South African Consulate General

Welcome to the website of the South African Consulate-General, in the state of New York, U.S.A. The Consulate-General promotes South Africa’s interests in the Eastern seaboard of the United States.

As such, the Consulate provides consular, civic and passport services to South Africans in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Accordingly, we aim to foster excellent relations between South Africa and states in the Eastern seaboard through focusing on promoting the strategic goals on enhancement of relations around trade and investments, Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as on Education and Training. These goals are aimed to support South Africa’s priorities that have been identified by our Government.

Notice of Office Closure

Kindly note that the South African Consulate General in New York will be closed to the public from 25 December 2023 to 1 January 2024. Our office will re-open on Tuesday, 2 January 2024.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR CHAUFFEUR

8 December 2023

The South African Consulate General in New York hereby invites applications from suitably qualified individuals with the necessary and adequate qualifications and experience:

Chauffeur (1 post)
View Advertisement

Interested applicants should submit their applications to consular.ny@dirco.gov.za.

16 Days of Activism

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days observed annually during this 16-day period include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

The campaign will be launched on 25 November 2023, in Mpumalanga Province, and the theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 is: “Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence & femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”.

The theme speaks to the importance of ensuring an all-society and multi-faceted approach to fight GBVF. The sub-theme seeks to address barriers women face in safely accessing water and sanitation in South Africa.

Disability Rights Awareness Month

3 November - 3 December

South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness Month annually between 3 November and 3 December. 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and is also celebrated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day.

Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person's lifetime.

The Disability Awareness Month offers an opportunity for all of us to remove these barriers and to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through concrete action.

The Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities is responsible for driving the government’s equity, equality and empowerment agenda in terms of those living with disabilities.

From the Desk of the President

20 November 2023

Let us promote dialogue and meaningful engagement so that, as South Africans, we may work together to support the realisation of just, peaceful and secure future for the people of both Palestine and Israel.

tinyurl.com/mpbn4hmw

Come and visit South Africa!

TBCSA Tourism Business Council of South Africa: Visit South Africa

The South African Consulate General, New York congratulates Mr Trevor Noah and the entire tourism ecosystem in South Africa on this masterpiece video showcasing our country's unmatched tourism offerings. We invite the world to view this iconic video, but one can only understand its deep message by visiting South Africa and meeting its dynamic people.

Made in Africa Expo

2-4 November 202
Nasrec Expo Center
Johannesburg, South Africa

The primary goal of the Made in Africa Exhibition is to create a platform for key stakeholders to exchange ideas and showcase new and existing products and technologies.

This Exhibition serves as a strategic tool to connect buyers and sellers in the Mining, Automotive, Textile, and Agriculture sectors across AGOA member countries. More information.

Media Statement

Minister Pandor clarifies the content of her discussion with the leader of Hamas

17 October 2023

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) wishes to confirm that Minister Naledi Pandor received a request to call the Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss getting Humanitarian Aid to Palestine.

During the call, and In line with the Government’s position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives both Palestinians and Israelis.

Minister Pandor and the Hamas Leader discussed how to get the necessary Humanitarian Aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian Territories.

The reports that Minister Pandor also offered support for the “Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood” are untrue and meant to impugn the Minister and the Government of South Africa.

Minister Pandor’s call with the Hamas leader is in line with South Africa’s readiness to engage all interlocutors as part of facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing conflict.

South Africa therefore calls on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence, and for the international community to actively advocate for the implementation of its own international resolutions and establish a credible peace process.

South Africa stands ready to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution as it has done on the continent and around the world.

Enquiries:

Mr Clayson Monyela
Spokesperson for DIRCO
Tel: +011 27 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

DIRCO Travel Smart App

This application is free to use, and provides easy access to consular services in the different diplomatic missions of South Africa. Together we move South Africa forward.

Who We Are and What We Do

The Chief Directorate: Consular Services works in close collaboration with the Consular Sections of the South African Diplomatic Missions (High Commissions, Embassies, and Consulates-General) abroad and the services listed are often performed through or in conjunction with our Diplomatic Missions abroad. If you need Consular assistance whilst abroad, you can contact the Consular Section of the South African Diplomatic Mission in the country directly. Alternatively you could obtain the information via the DIRCO's switchboard in Pretoria at (012) 351-1000 during office hours (08:00 – 16:30).

Emergency Consular services are available on a 24-hour basis. For emergency services you may contact the Chief Directorate: Consular Services during office hours and the DIRCO's Operations Room in Pretoria at telephone number (012) 351-1000/0035 after-hours. Officials at our Operations Room will liaise with the Chief Directorate: Consular Services, which will be available to provide guidance and assistance after hours and over weekends.

