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Consular appointments

To make an appointment please select a time slot for your Consular visit Forms to be completed in English only. 

Click on an available time slot below and fill in your details. 

If the slot is greyed out it is not available. Embassy holidays are also greyed out.

Please be sure of your appointment availability before booking as you will need to email the consular section on visa@dirco.gov.za if you need to cancel an appointment.

Agencies to kindly book one time slot for each applicant. 

Please contact the embassy Consular section for emergencies.

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South Africa offers its deepest condolences to Japan following a series of deadly earthquakes experienced in the country’s west coast region

Media Statement

3 January 2024

South Africa offers its deepest condolences to Japan following a series of deadly earthquakes experienced in the country’s west coast region

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, offered South Africa’s sincere condolences to the Government and people of Japan following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, which hit the country’s west coast on 1 January 2024 at 16h00.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake has led to extensive loss of life and rising numbers of severe injuries in the aftermath of the earthquake. In the ensuing five hours following the earthquake, a swarm of approximately 30 earthquakes were reported throughout Japan.

Minister Pandor said that the Government and people of South Africa’s prayers are with the Government and the people of Japan, particularly the families who have lost their loved ones, in the wake of this tragedy. She further commended the tireless efforts of the rescue and emergency personnel participating in the ongoing rescue operation.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria

0084

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SACCJ Event

Register: https://saccj.com/event-5457349
Please note that you must be pre-registered to attend this event.

Join the SACCJ for an enlightening event that delves into the world of entrepreneurship, focusing on importing and exporting products between Japan, South Africa and other African states. Gain valuable insights from industry experts, understand the challenges and requirements, and explore opportunities for business growth and collaboration.

Date and Time: November 2, 18:30 – 20:30 JST
18:30 – 19:30 – Learn from our expert panel of guests
19:30 – 20:30 – An opportunity to network with speakers and event attendees while enjoying some light snacks and wine.

Price: SACCJ Members: ¥3000 / Non-members: ¥3500

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Delegation for a hydrogen economy in South Africa visits Japan.

The engagements profiled the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy and promoted collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap’s key outcomes,” the department said.

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.

The GX Plenary was hosted by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Minister also addressed the Sixth Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which was attended by ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.

On Monday, the DSI hosted a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.

The aim of the workshop, the department said, was for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.

The engagements concluded on 27 September 2023.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

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HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATES SA’S RICH TAPESTRY OF CULTURES

Heritage Month is an opportunity for all South Africans to reconnect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, Celebrating our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa ‒ an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey and also embrace the complexities that come with nation-building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.

“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.

“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.

“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.

“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy had seen significant gains.

“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation-building.

“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.

“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za