Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

History of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info | Currency Info | Trade Info | Visits and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/ Organisations

History of Relations

The DRC is a fellow member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and South Africa is strongly committed to supporting the country’s long-term stability.  South Africa views peace and stability in the DRC as a critical component for overall stability in the Great Lakes Region (GLR) and as such are constructively engaged in both the DRC and the region in general. The DRC has made undeniable progress towards stability and democratic governance, considering the formidable challenges it has had to overcome in the past 20 years.

A South African Liaison Office was opened in Kinshasa in July 1989. Following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries on 30 September 1992, the liaison office was upgraded to an Embassy. In keeping with South Africa commitment to enhanced bilateral relations with the DRC and peace and security in the region, a General Cooperation Agreement was concluded between the two countries on 14 January 2004. The Agreement, inter alia, provides for the establishment of a strategic mechanism, a Bi-National Commission (BNC), at the level of Heads of State.

The 11th Session of the BNC was held in Kinshasa, the DRC, from 13 to 16 October 2018. In accordance with Article 5 of the General Co-operation Agreement, the work of the BNC was organised within the following thematic areas:

• Political and Governance Sectoral Commission
• Defence, Security Sectoral Commission
• Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Sectoral Commission
• Social and Humanitarian Sectoral Commission

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in DRC

H E Mr A M Shilubane
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

DRC Representation in South Africa

H E Mr B L M'Poko
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Travel Info

In July 2017, South Africa and the DRC signed a Visa Waiver Agreement on Diplomatic and Official passport holders that will allow government officials to move freely between the two countries. The Agreement came into effect on 01 October 2017.

For more information contact the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Health Requirements

A yellow fever certificate is mandatory. There is a high risk of malaria throughout the year. Cholera and polio are present. Immunisation is required in respect of hepatitis A and B, tetanus and typhoid.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Temperatures are warm all the year round, and can go from 19 to 32 degrees Celsius. The north is dry from December to March, and the dry season for the south is from May to October.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The only legal tender is the Congolese Franc, which is not freely convertible.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No information

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 Info

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and DRC, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No information