South African Embassy in Paris, France

09/09/2026

MINISTER McKENZIE AT THE LUMIERE SUMMIT

South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie, attended the Lumière Summit, the first international summit dedicated to the future of cinema and moving-image industries, which took place in Saint-Paul-de-Vence on Monday 7 September.

More than 200 filmmakers, studio executives, festival representatives and industry figures were in the South of France to discuss the major technological, economic and cultural changes facing cinema.

Artificial intelligence was one of the major subjects discussed during the day, alongside piracy, free online platforms and the changing relationship between traditional television and streaming services.

07/09/2026

10 SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS AT “SHOPPE OBJECT PARIS”.

Led by Fran Stewart of the Craft and Design Institute, and with the support of the DTIC, a delegation of 10 South African designers participated in SHOPPE OBJECT PARIS from 5 to 7 September 2026 to showcase creations as varied as they were inventive: lighting, home textiles, jewellery, cutlery… all drawing on local raw materials, South African ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Launching in 2026 alongside Who’s Next, SHOPPE OBJECT PARIS marks the beginning of a visionary collaboration between Shoppe Object and WSN. Founded in New York in 2018, Shoppe Object has quickly become a leading destination in the Design & Lifestyle world, bringing together forward-thinking brands, inspiring creators, and key tastemakers.

The presence of South African designers at the SHOPPE OBJECT PARIS is a unique opportunity to promote South Africa’s design, lifestyle and homeware sectors internationally, enhance export development, increase market access to Europe and position South African brands as competitive suppliers within the global lifestyle and design industry.

07/09/2026

SOUTH AFRICAN LEATHER ON DISPLAY AT THE “WHO’S NEXT” TRADE SHOW IN PARIS.

SAFLEC (South African Footwear & Leather Export Council) officially participated in the fall edition of the Who’s Next 2026 trade show from September 5 to 7, 2026. It led a delegation of about ten manufacturers and designers who came to showcase South African expertise in footwear, handbags, high-end leather goods, and leather accessories (traditional leather, mohair, and eco-friendly exotic leathers).

Led by Ms. Nerisha Jairaj, executive director of SAFLEC, and with the support of the DTIC, this export mission is part of SAFLEC’s overall strategy to position the South African fashion and leather goods industry on the international stage and to develop major commercial partnerships with European buyers.

Since 1994, Who’s Next has brought together the latest women's ready-to-wear collections, accessories, jewellery, beauty and lifestyle products. Each edition attracts around 38,000 visitors, 70% of whom are buyers from retailers, multi-brand stores, department stores and e-commerce companies, who come to meet the 1,200 exhibiting brands.

31/08/2026

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A SECRETARY POSITION

The South African Embassy in Paris invites applicants, including South African Citizens residing in France, to apply for the post of secretary to the South African Permanent Representative – UNESCO.

Job Title: Secretary

The South African Embassy in Paris invites applicants, including South African Citizens residing in France, to apply for the post of secretary to the South African Permanent Representative – UNESCO.

Term of employment – Until 31 March 2029.

Salary: Starting from €30,320 to €52,932 per annum with benefits, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements:
• Minimum of 12 years of schooling
• 1-year Secretarial Diploma/Certificate
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a secretary, typist or administration clerk with word processing skills and knowledge
• Must be able to speak and write English and French
• Non-Frensh candidates must have a relevant and valid work permit

Duties:
• Perform secretarial duties for the South African Permanent Representative – UNESCO, like diary management responding to invitations, arranging meetings
• Attend and take minutes of meetings, both in the office and at other locations
• Operate office machines such as computer and photocopiers
• Receive and process incoming and outgoing mail, daft letters and reports
• Organise business itineraries, travel arrangements, conferences, meetings and social functions
• Purchase of office supplies
• Assisting with all administrative and clerical functions
• Perform ad hoc duties in during Embassy events

Competencies:
• Planning and organising
• Project management
• Client orientation and customer focus
• Sense of responsibility
• Good interpersonal relations
• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a team and independently

Applicants must submit the following documents, translated in English:
• Application letter clearly stating the post applying for
• Updated CV
• Copy of ID
• Copy of Passport
• Copies of qualifications
• Police clearance
• Relevant French Permit, for non-French citizens, which allow staying and work in France

Application must be submitted on or before 10 September 2026

Email to [email protected] ; [email protected] , [email protected] or hand deliver to 59 quai d’Orsay-75343 Paris 07

31/08/2026

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A CHAUFFEUR POSITION

Job Title: Chauffeur

The South African Embassy in Paris invites applicants, including South African Citizens residing in France, to apply for the post of chauffer to the South African Permanent Representative – UNESCO.

Term of employment – Until 31 March 2029.

Salary: Starting from €24,971 to €43,133 per annum with benefits, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements:
• Minimum of 10 years of schooling
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in professional/VIP driving
• Must be able to speak and write English and French
• Must have valid driver’s licence
• Non-Frensh candidates must have a relevant and valid work permit

Duties:
• Perform chauffeur duties for the South African Permanent Representative – UNESCO
• Transport other authorised passengers
• Ensure proper maintenance of the official vehicle
• Perform ad hoc duties in during Embassy events

Competencies:
• Client orientation and customer focus
• Sense of responsibility
• Good interpersonal relations
• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a team and independently

Applicants must submit the following documents, translated in English:
• Application letter clearly stating the post applying for
• Updated CV
• Copy of ID
• Copy of Passport
• Copies of qualifications
• Police clearance
• Relevant French Permit, for non-French citizens, which allow staying and work in France

Application must be submitted on or before 10 September 2026

Email to [email protected] ; [email protected] , [email protected] or hand deliver to 59 quai d’Orsay-75343 Paris 07

20/07/2026

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AND PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON WITNESS THE SIGNING OF A NEW PARTNERSHIP

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Paris last week for an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries. This visit culminated in the signing of a new partnership agreement, with both sides affirming a broad consensus on several international issues.

During the discussions, the two presidents agreed to establish an annual bilateral dialogue at the level of foreign ministers, reflecting the evolving relationship between Paris and Pretoria.

The two leaders witnessed the signing by Ministers Ronald Lamola and Jean-Noël Barrot of an agreement elevating the political dialogue forum between South Africa and France into a Joint Ministerial Commission.

13/07/2026

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ATTENDS THE 110TH COMMEMORATIONS OF THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD

On 12 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by various Ministers and senior government officials, attended the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood held at the South African Memorial in Longueval (Somme).

Delville Wood stands alone as a symbol of the South African nation’s sacrifice in World war I

The Battle of Delville Wood took place in July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, when the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was ordered to capture and hold a small, wooded area near the French village of Longueval.
More than 3 153 South African soldiers entered Delville Wood on 15 July 1916 with instructions to take and hold the wood at all costs. For six days and five nights, the South Africans endured relentless shelling, repeated attacks and hand to hand fighting.
Only 142 men survived the relief on July 20, 1916. Thousands had been killed, wounded, captured or reported missing.

The commemoration included a wreath-laying ceremony and the unveiling of the UNESCO plaque.

Full speech of President Cyril Ramaphosa on: https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/remarks-president-cyril-ramaphosa-commemoration-battle-delville-wood

11/07/2026

10/07/2026

H.E CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN PARIS FOR AN OFFICAL VISIT
H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and South Africa’s First Lady, are greeted on arrival at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport by Mr. Ronald Lamola, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Mr. David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Ms. Nthabiseng Makuwa, Chargé ad interim at the South African Embassy in Paris and Brigadier General Njikelana, Defence attaché at the South African Embassy in Paris