed 40 years ago.

September 2021 marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Lem, one of the most widely read and known Polish science fiction writers, whose work is part of the canon of world literature. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland decided to commemorate this event and made 2021 the Year of Lem, which includes a number of events, such as exhibitions, conferences and festivals.