Assistance for South Africans Abroad

For assistance when abroad contact the nearest South African Representative or the Department, Chief Directorate: Consular Services in Pretoria. Depending on the service required a valid form of identification may be requested. You may wish to first call to determine the processes / documents that will be required.

Consular Services are of an advisory and non-financial nature and are provided free of charge, unless otherwise specified.

Download the App:

Google Play: tinyurl.com/yc47tbz8
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/travel-smart/id6446180597

Invitation to US Investors and Buyers

On November 2 through 4 2023, South Africa will be hosting the historic AGOA FORUM at the Johannesburg NASREC Expo Centre.

Building on this occasion, the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (dtic), is seeking to attract senior executives from US companies, who are either currently invested in South Africa, or those who may be looking for future business opportunities there, to attend a program of activities arranged around the margins of the AGOA FORUM.

In support of this initiative, the South African Consulate General in New York is therefore seeking to recruit US investors and buyers to attend this event. During their visit, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with senior government officials, businesspeople, and other relevant organizations. Travel sponsorship may be available to qualified companies.

For more details, please contact Mr. Jeff Govan at Govanj@dirco.gov.za (US Investor Program) or Ms. Bing Alo-Villareal at Alo-VillarealB@dirco.gov.za (US Buyer Program).

More information

September is Heritage Month

Theme: “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”

Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September. It is celebrated to mark our nation’s diverse culture and heritage.

Government calls on all South Africans to use Heritage Month to foster greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared national identity.

The celebration of Heritage Month has created a conducive environment for all people to embrace and celebrate what was inherited or bequeathed to us by our forebears.

South African Pavilion at NY NOW

13-16 August 2023
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City

The Jewellery Council of South Africa (JCSA) and the DTIC proudly presents ten (10) South African jewelry designers and manufacturers at the NY NOW show held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from 13 – 16 August 2023.

View images at tinyurl.com/mryyp9af

Exhibiting members were:

• Janine Binneman Jewellery (www.janinebinneman.com)
• AthenaA (www.brandathenaa.co.za)
• iloni (www.ilonidesigns.com)
• Minitza (www.minitza.co.za)
• Mohurutse Jewellery (www.store.mohurutze.co.za)
• Nina Bosch (www.ninabosch.co.za)
• me.mi (Oroafrica and Design www.memijewellery.com)
• Rok Originals (www.rokoriginals.com)
• Kelli Lutrin Jewellery (www.kellilutrinjewellery.co.za)
• SinceNow Jewels & Accessories (www.sincenowaccessories.yolasite.com).

For more details please contact:

Ms. Lorna Lloyd
Chief Executive Officer
The Jewellery Council of South Africa
https://www.jewellery.org.za/
Email: admin@jewellery.org.za
Tel: +27 11 484-5528

August is Women's Month

Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month, where we pay tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. The year 2023 marks the 67th Anniversary since the march.

The National Women’s Month programme is based on the ongoing interventions across the work of government, civil society and the private sector within the context of the national priorities outlined by government.

Women’s Month allows us to gauge how far we have come in transforming society, particularly the transformation of unequal power relations between women and men. While also focusing on and addressing gender oppression, patriarchy, sexism, racism, ageism, structural oppression, and creating a conducive environment which enables women to take control of their lives.

July is Nelson Mandela Month

The 10-year anniversary presents the world an opportunity to introspect as we evaluate the gains and losses over the last decade. Madiba’s vision for a democratic and free country where all live harmoniously and enjoy equal opportunities remains an ideal for many and a goal that we are working towards. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has dedicated its 2023 Nelson Mandela Day activities and programmatic work for the year to remind the nation and the world that the South Africa of our dreams is the South Africa of Madiba’s vision and values. By reflecting on the passing of Madiba 10 years ago, the foundation challenges the people of South Africa and the world to carry out the unfinished work of Nelson Mandela. This is why the 10-year remembrance call to action is The Legacy Lives on Through You.

Since the recognition of Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in November 2009, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has had to use adaptive measures for the ever-changing socio-economic landscape of South Africa and the world at large. The year 2023 marks the opportunity for the foundation’s efforts to align local and international concerns – Climate, Food & Solidarity. The world today is beset by seemingly insurmountable challenges such as persistent inequality, conflict and deepening poverty. Climate change and the intersecting threat of increasing food insecurity have both a local and global impact.

On Mandela Day this year, it is the vision of the Nelson Mandela Foundation for the world to unite and decisively act against climate change and food insecurity by planting trees, and establishing or working in community and home-based food gardens. This work is a continuation and expansion of the community-based food gardens, home-based food gardens as well as the One Million Trees Initiative started in 2022.

