South African high commissioner accredited |09 August 2017

South African high commissioner to Seychelles, Her Royal Highness Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, yesterday presented her credentials to President Danny Faure in a traditional ceremony at State House.

President Faure welcomed Princess Mandela-Dlamimi to Seychelles and on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, congratulated her in her new role as the high commissioner of South Africa to Seychelles.

“I am honoured and privileged to welcome you to the shores of Seychelles on the occasion of your accreditation visit. We very much look forward to working with you during your tenure in office, and bolstering the bilateral relations between Seychelles and South Africa to even greater heights,” said President Faure

“In terms of the bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Seychelles, the collaboration is robust and we acknowledge the important role South Africa has played in the last years and continues to play to spearhead many important initiatives in Africa,” added President Faure.

During the meeting, President Faure and HRH Zenami N Dlamimi discussed some of the existing areas of cooperation between the two countries, primarily tourism, health, and education.

New discussions were also held on key areas South Africa and Seychelles can consolidate relations and Seychelles can benefit, primarily in priority sectors such as culture and the arts, maritime security, and forensics investigations.

On her part, Princess Mandela-Dlamimi thanked the president for his insights and conveyed her sincere wish that the South Africa-Seychelles bilateral relations continue to strengthen, particularly in the trade sector as well as enhancing the cooperation ties in areas highlighted by the President.

A seasoned diplomat, Mrs Mandela-Dlamini did not want to talk to the media after the ceremony.

Mrs Mandela-Dlamini, who will be based in Mauritius, has replaced Dr Nomvuyo N. Nokwe, who paid a farewell call on President Danny Faure at State House in November last year.

She is the elder daughter of Nelson Mandela and his second wife, Winnie Mandela and was married to Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini of Swaziland, an elder brother of the reigning monarch of Swaziland, Mswati III and of Queen Mantfombi of the Zulus.

Seychelles and South Africa established diplomatic relations on November 4, 1993, even if cooperation between the two countries predates the said establishment.