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ABOUT the EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE
Brief History of Diplomatic Relations Between South Africa and Palestine
The diplomatic relations between South Africa and Palestine are rooted in a shared history of struggle against oppression and a mutual commitment to justice and human rights. South Africa's support for the Palestinian cause dates back to the era of apartheid, when the African National Congress (ANC) and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) forged a bond based on their common fight for freedom and self-determination.
Following the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa officially recognised the State of Palestine, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations. The formal diplomatic relations were established on 15 February 1995. The Palestinian Embassy was opened in South Africa in 1995, and the South African Representative Office was opened in 1999 in Ramallah. Based on historical solidarity and moral (human rights) grounds, the South African Government remains committed to the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation.
This recognition was a significant step, reflecting South Africa's continued support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood. Over the years, South Africa has consistently voiced its support for Palestine in various international forums, including the United Nations, the African Union and recently the International Court of Justice. The South African government and its people have shown unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause, advocating for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international law and human rights.
The bilateral relations between South Africa and Palestine have grown stronger through diplomatic engagements, cultural exchanges, and cooperative initiatives aimed at promoting peace, development, and mutual understanding. Today, the Embassy of the State of Palestine in South Africa stands as a testament to this enduring friendship and partnership, committed to furthering the bonds between our nations and peoples.
About Palestine
The heritage of Palestine is a mosaic of historical landmarks, ancient traditions, and cultural legacies that span thousands of years.
Palestinian food, culture, and heritage are integral to the identity of its people, reflecting their resilience, creativity, and deep connection to their land. Through culinary delights, artistic expressions, and rich traditions, Palestine continues to preserve and celebrate its unique cultural heritage.
MEET THE AMBASSADOR
H.E. AMBASSADOR HANAN JARRAR
Mrs. HANAN JARRAR is the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the State of
Palestine to the Republic of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Malawi. Mrs. Jarrar took
office in January 2020 and currently resides in Pretoria, South Africa.
Before her current position, in 2015, Mrs. Jarrar was the Minister's Assistant for the
Americas and Caribbean Affairs in Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
(MOFA) headquarters that oversees 35 countries in the American Continent. She headed the
Joint Palestinian Committees for Political and Technical Consultations with Venezuela, Cuba,
Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and Argentina throughout her tenure.
From 2009 to 2015, Mrs. Jarrar was the Director General of the International Cooperation
Directorate in MOFA. She supervised the development and implementation of the
International Relations Strategy for the Ministry. During her tenure, she headed the team
that established the Palestine International Cooperation Agency (PICA) which served since
then as the technical arm of the Palestinian Diplomacy.
As of 2005, she joined the Palestinian Ministry of Women's Affairs in Ramallah where she
held the position of Director General of the General Directorate for Regional and
International Relations. During this time she worked alongside the Minister and Deputy
Minister to bring awareness of the plight of Palestinian women to local and international
audiences. She spearheaded several projects and helped develop the concept notes for
establishing the National Committee to Combat Violence against Women. She was also a key
figure in the establishment of the UN Gender Taskforce in the Ministry.
Mrs. Jarrar is a Licensed Translator. Her career kicked off as a translator for the Department
of Arab and International Relations/ Palestine Liberation Organization in 1998, where she
helped draft, edit and translate English language documents, news and communication
related to Europe.
She is also a member of the Faculty for Israeli - Palestinian Peace, and of the Palestinian
National Coalition to Combat Violence against Women. Ambassador was born in 1975, and obtained a Masters Degree with Distinction in International Studies in July 2015 from Birzeit University.
She is a native Arabic speaker, and is fluent in English with some proficiency in Spanish and Hebrew.
Visit our Embassy
Call us to book an appointment and visit us during normal business hours.