News - South Africa, Pretoria, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

On 11 September 2026, a farewell reception was held at the Residence of the Bulgarian Ambassador in South Africa to mark the conclusion of the term of H.E. Mrs Maria P. Tzotzorkova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of South Africa.

Among the distinguished guests were Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa; Ms Pumzile Mazibuko, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Mr Peter Lebelo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Defence; Mr Daan du Toit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; H.E. Mr Kristian Schmidt, the newly appointed Head of the Delegation of the European Union; ambassadors of EU Member States and partner countries from the Middle East, Africa and Asia; representatives of the Bulgarian community; and members of South Africa’s academic and cultural circles. Prominent South African politicians and public figures who had completed their education in Bulgaria were also in attendance.

Ambassador Tzotzorkova highlighted the positive development of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and South Africa during the 2021–2026 period, particularly in the context of the structured political dialogue, which had been elevated to a new level. She underlined the successful visit of President Rumen Radev to South Africa in 2023 and subsequent efforts to deepen the partnership in trade and investment, education, science and advanced technologies. She also highlighted the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy initiatives, which had contributed to enhancing Bulgaria’s image in South Africa and the wider region.

Particular emphasis was placed on engagement with the Bulgarian community and joint efforts to preserve Bulgarian culture and identity and strengthen people-to-people ties. Ambassador Tzotzorkova expressed her gratitude for the successful and constructive cooperation with DIRCO throughout her term, as well as for the fruitful engagement with South Africa’s sectoral institutions. She also acknowledged the contribution of young South Africans educated in Bulgaria, who now serve as a living bridge between the two nations and help further enrich bilateral relations.

The reception took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, enhanced by musical performances by Miroslav Chakaryan, Concertmaster of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and his wife, Susan Mouton, who performed three Bulgarian pieces for string duo. Dr Rostislava Pashkevich, Head of the Department of Performing Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, also contributed to the musical programme with piano performances.