Russian Consulate in Cape Town

⚡️ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to questions at the Government Hour hearings during a plenary session of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (February 11, 2026): Key takeaways: • The world is undergoing a long-term transition to a multipolar order, marked by growing competition between the Western minority and the World Majority. • Western countries continue to pursue neo-colonial policies, double standards, and attempts to preserve dominance, including through pressure, destabilisation, and military actions. • Russia views current global upheavals as part of a profound and lasting shift in international relations, not a temporary phase. • Strategic stability is deteriorating due to Western actions, while Russia maintains responsible conduct and observes arms control limits as long as the US does the same. • The Arctic should remain a zone of peace and cooperation; Russia will respond if military threats against it emerge there. • Russia rejects Western double standards on self-determination, defending the choices of #Crimea, #Donbass, and #Novorossiya. ❗️A sustainable settlement in Ukraine is impossible without addressing root causes; understandings reached with the US in 2025 remain valid. • Russia continues negotiations to ensure its security, protect Russian-speaking populations, and eliminate threats from the Kiev regime and its external sponsors. • The comprehensive strategic partnership with #China is a stabilising factor in global affairs and a cornerstone of regional security. • Strategic partnerships with #Belarus, the #DPRK, #Iran, the #CIS and the #CSTO members strengthen regional stability and Russia’s security. • Russia is deepening ties across #Eurasia, including with India, Türkiye, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and regional organisations such as the #EAEU, #SCO, and #ASEAN. • The #Russia-#Africa partnership is expanding, with preparations underway for the Third Russia-Africa Summit. • #BRICS is emerging as a key platform for the World Majority, promoting cooperation free from sanctions and Western restrictions. • Russia supports #GlobalSouth efforts against modern forms of colonialism and unilateral coercive measures, including through new UN international days. READ IN FULL

11 February 1990 marked a historic turning point: Nelson Mandela walked free after 27 years in prison. His release was not only a personal moment of liberation, but the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa. When he finally stepped through the gates of Victor Verster Prison, Mandela expected to see only a small group of warders he wished to thank. Instead, he was met by a massive crowd — a powerful symbol of the hope that had been building for decades. Later that day in Cape Town, as he delivered his first public address in 30 years, Mandela’s message was not one of revenge, but of discipline, responsibility, and the collective work required to build a just society. Even in his first hours of freedom, Mandela reminded the world that liberation is never about individual triumph — it is about returning to the people and remaining accountable to the struggle. Thirty-six years on, his release still resonates deeply. It reminds us that freedom is not a single event, but an ongoing process — one that demands ethical leadership, courage in the face of injustice, and a commitment to dignity for all. Today, in a world shaped by inequality, conflict, and democratic strain, his legacy calls on us to choose solidarity over self-interest — and to act, again and again, in ways that advance freedom, dignity and justice for everyone.

🚧 Внимание: временные перекрытия дорог 11 и 12 февраля в связи с SONA Жители и гости Кейптауна, предупреждаем вас о временных ограничениях движения в центре города в связи с проведением SONA (State of the Nation Address) — ежегодного обращения президента Южной Африки С.Рамафосы к нации. Мероприятие состоится 12 февраля, и в целях безопасности в центральной части города дороги будут перекрыты уже накануне. ❗️11 февраля, начиная с 15:00, будут закрыты отдельные участки улиц в районе City Hall, включая части Darling Street и Buitenkant Street. ❗️12 февраля, в день проведения SONA, ограничения станут более масштабными: с раннего утра и до позднего вечера перекрытия затронут ключевые улицы центрального делового района, а также возможны кратковременные остановки движения на основных подъездных маршрутах. Рекомендуем заранее продумать альтернативные пути, избегать поездок через центр города в указанные даты и планировать маршруты с учётом возможных задержек. Подробнее об ограничениях

🇷🇺🇿🇦📞 On 10 February 2026, President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Two leaders discussed further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic, and investment areas within the framework of the Russia-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The situation in Ukraine was also addressed. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict. In exchanging views on the current international agenda, both sides noted the importance of continued coordination between Russia and South Africa, including within the #G20 and #BRICS. #RussiaSouthAfrica

On behalf of the Consulate General in Cape Town, today we also extend our heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Diplomat’s Day to everyone whose life is somehow related to diplomatic service. 🇷🇺 This professional holiday is traditionally celebrated on February 10 and is closely connected with the rich history of Russian diplomacy. It was on this date in 1549 that the first official reference to the Ambassadorial (Posolsky) Prikaz — the earliest state institution responsible for foreign affairs — appeared in historical documents. Since then, Russian diplomacy has played a vital role in protecting national interests and fostering dialogue between nations. 🤝 This professional holiday brings together those who have dedicated themselves to serving the interests of the state, promoting international cooperation and strengthening mutual trust between countries. On this day, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and warm congratulations to our colleagues working for the benefit of Russia both in Moscow and abroad. Your dedication, professionalism and commitment make an invaluable contribution to the development of international relations and the strengthening of our country’s position in the world. We wish everyone good health, professional success, wise decisions and new achievements for the benefit of the diplomatic service. May your work always be in demand and highly appreciated.

