The City of Tshwane’s multiparty coalition government reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the diplomatic community that is headquartered in our capital city.
This morning’s engagement with the Deans of Ambassadors was an important step in strengthening our partnerships and ensuring continued collaboration on matters of mutual interest.
The mayoral executive met with the following Deans of Ambassadors:
• HE Mr Salih Omar Abdu, Embassy of Eritrea
• HE Mr Andre Nzapayeke, Embassy of the Central African Republic
• HE Mr Youssouf Mahamat Itno Sagour, Embassy of Chad
• HE Mr Kabalan Frangieh, Embassy of Lebanon
• HE Mr Zainal Arif Mantaha, Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
• HE Mrs Sara Valdés Bolaño, Embassy of the United States of Mexico
• HE Mr Jacques Junior Baril, Embassy of the Republic of Haiti
• HE Mr Martin Karpeh, Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
The Deans of Ambassadors raised several key areas of concern regarding service delivery and the safety of its officers stationed in Tshwane.
The safety of residents and visitors remains a key priority of this administration.
The mayoral executive, in response to concerns raised, stressed that the City is a heading rolling out the Reclaim Our City campaign, which is targeted at reviving the city, but also deals with the criminal elements that have become too common in Tshwane.
We are also determined to make life easy and accessible for our diplomatic community, and we are fast-tracking efforts to be more responsive to the service delivery gaps that exist in Tshwane.
The meeting also discussed the important work currently underway in preparation for the City of Tshwane and the City of Johannesburg co-hosting the 2025 Urban20Mayors Summit.
Embassies will play a crucial role in the meetings to be held in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
We recognise that Tshwane is home to a vibrant and diverse diplomatic corps and, as a coalition government, we value the role that embassies and high commissions play in fostering international cooperation, investment and cultural exchange.
Our administration remains committed to maintaining stability, good governance and open channels of communication with the diplomatic community.
While there has been a change in political leadership, we are confident that this government will remain stable and effective until the 2026 local government elections.
The multiparty coalition has demonstrated resilience and a shared commitment to service delivery and governance excellence and to ensuring that Tshwane remains a city that is welcoming to the international community.
We look forward to deepening our engagement with diplomatic partners, leveraging international best practices and working together to address shared challenges.
The coalition government is committed to fostering an environment that attracts investment, promotes economic development and enhances the quality of life of all residents of Tshwane.
We extend our gratitude to the Deans of Ambassadors for their continued engagement and partnership.
Together, we will build a stronger, more globally connected Tshwane.