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    • Home
    • About the Embassy
      • About the Embassy
      • Meet the Ambassador
    • About Palestine
      • Heritage and History
      • Highlights/Facebook
    • Consular Services
      • Consular Services
      • Palestine Community in SA
    • News and Links
      • News and Updates
      • Useful Links
      • Press Statements
    • Contact us
  • Home
  • About the Embassy
    • About the Embassy
    • Meet the Ambassador
  • About Palestine
    • Heritage and History
    • Highlights/Facebook
  • Consular Services
    • Consular Services
    • Palestine Community in SA
  • News and Links
    • News and Updates
    • Useful Links
    • Press Statements
  • Contact us

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.

Learn More

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.

Find out more about the heritage and history of Palestine

Find out more

Contact Us

Visit us during normal business hours.

EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE

493 Cameron Street, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa

(+27) 12 342 6411 secretary@palembassy.co.za

Hours

Open today

09:00 – 16:00


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