📺 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s greetings and video message on Diplomats’ Day (February 10, 2026) 💬 Friends, Today marks Diplomats’ Day, our professional holiday. I would like to use this occasion to wish a happy holiday to all Russian diplomats who are working at the Central Office and territorial offices, and diplomats fulfilling their duty abroad. The history of Russian diplomacy spans many centuries and follows every stage of Russia becoming stronger as a state. Times change, but our spiritual and moral values — sincere, dedicated, and selfless devotion to the Fatherland, and firm commitment to the ideals of truth and justice — remain unshakeable. We are rightfully proud of the achievements of our outstanding predecessors. We honour the courage of the staff of the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs who, during the tumultuous years of the Great Patriotic War, took arms to defend the Motherland. Their immortal feat stands as a benchmark for Foreign Ministry personnel and staff of subordinate institutions participating in the special military operation. Other ministerial staff members are also involved and are helping the front line soldiers and their families, and supporting those affected by crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Today, as we are witnessing another turning point in history, Russian diplomacy continues to do everything within its power to ensure safe and favourable external conditions for Russia’s steady domestic development and for improving the quality of life of its people. In many ways, our consistent and balanced foreign policy course sets the trajectory of global transformations, thus facilitating the emergence of a new multipolar world order. We seek to further develop honest and equitable international cooperation based on mutual understanding, trust, and neighbourliness. Following President Putin’s initiative, we are working to establish, across the Eurasian region, architecture of equal and indivisible security and extensive practical cooperation. In this context, we attach particular importance to the conclusion and implementation of bilateral agreements, including our treaties on security guarantees with Belarus and on comprehensive strategic partnership with the DPRK and Iran. We continue to expand relations across multiple areas with the World Majority, among them countries such as China, India, and other like-minded countries, our strategic partners and allies, primarily within the #CSTO, the #EAEU, and the #CIS, as well as the #SCO and #BRICS. Countering neo-colonial practices of all kinds ranging from unilateral coercive measures to military interventions remains firmly in our focus. In this context, we reaffirm our solidarity with the peoples of Venezuela and Cuba. We are convinced that only they can determine their own future. ☝️ The country’s leadership and Russian society hold our work to high standards. We are required to demonstrate discipline and dedication, as well as a passionate and creative approach to our duties. I trust that you will continue to work honourably for the good of the Fatherland and to contribute your share to addressing large-scale foreign policy goals set by the President. On this day, we express special gratitude to former ministerial employees, who taught us the fundamentals of diplomacy by their example. Many of them, to the extent of their abilities, remain active in the close-knit diplomatic ranks. By all means, I would like to separately thank all the relatives and loved ones of our employees. Your unconditional support gives us strength and keeps us focused. It is especially important for those who carry out their diplomatic service far from the Motherland. Once again, happy Diplomats’ Day to all. I wish you excellent health, well-being, and new accomplishments for the benefit of the Fatherland. #DiplomatsDay

