Embassies
- General
- Internal
- External
South Africa has embassies located all over the world. The importance of abiding to the principles of international law forms a vital part of the country’s foreign policy. Through its embassies, working within the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa seeks to align the development of the African continent with its own prosperity by promoting democratic humanitarian principles. There are also over a hundred embassies, high commissions and consulates in South Africa representing countries from every corner of the world.
Many countries have embassies in South Africa. The majority of these embassies are located in Pretoria and Cape Town, with a number of consulates and related branches found in the major cities of the nine provinces. Two countries, Lesotho and Swaziland, are located within South Africa’s borders and embassies serving these countries are also based in South Africa. This is true of the British High Commission in Pretoria, which represents British interests in all three countries and helps boost diplomatic relations by offering a wide range of services and even funding for various projects.
South Africa has over a hundred embassies, high commissions and consulates throughout the world. South Africa’s prominent position on the African continent, as well as its growing international relations, demand strong representation abroad. Good examples of such embassies include those based in the United Kingdom and the United States. The South African High Commission, in London’s Trafalgar Square, provides essential services and news on South Africa from the UK. Since 2009, South African citizens abroad have been given the right to vote in national elections.