Minister Siviwe Gwarube delivered an address at the celebration of the National Day of the Slovak Republic at the Miriam Makeba Hall at the University of South Africa (UNISA) on 30 September 2025. The occasion brought together senior government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, and distinguished guests to mark the Slovak Republic’s national day, reflecting on the enduring positive relationship between South Africa and Slovakia. Amongst the dignitaries present were the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr Vladimir Grácz, and Mr Nkhulu Sebothoma, Director for Central Europe at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
In her keynote address, Minister Gwarube reflected on the historical and cultural ties that connect the two nations. “Our countries share a unique history, having gained independence around the same time in the 1990s. As democratic states, we continue to uphold the shared values of democracy, human rights, freedom, and sovereign equality. These values form the foundation of our strong bilateral relations, first established in October 1991,” the Minister said.
Minister Gwarube further noted that October 2025 will mark thirty-four years since South Africa established diplomatic relations with the former Czechoslovakia. She highlighted that these ties had remained consistent even after the Slovak Republic became a sovereign nation in 1992. Over the decades, the two countries had engaged in regular diplomatic consultations and collaborative initiatives, which strengthened their partnership and created opportunities for expanded cooperation.
She also referenced the recent consultations held in Pretoria in March 2025, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, and Slovakia’s State Secretary of Foreign and European Affairs, H.E. Mr Marek Estok. These discussions, she explained, reinforced the commitment of both countries to deepen their partnership and pursue new avenues for collaboration.
The Minister also addressed the significance of economic cooperation through the Joint Council for Economic Cooperation (JCEC). She acknowledged that while the COVID-19 pandemic had temporarily slowed trade and investment initiatives, the two nations remained dedicated to revitalising this platform. She expressed optimism about future prospects, stating, “There is great potential to build strong and mutually beneficial partnerships in the years ahead”.
The event reflected the spirit of unity and cooperation that continues to define relations between South Africa and the Slovak Republic, providing a platform to honour the past whilst looking towards a promising future of mutual growth and solidarity.