Africa Fine Foods Pavilion at the 2023 New York Summer Fancy Food Show

Shisanyama in Celebration of Youth Day

June is Youth Month

Theme: Accelerating collaborations and opportunities to improve the lives of the youth

The year 2023 marks 47 years since the 1976 Student Uprising.

In 1994, June 16 was declared as the commemoration of National Youth Day in South Africa. This is the day the country reflects on the massacre of school children during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Each year, June 16 is, therefore, a day to recognize the struggles of the youth of 76 and celebrate the impact they brought to the liberation of our country.

Africa Month

On Thursday, 25 May 2023, South Africa will once again join the nations of our continent in celebrating Africa Day as the day on which we commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) 60 years ago, and its transformation 20 years ago into the African Union.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the national Africa Day celebrations at the Cradle of Humankind. Africa Month 2023 is celebrated under the theme: “Deepening the AU Vision for Unity, Prosperity and Modernity for a Better Africa and a Better World”.

Remarks by Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. David Masondo, at the Launch of Rand Merchant Bank United States

18 May 2023

"..South Africa’s bilateral cooperation with the US continues uninterrupted. The US is a key partner for South Africa on issues of trade, peace, security and development agenda. We have a strong and longstanding relationship that we can rely on".

Access Deputy Minister Masondo's full speech at https://tinyurl.com/3pav7bnf.

Film Industry Luncheon

12 May 2023

The South African Consulate General successfully hosted an Industry Luncheon with African Film Festival, Inc. on Friday, 12 May 2023, which allowed filmmakers from Africa to have interactions with US film promoters and distributors with a view to provide a market access platform for the African creative products.

For more information about the African Film Festival and its 30th anniversary, please visit https://africanfilmny.org/.

Freedom Day Reception

The Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations and the South African Consulate General in New York jointly hosted a Freedom Day event on 27 April 2023.

In her keynote remarks, H.E. Ambassador Mathu Joyini, South Africa's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, recalled amongst others that, “It would constitute a grave oversight for South Africa not to recognize the solidarity we received from the international community in our quest to be liberated as a people”. Ambassador Joyini further paid tribute to the late Harlem-born American artist and activist Harry Belafonte who used his fame and fortune to mobilise the international community against apartheid and campaigned hard for the release of Nelson Mandela and other South African pollical prisoners.

Ms. Fernanda Perez Villareal, Legal Advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, reaffirmed the friendship between the City of New York and South Africa.

Consistent with the theme of the event, “Consolidating and Safeguarding Our Democratic Gains,” a 102-photo exhibition by renowned South African photographer, Dr. Peter Magubane, titled “Nelson Mandela: Man of the People” was on display.

New York-based South African jazz musician, Lesedi Ntsane, with his quintet, entertained the guests with popular South African jazz standards.

South African Freedom Day Flag Raising Event Celebrating 29 Years of Freedom

New York City Celebrates South Africa’s Freedom Day

Against an exciting backdrop of music and dance, New York City Mayor Eric Adams raised the brightly colored South Africa flag high above Bowling Green Park as he proclaimed April 27, 2023, South Africa’s Freedom Day in the city of New York.
Read the full article at bit.ly/3LwdJLJ

Images from South African Flag Raising Ceremony and Proclamation of Freedom Day

Film Screening: Standing On Their Shoulders

24 April 2023

In celebration of South Africa's 29th Freedom Day, the Consulate, in collaboration with the New York African Film Festival (AFF), hosted the screening of “Standing on Their Shoulders” by award-winning South African filmmaker, Ms. Xoliswa Sithole at New York University (NYU) Africa House.

The film celebrates and highlights the pivotal role played by South African women such as Lillian Ngoyi, Winnie Mandela, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, Charlotte Maxeke and many more, in the attainment of South Africa’s Freedom.

In a post-screening discussion Ms Sithole joined a via Zoom, she highlighted the importance of women, particularly the youth, in taking up “their rightful spaces” because they equally have the capacity to lead.

Invitation from Transnet Engineering to a Partner Selection Process

Invitation from Transnet Engineering (TE) to a Partner Selection Process (PSP) Ref: TE/2023/04/0019/26626/RFP to establish a Rolling Stock Leasing Company. 14 April 2023

Transnet is inviting local and international investors interested in partnering with Transnet in the development and implementation of a capital asset leasing commercial venture, to submit Proposals in response to this RFP Procurement Process. The objective of the capital asset leasing commercial venture is to pursue domestic (South African) and regional leasing opportunities in rail rolling stock and port equipment.

