History of Relations
Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Congo were formalized in 1993. During that year the South African Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo then Zaire was accredited to this country.
South African opened a Residential Diplomatic Mission in Brazzaville in July 2005. Ever since then Diplomatic, economic and commercial relations between South Africa and Congo-Brazzaville have been growing steadily.
Diplomatic Representation
South African Representation in the Republic of Congo
The South African Ambassador is resident in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Ambassador Jonny Sexwale
South African Embassy
Congolese Representation in South Africa
Vacant
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Congo
Travel Info
Visa Requirements for South Africans
Visas are required for holders of ordinary South African passports for Republic of Congo for visits of up to 90 days. For visits longer than 90 days contact the South African Embassy in Brazzaville for assistance with the local authorities.
Valid passport at least 6 months
2 passport photos
Invitation letter
Proof of employment
Flight reservation
Yellow fever card
Application
Health requirements
A valid international health certificate proving vaccination against yellow fever and meningitis is required. Immunisation against hepatitis A and B, polio, tetanus and typhoid is recommended. Cholera and malaria is a risk. Bilharzia and rabies are present.
For further information go to Travellers' Health.
Climate Info
Tropical: humid in the equatorial north with well-watered savannah. The south encounters a dry season from May to August.
For up-to-date weather information click here.
Currency Info
The monetary unit is the CFA Franc.
For information on current exchange rates click here.
Language
The official language is French while local languages are also spoken.
State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings
There have been a number of high level visits between South Africa and Congo since the establishment of bilateral relations. President Mbeki undertook a State Visit to Congo in December 2005. Subsequent to that President Jacob Zuma visited Congo on four occasions during his tenure. His last visit was on 9 September 2017 when he attended the 4th meeting of the African Union (AU) High Level Committee on Libya. President Denis Sassou N’Guesso paid a State Visit to South Africa in October 2010 after which he has extended an invitation for a reciprocal State Visit that South Africa is yet to respond to. The last time President Denis Sassou Nguesso visited South Africa was in April 2018 to attend the funeral of Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. It is also worth noting that President Denis Sassou Nguesso was invited for the Inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2019 but could not honour invitation as there was a clash of dates with his State visit to the Russian Federation. Instead, he was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Firmin Ayessa.
The Minister of Defence, H.E. Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula visited Congo to represent the President at the 8th meeting of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on 19 October 2017. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula also undertook a working visit to Congo on 9 February 2018. Thereafter, the Congolese Minister of Defence, H.E. Charles Richard Mondjo paid a reciprocal visit on 17 September 2018, the trip coincided with his attendance of the African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition which took place in the ensuing four days.
On 30 January 2020, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor represented President Ramaphosa at the 8th Heads of States meeting of the AU High Level Committee on Libya. She was accompanied by the Minister of State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo. President Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to Congo from 11-12 March 2020 to attend the Inaugural meeting of the AU Contact Group on Libya. He was accompanied by Ministers Naledi Pandor, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula and Ayanda Dlodlo.
Bilateral Agreements
If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.
Trade/Investment Info
MTN: telecommunications; South African Farmers – Congo Agriculture and Agri-SA, Todi River Farmers and Van Doorns Agri SA; African Park and Wilderness Safaris; New African Global Energy (New Age); RRL Grindrod. Airlink (Pty) Limited is currently in the process to get authorisation to resume its services (i.e.to fly) to Libreville, Gabon via Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Republic of Congo, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.
Interest Groups and Information
No Information |