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the TV BRICS international media network (Moscow, February 9, 2026) Read in full Key talking points • The global arena is undergoing a transformation that began some time ago with the objective transition toward a multipolar world order. This is neither the bipolarity of the Soviet-American era with the Warsaw Pact and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, nor the unipolarity that emerged after the Soviet Union’s collapse. <...> Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. • It is equally important that we develop action plans tailored for each partner country covering trade and economic cooperation, investment, scientific collaboration, and coordinated activity on the international stage, including at the United Nations and other organisations, based on agreements reached between presidents and prime ministers. Particular attention is devoted to #CIS, #EAEU, #CSTO, and the post-Soviet space at large. This day-to-day work relies on long-term planning and delivers tangible mutual benefits to both Russia and its partners. • Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. The world is being reshaped through competition. The West is reluctant to relinquish its formerly dominant positions. • Safeguarding security demands sustained action to ensure that the Nazi state established on our borders in Ukraine – and supported by the West as a vehicle for renewed confrontation – cannot continue to exist in its present form. Nazi foundations must be eliminated. We will ensure, and I have no doubt about it, our own security interests, by preventing the deployment on Ukrainian territory of any weapons threatening us, and, second, by guaranteeing reliable and full protection for the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking people, who have been living in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya for centuries, and whom the Kiev regime that came to power after a coup declared subhuman “species” and “terrorists” and unleashed a civil war against. • Russia chaired #BRICS in 2024. At that time, a summit was held in Kazan, and a number of our initiatives were put into action: alternative payment platforms, payment mechanisms in national currencies, the creation of reinsurance opportunities for trade within BRICS and between the association and its partners, the creation of a grain exchange, and a new investment platform. All this is not to spite anyone, especially the United States. This is due to the fact that the United States seeks to bring all processes in the areas I mentioned under its strict control and demands unilateral concessions. Without giving up contacts with them, to the extent that they are willing to engage on a mutually beneficial basis, we are interested, together with our BRICS partners, in creating an architecture that will not be subject to the illegal actions of one or another player from the Western flank. • The Greater Eurasian Partnership was bound to appear on the agenda. Many years ago, at the 2015 Russia – #ASEAN Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested this term which is based on an objective trend of Eurasia becoming the biggest, richest and fastest-growing continent, especially its Pacific part. It is the most heavily-populated continent which, importantly, has seen several great civilisations emerge and continue to exist – the Chinese, Indian, Arab, Persian and Russian civilisations. ☝️ It is for a reason that our initiative on building a common Eurasian security architecture, set forward by President Putin in 2024, is gaining momentum. It is increasingly attracting interest.

📚Russian Science Day celebrates the power of knowledge, progress and humanity’s drive to explore the unknown. It is marked on February 8, the date when the Russian Academy of Sciences was founded in 1724 by order of Peter the Great. From that moment Russia began building a scientific tradition of global significance, one that has given the world outstanding scientists and groundbreaking discoveries. 🧪 Russian science has played a vital role in human progress — from Lomonosov’s discoveries and Mendeleev’s periodic table to Korolev’s achievements and pioneering technologies in nuclear energy and medicine. Scientific research continues today, with Russian scientists making important advances in artificial intelligence, quantum science and bioengineering. 🇷🇺🤝🏼International cooperation holds special importance. Science knows no borders, and Russia actively engages with partners across the globe. Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, R. Golubovskiy: “Dear friends, I extend my warm congratulations on Russian Science Day — a celebration of those who create the future through their knowledge, talent and dedication. Science has always been one of Russia’s greatest strengths and a key driver of its development. Science brings nations together. Cooperation between Russia, South Africa and other countries shows that joint research can tackle global challenges — from exploring space to protecting our planet. I wish scientists, teachers, students and all members of the scientific community inspiration, bold ideas, successful projects and major achievements. May science continue to serve peace and progress worldwide.”

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#KievRegimeCrimes 📄 The Final Report on the crimes committed by the Kiev regime in 2025 has been published, prepared by the Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik. In 2025 alone, Ukrainian armed groups fired at least 130,627 munitions at Russian civilian facilities – over 42,000 more strikes than in 2024 (when the number of attacks reached at least 87,885). The average daily number of shelling incidents in 2025 exceeded 350. The increase in Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia was observed primarily during periods when attempts were being made to advance a negotiation process to resolve the conflict, including US initiatives. ❗️ Such actions may be viewed as a systematic approach by Kiev aimed at undermining peace initiatives. ◼️ Over 12 months, at least 6,483 civilians were affected by the criminal actions of Ukrainian militants. Of these, at least 5,418 were injured or maimed, and no fewer than 1,065 civilians were killed. At least 293 minors were affected – 22 children were killed and 271 injured. The youngest injured child was just 3 months old. Since February 2022, as a result of decisions taken by the Ukrainian political leadership and the execution of criminal orders by militants of the Kiev regime, at least 7,746 civilians have been killed. The total number of civilians affected since the start of the special military operation amounts to at least 26,148 people, including no fewer than 18,402 injured or maimed. ◼️ The “hunt” for Russian journalists has become an important element of the criminal strategy of the Kiev regime, aimed at preventing the disclosure of reliable information about the real situation along the line of contact and the war crimes of Ukrainian militants. In 2025, there was a significant increase in attacks on Russian journalists. During the reporting period, 7 media representatives were killed and 10 were wounded to varying degrees of severity. ◼️ The Kiev regime continued to deliberately obstruct the rescue of civilians injured by UAF attacks. Over the past 12 months, 5 rescuers were killed and 78 were injured as a result of Ukrainian shelling. ◼️ Over the year, at least 81 cases of shelling of medical facilities were recorded. In addition, militants of the UAF disabled no fewer than 56 units of specialized medical transport. As a result of UAF attacks on ambulances, medical facilities and individual medical teams, 50 healthcare workers were affected – 10 were killed while performing their professional duties, and 40 were injured to varying degrees of severity. ☢️ The Ukrainian side repeatedly attempted strikes on facilities whose destruction could lead to the “release of hazardous elements”, first and foremost nuclear power plants. During the period under review, at least 29 attempted strikes on Russia’s nuclear energy facilities were recorded. The Zaporozhye NPP was attacked 23 times, while the Novovoronezh, Kursk and Smolensk NPPs were each attacked twice. Due to UAF shelling of the Zaporozhye NPP territory, #IAEA observer rotations were disrupted twice. Moreover, because of continuous Ukrainian strikes on power transmission lines supplying the plant, the NPP operated in isolated mode without connection to the energy grid for one and a half months. ⚖️ Russian investigative authorities are consistently and systematically taking measures to bring Ukrainian militants to criminal responsibility. In 2025, the Investigative Committee of Russia initiated 3,208 criminal cases related to crimes committed by Ukrainian armed formations. To date, 874 criminal cases have been referred by prosecutors to the courts against accused Ukrainian servicemen and mercenaries. Courts have already issued convictions in 810 cases, involving 1,078 individuals. 👉 Full version of the report (PDF)

When it’s sunny summer in Cape Town and snowy winter in Russia, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Maslenitsa! ☀️ On February 21, at the Castle of Good Hope, we will bid farewell to winter following all Russian traditions — with fun, laughter and plenty of delicious food. The event is organized by the Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots of the Western Cape, with the support of the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town. The festive program includes traditional treats, games and entertainment for children and adults, as well as cheerful competitions. ‼️ Participation is possible by prior registration only: https://forms.gle/tokBE2apPn1pJrRu5 Please register yourself and don’t forget to sign up your team for the blini-eating contest — we’re not letting winter go that easily! 🥞❄️

Когда в Кейптауне — солнце и лето, а в России — снег и зима, самое время устроить Масленицу! ☀️21 февраля в Замке Доброй Надежды мы будем провожать зиму по всем русским традициям — весело, шумно и очень вкусно. Мероприятие проводит КСОРС Западного Кейпа при поддержке Генерального консульства России в Кейптауне. В программе праздника — традиционные угощения, игры и развлечения для детей и взрослых, а также весёлые соревнования. ‼️ Участие возможно только по предварительной регистрации: https://forms.gle/tokBE2apPn1pJrRu5 Пожалуйста, зарегистрируйтесь сами и не забудьте записать свою команду по поеданию блинов — зиму просто так не отпустим!

⚡️РОССИЯ — ЭТО МЫ 2026 год объявлен Годом единства народов России. Наша страна объединяет множество народов. В общих делах и взаимной поддержке, в уважении к традициям каждого народа и в гордости за единую историю мы доказываем: мы — одна семья. Мы — Россия! Присоединяйтесь к акции #МЫРОССИЯ и расскажите о традициях своей семьи: 🔴 снимите видео, в котором вы рассказываете о вашей семейной или национальной традиции, которую вы бережно храните в своей семье; 🔴 в тексте поста коротко расскажите о своей семье и откуда вы родом; 🔴 обязательно добавьте хештег #МЫРОССИЯ; 🔴 передайте эстафету друзьям и другим семьям. Ждём ваши видео! Больше новостей — в канале Росмолодёжи в MAX

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✍🏻 Article by the Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, R.Golubovskiy, for the Cape Argus. Literature has always been more than stories on paper. It’s a bridge between cultures, languages, and hearts — and that’s exactly what the BRICS Literary Award is about. Launched after the “Traditional Values” Forum in Moscow, this new international prize was created to strengthen cultural dialogue among BRICS countries and celebrate writers whose works reflect the spirit and values of their nations. 🌍🏆 The first season concluded in 2025 in Khabarovsk, where Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr became the very first laureate, honored for her powerful contribution to contemporary Arabic prose. The shortlist also highlighted voices from Brazil, India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Ethiopia — and South Africa 🇿🇦 Read more in the article (in English): 👉🏻 Telegraph 👉🏻 Press Reader

🇿🇦🐾 В Западно-Капской провинции ЮАР обнаружили следы динозавров, оставленные около 132 млн лет назад (ранний меловой период). Об этом сообщается в журнале South African Journal of Science. Это вторые найденные следы динозавров в провинции. Первые были обнаружены в отложениях формации Робберг, возраст которых оценивается примерно в 140 млн лет. 👻 MAX | 💙 ВК | 📝 ДЗЕН Поделиться бустом

🔥🔥🔥 Applications are now open for InteRussia fellowships⭕️ InteRussia is a fellowship program for young professionals worldwide, implemented by the Gorchakov Fund in partnership with leading Russian universities, expert centers, and industry partners. ⭕️ The program offers hands-on professional experience in Russia, direct engagement with top experts, and the opportunity to become part of a global professional community. More than 500 participants from 70 countries have already completed InteRussia fellowships — now it’s your turn to join. Which fellowships can you apply for? ⭕️ International Relations (all over the world) ⭕️ Oriental Studies (post-Soviet countries, the Middle East, and North Africa) ⭕️ Archeologists (post-Soviet countries, the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Pakistan) ⭕️ Journalism (South Asia) ⭕️ Journalism (the Middle East and North Africa) ⭕️ Journalism (Sub-Saharan Africa) ⭕️ Russian Studies (all over the world) ⭕️ Medicine (all over the world) ⭕️ Information Technology (all over the world) ⭕️ Electric Power (the Middle East and Africa) ⭕️ Energy (Latin America) ⭕️ Theatre Arts (BRICS+ countries) ⭕️ More details and application guidelines are available at interussia.com. The InteRussia fellowships are implemented with the support of the Presidential Grants Foundation, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Ministry of Education of Russia. #InteRussia #fellowships #internships 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Free Online Russian Language Courses by SPbU 🎉 St. Petersburg State University is one of the oldest universities in Russia, with more than 20 faculties, where tens of thousands of students study. SPbU offers several options for free online Russian language courses aimed at different audiences and training levels. And we are pleased to announce that new courses are starting on February 9th! 📚 Who is it for? The course is designed for absolute beginners — no prior knowledge required. 🗓 Course format: • Online (via Zoom) • Once a week • Saturday mornings Everyone is welcome! Feel free to register and invite your friends or anyone who might be interested. 👉 Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyeCxytah1eKYA_B_-NFdE6rG0OVgWjTLVvzy2W59tQf9VEg/viewform?usp=header ✉️ If you are not a beginner but are interested in studying online, please contact directly: danya.a.gorbunova@gmail.com

🇿🇦 ЮАР бьёт туристические рекорды! ✈️🌍 В 2025 году Южная Африка приняла более 10,4 млн иностранных туристов — это новый исторический максимум, рост на 17,6 % по сравнению с 2024 годом и показатель, превышающий доковидный уровень 2019 года. 📣 Министр туризма ЮАР Патрисия де Лилль подчёркивает: Страна уже не восстанавливается после пандемии — туристическая отрасль уверенно растёт и выходит на новый этап развития. Сегодня туризм остаётся одним из ключевых драйверов экономики и занятости, обеспечивая около 1,8 млн рабочих мест по всей стране. ☑️ При этом правительство ЮАР отмечает: достигнутые результаты — не предел. Работа по повышению привлекательности страны для туристов продолжается. В числе приоритетных направлений: • упрощение въездных процедур, включая внедрение электронных разрешений (eTA); • продвижение туристических возможностей ЮАР на международных и внутренних рынках; • повышение уровня безопасности для гостей страны; • привлечение инвестиций в туристическую инфраструктуру.

29 января Генеральный консул Российской Федерации в Кейптауне г. Р.Голубовский посетил детский центр «Kinders vir die Koning» — творческое и образовательное пространство для малышей, которое функционирует благодаря щедрости благотворителей и неравнодушных людей. В настоящее время в центре занимаются около 70 детей в возрасте от 3 до 6 лет. «Kinders vir die Koning» — это некоммерческая программа, созданная организацией Proud Partners, которая реализует проекты по поддержке детей. В рамках этой инициативы детям предоставляется безопасная среда для обучения, общения и развития, где они получают заботу и внимание опытных педагогов и волонтёров. В преддверии Нового года в Консульском корпусе Кейптауна по инициативе дипломатических представительств иностранных государств были собраны подарки для ребят этого детского центра — и все они благополучно дошли до адресатов. По поручению Посла России в ЮАР Р.Амбарова Генконсул Р.Голубовский вручил детскому саду в дар от Посольства набор канцелярских принадлежностей и развивающих материалов, которые помогут детям в учебной и творческой деятельности.

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☀️ Cape Town welcomes the polar explorers of the 70th Russian Antarctic Expedition 🌍 Russian research and expedition vessel Akademik Fedorov has arrived in the port of Cape Town, South Africa, bringing the wintering team of the 70th Russian Antarctic Expedition. The polar explorers will soon begin their way back home. After resupplying and completing essential technical work, the vessel will continue its mission in Antarctica. 📸 Photos: Lev Sinkin, Mikhail Konstantinov / AARI #RussiaInAntarctics