Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
Bujumbura on Wednesday, July 15, 2026—The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, Mr. Sophonie Nitunga, received a diplomatic delegation led by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Burundi, His Excellency Mr. Mbulelo Shadrack BUNGANE.
This working visit provided an opportunity for the two officials to commend the excellent friendly relations between their nations, while reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening their foundations.The main item on the agenda for this meeting concerned preparations for Nelson Mandela International Day, commonly known as Mandela Day, scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Ambassador Mbulelo Shadrack BUNGANE outlined the origins and philosophy of this global initiative. Designed to perpetuate the memory and legacy of the former South African president, this event aims to inspire younger generations. The goal is to pass on to them the values of courage, activism, and dedication embodied by this global icon, who dedicated his life to the fight against injustice, inequality, and apartheid.
For the 2026 edition, the South African Embassy, in partnership with the United Nations system, plans to translate these values into concrete actions on Burundian soil:
Support for Education: A distribution of desks will be organized for schools in the urban commune of Ntahangwa.
- Environmental Protection: Community service projects will be carried out to clean up and remove plastic waste from the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Commending the success of previous editions, the South African diplomat requested institutional support and coordination from the Burundian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make this year’s event even more significant.
Taking the floor, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sophonie Nitunga, expressed his deep appreciation for this initiative and for the mobilization of the various stakeholders. He emphasized the unbreakable and historic bond that unites Burundi with the figure of Nelson Mandela:
“President Nelson Mandela was a giant of history for all of Africa, but he holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Burundians. His role as a facilitator was absolutely crucial and instrumental in restoring peace and reconciliation during the successive crises our country has endured. ”
Mr. Nitunga concluded the meeting by assuring his guest of the full and complete availability of the Burundian government to closely collaborate with the South African Embassy and its partners, to ensure the full success of the event scheduled for July 25.