Request for Proposal: TE/2023/04/0019/26626/RFP

BID CLARIFICATION MEETINGS: May 8, 2023
Session 1 will be at 09H00 SAST | 3:00 am New York Time
Session 2 will be at 15H00 SAST | 9:00 am New York Time
BID SUBMISSION DATE: June 30, 2023
BID SUBMISSION TIME: 17H00 SAST | 11:00 am New York Time
BID VALIDITY PERIOD: 12 months from Bid Submission Date

The tender was published on the Transnet E-Tender portal, as well as the National Treasury Electronic Tender Portal.

Enquiries: Mr Aaron Mabena
Manager: Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO)
Email: Aaron.mabena@transnet.net
Mobile no: +27 63 645 9379

April is Freedom Month

Freedom Day is the commemoration of the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. These were the first post-apartheid national elections to be held in South Africa where anyone could vote regardless of race.

Although we have made remarkable progress since 1994, the spectre of inequality, poverty and unemployment remains one of the most glaring impediments to South Africa’s goal of national unity and social cohesion.

We also dare not forget the terrible past from which we have come, nor should we forget the many sacrifices made by patriots to ensure our democracy and freedom. Our history abounds with selfless patriots who paved the way for a democratic and free South Africa.

NB: Passport and Birth Registration in New York

Due to unforeseen challenges, applicants from the states/islands listed below covered by the South African Consulate General in New York will be temporarily required to submit their passport and birth registration application forms/documentation in-person. Normal operations will be restored once challenges have been addressed.

Applicants under the jurisdiction of the South African Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Embassy of South Africa in Washington DC can still send their applications as per the usual arrangement.

Town of West Hartford

We thank Deputy Mayor Liam Sweeney from the Town of West Hartford and the town's senior officials, including the leadership of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, for an engaging session that focused on a number of potential areas of cooperation between South Africa and Connecticut.

Metro Hartford Alliance

South African Consulate General delegates had an informative session with Mr. Gene Goddard, Chief Investment Officer of Metro Hartford Alliance where they were briefed on trade and investment opportunities and developments between South Africa and Connecticut, that included the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference.

Black Business Alliance

During their two-day State Outreach Visit to Connecticut, delegates from the South African Consulate General had a meeting with the leadership of Black Business Alliance where they discussed possible areas of cooperation with the view to enhance trade and investment relations between South Africa and Connecticut.

March is Human Rights Month

Human Rights Month is commemorated in March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. Human Rights Day on 21 March falls within this period.

The 1960s were characterised by systematic defiance and protest against apartheid and racism across the country. On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships, like their fellow compatriots across the country, embarked on a protest march to protest against pass laws. The apartheid police shot and killed 69 of the protesters at Sharpeville, many of them shot while fleeing. Many other people were killed in other parts of the country. The tragedy came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre and it exposed the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights to the world.

The democratic government declared 21 March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for our liberation and the rights we enjoy today.

Our Constitution is hailed as one of the most progressive in the world. The Constitution is the ultimate protector of our Human Rights, which were previously denied to the majority of our people under Apartheid. We commemorate Human Rights Day to reinforce our commitment to the Bill of Rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

These rights include:

Equality – everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
Human dignity – everyone has inherent dignity and have their dignity respected and protected.
Freedom of movement and residence – everyone has a right to freedom of movement and to reside anywhere in the country.
Language and culture – everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice.
Life - everyone has the right to life.

Whether we are at the workplace, within communities, at schools, or with our partners and children, we all need to demonstrate the kind of responsibility that we would like to see in our country’s future.

We call on all South Africans to use Human Rights Month to foster greater social cohesion, nation-building and a shared national identity. It is our duty as a nation to strive for inclusive socio-economic development while ensuring that we combat scourges such as racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all related intolerances as well as gender-based violence and femicide, which are undermining our human rights culture.

State of the Nation Address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 9 February 2023 at 7pm. The address will take place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament.

The address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. It demonstrates that South Africa’s democracy remains robust.

In the address, President Cyril Ramaphosa will set out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock our nation’s potential.

During his address, the President will also highlight what has been achieved since his last address in 2022. He will also reflect on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

Remarks by Dr Motumisi Tawana, Consul General of South Africa in New York and Chairman of African Consuls General Group (ACGG) at the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Event held at Essex County College on 24 January 2023.

State of the Borough Address

31 January 2023

"It was great talking to Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President. He delivered the state of the Manhattan Borough address". - Consul General Motumisi Tawana.

South African Cultural Artifacts at Essex County College

24 January 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial